The researcher at the Utah State University, Makenna “Kenna”, Roberts grew up for the Grand Salt Lake.
“I grew up in a small Layton farm, in Utah, which has been in our family since the middle of the 19th century,” explains Roberts, who graduated from this USU spring as a major Science College.
During her undergraduate career, the first generation student was data analysis assistant and communication for the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute of Earth, Water and AirA major interdisciplinary initiative established by the USU in 2021.
“It is really special to work with a group that values high quality research that will affect a natural resource like the great Lake Salt which was so emblematic for me growing up,” explains Roberts, a USU Specialization program Student who should obtain a baccalaureate in mathematics and statistics, with minors in data sciences and political science. “The Institute has worked with many researchers who have studied the effects of changes in the lake and possible solutions. We were able to work to obtain the results of these researchers to decision -makers, who can develop very important policies that can preserve the lake. ”
Driving data from evidence of solid research to help decision -makers is at the heart of Roberts’ efforts as a researcher and citizen. In her role as the Institute, she helped the team create concise reports, but data reports for the governor’s office and state legislators, as well as technical reports for researchers and public agencies.
Roberts’ enthusiasm in fire for politics and, in particular, the development of politicians, began early, in discussions with his father, the member of the municipal council of Layton, Tyson Roberts. She accompanied her to numerous meetings in the Comté de Davis community as well as to the State Capitol in Salt Lake City.
“I am fascinated by the entire process of developing policies,” explains Roberts, who graduated from Layton High School in 2019. “And a key element of good policy, I have learned, is that she must be a educated policy. Research policy is to make policy beneficial for all citizens. ”
Among the protruding facts of USU studies in Roberts, there was a Washington DC course in the spring of 2024 with the Blake Moore office, American representative of the first district of the UTA Congress.
“It was super inspiring to be in the Changemakers hub at a quick rate that really believes in making the world better,” she said. “As a legislative intern, I worked with legislative personnel and communications on memories, attended the hearings and observed the votes of the Senate and the Chamber. It was exciting to see political science in action. ”
As she finished her USU studies, Roberts has worked hard on her specialization program, which combines national SAT annual score reports and employment data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. With Department of mathematics and statistics The teaching school mentors Stephen Walsh and Kady Schneiter, Roberts have analyzed data sets to determine the trends between male and female participants and how these trends are linked to commonly sought -after factors that influence gender shortcomings in STEM fields.
“I really liked doing research independent of a class and working with these teachers,” she says. “I hope to continue this kind of research, when I start working on a master’s degree.”
Roberts was accepted in five higher education (and cash) programs in applied statistics or data sciences – all in schools on the east coast – and has selected Duke University as destination of higher education.
“I will enter the Master’s Program in Statistical Sciences at the University of Duke in the fall,” she said. “My career objectives include participation in political research – perhaps with a non -profit reflection group or a university. I imagine the work using digital methods to guide the development of policies. ”
Roberts says that the residential and academic resources of the USU strengthened his confidence and gave him a feeling of belonging and community.
“As a first generation student, I had a lot of questions, some of whom I was embarrassed to ask,” she said. “I am grateful for the Aggie First Scholars Program, as well as the specialization program, which has provided useful advice. »»
Roberts lived in special housing during his first year, which was a rescue buoy, she says, while the university plunged into the locking of the pandemic during the spring semester 2020.
“I had eight fantastic roommates and we became very close,” she says. “We spent a lot of time playing card games to entertain ourselves. We are always great friends. “
Once the restrictions have lifted, Roberts planned for Aggie football and basketball matches, poetry and drinking events and tackling the climbing wall at the Aggie leisure center.
Among its most affectionate activities were tutor at Aggie Math Learning Center.
“I had so much fun and I got to know students from all over the university,” said Roberts. “I also got to know all the teachers and staff of the Mathematics and Statistics Department. The whole experience helped me strengthen trust and really learn mathematics and statistics by helping others. ”
Getting involved in the campus community, she said, has made all the difference in her USU experience.
“There is and there is a life,” says Roberts. “Getting to know people, joining study groups and going to events should all be priorities. I had so many wonderful experiences and opportunities in the state of Utah. ”