How does cattle production impact the climate? Microbes that reside within the stomach of cows break down the grasses and plants they eat. These microbes also form the greenhouse gas methane, which is released into the atmosphere via cattle burps. Our lab studies various plant compounds, products and feed ingredients that have the potential to reduce this methane source. While a single graduate student coordinates designing one of these studies and leading it to completion, it takes a dedicated team to make it all happen. As the lead graduate student on a recent project, it was my role to recruit, manage students and create community, which made for a challenging but invaluable growth experience as an aspiring scientist.
In our study we measured methane fluctuations using head chambers whereby each cow had their heads enclosed inside a container for a couple of hours throughout the day. Cows could stand up and lay down with access to feed and water (Figure 1). We measured the air surrounding the cow’s head for differences between the animals receiving treatment versus ones that did not. Our work schedule took place at almost every hour of the day—thus the need for a team to see it all happen.
Gradually Empowering the Team
My team strategy consisted of welcoming in each person based on their experience level. With 26 undergraduates coming from mainly the Bay Area or Southern California, we had some that worked at the campus dairy farm and others who had never touched a live cow.
When we started out, my initial plan was to be present at all shifts to make sure everything was on schedule. During the first 20% of the project, I realized that I was consistently repeating myself and stretching myself thin with little sleep. To begin to spread the responsibilities, I took two strategies. First, I gave trained students the responsibility of teaching those who were still learning. Secondly, I created task checklists that tracked pieces to be completed on all shifts. As a result, I was able to slowly back off on my engagement while empowering other team members to get everything done.
Every two weeks we entered a four-day gap in the study where the project activities dropped to a less-intensive level. During this lull, I took the opportunity for students to get to know each other outside of the barn. We organized socials around ice cream, basketball games and the most recent Avatar movie. These were instrumental in helping the students get to know and trust each other when there were so many tasks to be completed.