YSU biology student researches relationship between mathematics and biology through Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program

Student Spotlight

Isabella Martinez, a third year biology and Sokolov Honors College student at Youngstown State University, has recently conducted a mathematical research project as part of her participation in the state-funded Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program.

Choose Ohio First is a program for Ohio residents pursuing a major in STEM or STEM-related fields. Through this program and the support of YSU, Martinez has been able to expand her horizons and find a field of study she is passionate about.

Martinez has built many faculty connections through YSU’s BaccMed Program. Among them is mathematics and statistics professor Alicia Prieto-Langarica who she describes as a supportive and helpful mentor during Martinez’s time working on the project.

“She was very flexible with when we could all meet, because a lot of us were all STEM majors. It’s kind of hard to find times to meet up so she’d meet with us online, she’d meet with us whenever and she was always there to guide us,” said Martinez.

Choose Ohio First connected Martinez with Prieto-Langarica as a mentor for their research project.

Despite Martinez not being a mathematics major, the research conducted focused on the prevalence of math behind testing methods in colorectal cancer screening. Martinez, who is minoring mathematics, finds the relationship between biology and math interesting.

“I think that looking at the connection between math and biology, there’s a lot more connections than you may think that there would be,” said Martinez. “Whether it’s in our biological systems and how genetic drift occurs.”

Martinez completed the project alongside fellow STEM students, giving her the opportunity to collaborate with others in her area of study.

“We all kind of pushed each other. So, when one of us was slacking, we made sure to let them know, and we all put in our effort together,” said Martinez.

For Martinez, the group was a good way to get out of her comfort zone and develop as a researcher and collaborator. The group work helped her learn how to balance responsibilities and contribute effectively when working with a team.

“They definitely taught me how to work with others a little bit better, because most of the time usually I either kind of slack off, or I’ll do more of the work,” said Martinez. “So they kind of taught us all how to put in the same amount and work together, and we each have our own role.”

Since completing the project, Martinez’s interest in the interdisciplinary relationship between math and biology has only grown. She has pursued additional projects that have explored that connection further.

“I did a project at MathFest, and I looked into that interdisciplinary connection, and that really helped me and I think it opened my eyes,” said Martinez.

The project has given Martinez a chance to look into aspects of biology she had not previously explored, including understudied aspects of biology that she believes will contribute to her studies in medical school.

“I feel like being a biology major, you kind of look at the same stuff over and over again, and it brought me into a different level of biology and what goes on behind it,” said Martinez. “I feel like it kind of prepared me for medical school a little bit more, and my master’s. The workload will be more than looking at one thing. You’re kind of looking at the different levels to it too.”

The project has helped Martinez in taking a closer look at how the systems in the body work together. As she prepares for medical school, she is exploring fields that require interdisciplinary approaches to biology.

For YSU students interested in pursuing similar research opportunities, Martinez offers her encouragement and some advice.

“I would definitely tell them to not hesitate to reach out to your professors. I think that making those connections with professors early on is when that really helps,” said Martinez. “I think that when working with professors, you get to meet other people that might not be in your field.”

As Martinez continues her studies at YSU, she hopes to continue to explore the relationship between mathematics and biology. While she has no plans to change her major, her experience through Choose Ohio First has shown her how looking beyond a single discipline can create new and professional opportunities.