University of Minnesota Athletics
Summer Update: Titania Markland
8/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Women's Track & Field student-athlete Titania Markland has been busy over the summer. Holding a summer internship on the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus, the Environmental Science and Policy Management major has been studying and assisting in research. Along with her internship, the Annotto Bay, Jamaica native has remained active in her sport and competed at the Jamaica Senior Championships. Read more about her summer experience here in this question/answer session.
Gophersports.com: What is your summer internship?
Titania Markland: I'm working as a research intern in the crop research building on the St. Paul campus. I assist graduate students with their research, so I work in the fields collecting data and samples and harvesting plants for processing. I work with studies being done on plants, such as sunflowers, native flowers, and intermediate wheat grass. The lab I work with also studies corn, soy beans, alfalfa, and other crops.
GS: How did you find your internship?
TM: I was made aware of the opportunity for this internship through an email posted on Gold-pass, in addition to being sent to students in the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences.
GS: How did you choose your major?
TM: Ultimately, my objective is to become a meteorologist. After consulting with a panel of both my academic and athletic advisors, I decided to major in Environmental Science and Policy Management. By completing this major, I will have reached all the requirements for a master's program in meteorology. I'm interested in learning about different ways in which I can protect and make a positive impact on my ecological footprint and the environment.
GS: What are your career goals and plans after graduation?
TM: I'd like to continue studying and attend graduate school. I will use my degree in environmental science to study how environmental factors impact our weather and climate. Also, I will finally be able to assist in solving problems such as flooding, droughts, and environmental concerns. Through the use of modern technology, I will be able to predict the weather.
GS: What is the biggest adjustment you've experienced living in Minnesota compared to Jamaica?
TM: I must say that the biggest adjustments would have to be the weather and the food. I had a hard time adjusting to the extreme weather conditions of Minnesota. My freshman year, the state experienced its worst winter in over 50 years (2013). It was also my first winter in Minnesota. Living in the dorms was nice, but I did not enjoy the dorm food and I missed the food back in Jamaica. Now I am able to make my own food. I must too note that in Minnesota things are done on a more timely fashion than in Jamaica, and Minnesota offers easier access to a variety of different amenities.
GS: What was it like being back in Jamaica this summer to compete at the Jamaica Senior Championships?
TM: Being back home this summer was one of the greatest track & field trips that I have experienced throughout my entire career. The atmosphere in Jamaica was electrifying because it's Olympic season. This meet was also important to me because I was able to compete in front of my hometown supporters, and I really wanted to see how much improvement was made after I experienced a slight injury following the Big Ten Championship. I made the semifinals in the 400-meter dash by running a time of 53.55, which was great. I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed seeing family and friends, eating Jamaican food, and enjoying the wonderful feeling of being back home.
Even though there is always more room for growth in this sport and in life, I also felt accomplished. I had this feeling of accomplishment because I was able to line up against some of the world's best athletes in the 400m. I was able to be a part of the country that produces some of the best sprinters and world class athletes in the Olympic trials.
GS: How will this experience motivate you as you return to the University of Minnesota for your senior year?
TM: The experience I gained from this year's Jamaica Senior Championships motivates me to work harder but also smarter to become one of the best in my event. I was grateful for the opportunity to attend the championship, and I couldn't have done it without the great work of Coach (Matt) Bingle and the rest of coaching staff here at the University of Minnesota, my wonderful teammates, the athletic trainers, who did everything possible to fix my injury, the entire Gopher family, my friends and family and most importantly the Lord for his continuous guidance, protection and love.
Players Mentioned
