Video by Zach Burnett and Cameron Johnson

Growing up in Cartwright, North Dakota, Sam Hofer ’27, a Biology major at Miami University, loved playing hockey — the sport, the fun, the connections with her teammates — and she found it really hard to leave hockey behind when it came time to consider colleges. Her older sister was already attending Miami and playing on the hockey team at the time, so Hofer was really interested in coming here too.

Hofer joined the hockey team as a forward during her first year at Miami, and she’s grateful for the experience of playing alongside her sister for two years. She also appreciates all the friendships she’s made by being on the team.

Engaging through research

In addition to her interest in hockey, Hofer was also drawn to Miami’s Biology program, mentioning that there are so many research opportunities available. “My favorite thing about being a Biology major here is all the opportunities that were given. There (are) so many, for example, research opportunities. It's my job to go out and find them. But the professors, of course, do a wonderful job supporting us and encouraging us,” she said.

It was Hofer’s inquisitive nature that led to her getting involved in research. She met with Paul Harding, chair and professor of Biology, to discuss some requirements for her major, and Harding then recommended Hofer to Lesley Knoll, assistant professor of Biology, to join Knoll’s lab in spring 2026. That ultimately led to Hofer participating in this year’s Undergraduate Summer Scholars program — a 10-week program offering research experiences for undergraduate students at Miami — along with Knoll.

Hofer’s research focuses on nutrient differences in Acton Lake and how that impacts the lake’s overall health. “It's important to look at the nutrient differences in lakes and their outflow. Since we're such an agricultural-based town, the agriculture makes a big difference. So, we're trying to look (at) how agriculture is positively affecting or negatively affecting our lake,” she said.

Sam Hofer (right) working on research with Lesley Knoll at Miami University. (Photo by Jeff Sabo)

Building skills for the future

Her biggest takeaway from this research experience is learning how much she can accomplish on her own while being responsible for a project — along with the guidance and support from her mentors and professors. “I love working with Lesley. She's so encouraging. It's been awesome to have her as a mentor and a professor. She's been doing this for so much longer than me, and it's awesome to be able to look up to her,” Hofer said. She also mentioned that this experience has helped her grow the skills and confidence to be a scientist as well as a leader.

Hofer has always had an interest in the ocean and marine biology — but found that she could apply her passion to lake health here in Ohio. She said, “It's the same similar principles that apply to an ocean but just looking at the health of the lake. It's been awesome.” So, after graduating from Miami, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in marine biology. “I'm definitely going to take what I've learned here at Miami and that's going to help me in the future,” Hofer said.

In between classes and her research, Hofer loves to spend time on the green spaces on Miami’s campus, describing them as “beautiful.” She also gave some sage advice for those considering attending Miami: Don’t be intimidated by the size of the school, reach for the many opportunities available, and create connections.

“Because of Miami, I am pursuing my dreams. I'm doing research, and I'm becoming a scientist,” Hofer said.