Through an undergraduate research internship, nutritional science senior Campbelle Kolbet discovered what it means to move from being a student of science to a contributor in her field. She worked alongside faculty and graduate students on research with implications for maternal and infant health.

“My internship made me feel like I had a purpose,” she said. “I learned a lot, grew a lot, and made so many connections.”

Kolbet spent the fall of 2025 working in assistant professor Elizabeth McNeill’s lab, where she took part in a research project examining how maternal diets before and after birth may influence infant development. The project focused on microRNAs, small RNA molecules found in breast milk that help regulate gene expression and can play a role in early growth and development.

She received this opportunity through the Louise Rosenfeld Undergraduate Research Internship, which provides high-quality research experiences to students in the College of Health and Human Sciences as they consider pursuing advanced degrees. Rosenfeld interns work closely with faculty mentors, engage in research that impacts human lives, and gain hands-on experience in their fields of study.

Kolbet said Iowa State’s strong nutritional science program and its proximity to home made it a natural fit for her academic and career goals. As a Rosenfeld Intern, she applied that coursework in a research setting alongside faculty and graduate students.

Her work in the lab focused on organizing and analyzing dietary and biological data using Excel and RStudio. She grouped samples by food intake level, compared pre- and postnatal data, and used statistical analyses and visualizations to identify patterns in microRNA expression.

Throughout the internship, Kolbet worked closely with McNeill and graduate students in the lab, meeting regularly to discuss data analysis and research progress. As the only undergraduate student in the lab that semester, she received individualized mentorship as she developed her skills and contributed to the project.

“There was always a graduate student in the lab, so if I had a question, I could ask right away,” she said.

While the research project is ongoing, initial analyses conducted during Kolbet’s internship suggested that certain maternal dietary components—particularly vegetable intake during the early postpartum period—were associated with differences in microRNAs linked to infant development.

Kolbet said the internship helped her build confidence in her ability to take on unfamiliar challenges. Before the experience, she had limited exposure to tools like Excel and RStudio, but by the end of the semester, she felt comfortable using both and applying those skills in other coursework.

“It might seem out of reach to do such in-depth research, but I learned that I was capable of doing so,” she said. “It was a big accomplishment and a confidence booster.”

Next fall, Kolbet plans to attend dental school at the University of Iowa. She said her experience with the Rosenfeld Internship strengthened both her academic skills and her preparation for advanced study.

“Research experience is something dental schools really value,” she said. “This internship showed my involvement in what I am passionate about.”

Applications for Rosenfeld Internships for the spring 2027 semester are due October 1. The program is open to students who are interested in pursuing innovative research experiences and are considering advanced degrees.

“I would definitely say apply,” Kolbet said. “The research might seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s such a rewarding experience.”