Tap into the resources and equipment available to complete your graduate lab work and research project. Here's how the Michigan Water Research Center helped Qian Liu finish work on her graduate thesis.

Center in action

Name: Qian Liu

Year: Third-year graduate student

Graduate program: Biology

Experience: Liu conducted research using the biomass of algae growing in the laboratory to measure bio-available phosphorus inputs and algal blooms in the Platte River in Benzie County, Mich.

"Being involved in a project during the graduate program was a meaningful experience. I started without knowing anything in this area of study, and now I'm an expert. I think graduate experience really helped me grow in both my personal characteristics and professional skills."

Continued benefits: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will refer to Liu's data in designing efficient methods to reduce phosphorus from fish hatcheries.

Program advice:"If you like to study one particular area in one discipline and enjoy research, you definitely should consider a graduate degree."