“You see, but you do not observe.” Madeline Martin (PWS ‘25) quoted the world-famous, fictitious detective, Sherlock Holmes as she explained her drive to understand the bigger picture and to piece together observations within her discipline.
These skills contributed to Martin’s experience at BYU, which was marked by a unique blend of interdisciplinary learning, research, and creative thinking. As a student studying wildlife and wildlands conservation, Martin's academic journey was defined by her ability to connect seemingly unrelated fields. Her research, particularly her work on mule deer genetics, is a prime example of her innovative approach.
In her research, Martin explored the phenomenon of multiple paternity in mule deer, where “offspring in a litter have different fathers.” Through DNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatics, she investigated how hunting practices in Utah influence the genetic structure of mule deer populations. This study shed light on how human practices can affect wildlife genetics.
Dr. Brock McMillan and Dr. Paul Frandsen enabled Martin to do her own research, which pushed her to find more thoughtful connections between conservation and genomics. “We need more bridges of communication between the two,” she says.
This theme of connection extended beyond the lab. Through her involvement in BYU’s Honors Program, Martin embraced a deeply interdisciplinary academic approach. In one of her papers, she creatively wove together concepts from wildlife biology, economics, and even the world of Sherlock Holmes. The goal, she explained, is “trying to bring together different disciplines, different schools of thought, different approaches to answering a question and using that to flesh out our ability to ask and answer questions.”
For Martin, a broad understanding is more beneficial than a specific, narrow understanding. This realization encouraged her to think outside traditional academic boundaries and explore the world from multiple perspectives. Whether she’s studying the dynamics of ecosystems or seeking creative solutions to environmental challenges, her ability to bridge different fields will continue to influence her work.
“Perspective is essential to me. I love how my spiritual knowledge can inform my secular knowledge and secular can inform spiritual,” Madeline said, highlighting the impact this interconnected approach has had on her faith-based learning.
Now, as Martin applies to graduate schools with a focus on community ecology, she is determined to continue building bridges between disciplines as she studies the various communities within ecosystems. Her time at BYU has not only equipped her with the skills necessary for academic success but also provided her with a deep, holistic understanding of the world that will guide her future research and career.