Queen of Science

As Fern and Dr. Martin walk through the building, towards her lab on the bottom floor, passerby's gawk at Martin like she's a celebrity. A couple of people even try to sneakily take her picture. Confused by this abnormal treatment of a scientist, Fern asks Martin, "pardon my ignorance, but why are people acting like that?"

"Like what?"

"Like you're a celebrity."

"Oh- I was the person who predicted the collapse of Canadian cod fisheries. People are waking up and realizing that I was right, so I'm getting some media attention from the fish world."

"That's good though, right?"

"It's annoying. I wish they got interested before my prediction was realized."

"Oh-"

Finally, the two arrive at the doors to Martin's lab. Walking through the door, Dr. Martin turns on the lights and illuminates the large space. The first things that catch Fern's eye are the 10-something large water tanks that are connected by plumbing. They look like large hot tubs, but they are so tall that Fern can barely see in while standing. Lining the walls of the room is a huge hydroponics system that looks like it could support thousands of plants.

With a spark in her eye, Dr. Martin says, "We are doing a proof of feasibility project. We'll be growing a variety of fish species in the tanks and use their nitrogenous excrement to grow agricultural plants. To put it simply, we're killing two birds with one stone- assuming it works."

Excited because she had never heard of this idea before, Fern starts rattling off questions that come to mind. Unfazed by Fern's spark of energy, Dr. Martin answers her questions like she's heard them all before.

"What kind of fish species?"

"We're focusing on freshwater herbivores and omnivores for now."

"Why in a building, not on a lake?"

"We want to precisely control the environment and other reasons that I won't get into."

etc.

With her curiosity temporarily satisfied, Fern eventually stops asking questions and Dr. Martin says, "As you can see, my lab has very little do fields of study in evolution or plant physiology. I don't see how your research interests fit in with the lab."

Having gotten a glimpse into the world of science and research that she could be involved in, the thought of giving up makes Fern feel like curling up into a small ball and watching sad movies. Unable to accept that sadness, Fern decides to latch onto that small glimpse of hope that she has!

"I'll come in every day and do all of the tedious work!"

"You'll never have to feed a fish again."

"I'll measure all the plants every single day."

With a smirk, Dr. Martin says, "You're going to measure 1,500 plants every day?"

Without thinking, Fern says, "Of course!"

"Well, that's a waste of energy, but I appreciate the thought." Looking over at the empty hydroponics system in the room, Dr. Martin says, "How about I let you grow your plants using the hydroponics system. The plants will have to be agriculturally relevant though, so no flowering plants-"

"Really? That sounds awesome. When can I start?"

With a sigh, Dr. Martin frowns and says, "Wait for me to finish."

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"Oh, sorry"

"If you can't prove that your experiment has scientific significance to me by the end of summer, I will cut off funding and support. The study that you're trying to replicate might have been forgotten for a reason."

Taking a deep breath, Fern furrows her brows and stares into a corner of the room as she considers what Dr. Martin said. After a minute or two, Fern finally says, "How will you decide if the experiment has scientific significance?"

"Hmm- generally speaking, scientific significance is subjective." After pondering Fern's question for a while, Sarah Martin walks over to the computer in the corner of the lab room and says, "I want you to be able to show that your initial results replicate Mendel's results. Additionally, you should be able to explain why these results are important."

After typing her criteria into a word document and printing two copies of the document, Martin hands one copy to Fern and says, "Deal?"

Sticking out her hand for a handshake, Fern says, "Deal!"