Gage Stratman is a junior majoring in Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a dedicated member of the Social Media and Adolescent Health Research Team (SMAHRT). In this Q&A session, Gage shares his journey, experiences and profound insights gained during his time at SMAHRT. Discover how Gage combines his passion for research with a mission to unravel the impact of social media on adolescent health, all while offering valuable advice for aspiring researchers.
Q: Can you introduce yourself, including your pronouns, the year you’re in at school, and your major(s)?
A: My name is Gage Stratman, my pronouns are he/him. I’m currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a degree in Biology. In my free time, I enjoy coaching football and taking my dog for adventurous walks.
Q: How long have you been a part of SMAHRT, and what motivated you to join the team initially?
A: I have been a member of the SMAHRT team since last January. I began looking for research opportunities at the start of my sophomore year. I’ve always preferred learning through hands-on methods and found research to be the perfect combination of intuitive thinking and hands-on experience. I was drawn towards the SMAHRT research lab because of its strong mission and team camaraderie. I truly believe social media is the way of the future. Knowing the ways social media affects future generations can be highly useful to reach the adolescents of today.
Q: Are you working on any independent projects at SMAHRT, and if so, what are they about?
A: I’m currently working on a content analysis project that looks at persuasive engagement for oral health on Instagram for Adolescents. This independent project should give content creators a better idea of how to spread oral health tips using social media to their intended adolescent audience.
Q: What have you learned during your time as a research intern at SMAHRT? Any specific skills or insights that stand out to you?
A: One major skill I’ve gained while being a research intern at SMAHRT is attention to little details. While coding between pictures, videos and sounds, it can be easy to miss a little detail or content post. SMAHRT has taught me how to take my time and follow their steps to success. I’ve already begun noticing improvements for catching the tricky worded questions on tests I previously wouldn’t have before SMAHRT.
Q: For students interested in research or joining SMAHRT, do you have any advice based on your own experiences?
A: My biggest advice for anyone joining SMAHRT or research, in general, would be to always ask questions. Even if you think your question is simple or embarrassing, chances are someone else in lab has asked the same thing. Every member of SMAHRT has been extremely helpful in working as a team to solve any questions I’ve had. This helps build team chemistry and trust amongst members. I always feel comfortable and confident asking my mentor for help.
Q: What are your plans or aspirations for the future, especially in relation to your experience at SMAHRT?
A: My plan is to continue my research with SMAHRT on my independent project as well as the B3 project for the next 2-3 years. My goal after graduating from Wisconsin is to go to dental school at Marquette. My dream is to become a dentist and use the same research techniques I’ve learned at SMAHRT to improve the way oral health is taught to teenagers in the future.