Q: How did you first become interested in undergraduate research and URSA?

“When I first arrived at UIUC, I didn’t know much about what doing research really meant, or how to get involved, but was interested in learning more. As I grew more accustomed to my first semester, I learned more about ways to get involved on campus and was interested in gaining technical experiences. I visited research fairs and listened to various poster presentations and lab groups and discovered a range of interesting opportunities. I talked to my neural engineering professor at the time (Dr. Catherine Best) and was able to get involved in her research lab (Cellular Neuroscience Imaging (CNI) Lab) during my second semester. I had heard about URSA during Quad Day and decided to keep it on my radar. I applied for the URSA program during fall of my sophomore year and got accepted for a project that was also through Dr. Best’s lab. After a fulfilling semester of research through URSA, I applied to join the URSA committee, and also continued to stay in the CNI Lab.”

Q: What research project(s) are you involved in, and what is your role?

“As an undergraduate researcher in the CNI Lab, I’ve worked on analyzing changes in biophysical properties of tissues and cells associated with conditions such as traumatic brain injury using Spatial Light Interference Microscopy. I am also collaborating on a review of shunt technologies for hydrocephalus treatment. Initially a project in the CNI Lab, I’ve also co-founded the e-NABLE Prosthetics UIUC chapter and RSO. Outside of UIUC, I have been a Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow for 2 summers in Dr. Richard Weinshilboum’s lab, working on pharmacogenomics of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as alcohol use disorder and bipolar disorder, and received co-authorship on a paper.”

Q: What skills or knowledge have you gained through research?

“With my research experience, I have been able to gain technical skills in both wet and dry labs, such as with imaging, image analysis, cell culture, western blotting, etc. I’ve learned how to conduct literature reviews, describe work in a poster or paper, communicate to scientific and lay audiences, and work with or manage a team/project. I’ve learned more about the processes and different opportunities for a career in research, what grad school is like, and the work environment and tasks of a researcher.”

Q: How has your involvement with URSA influenced your research experience and academic growth?

“I believe URSA provided me with a strong foundation for growing basic research skills and opened up for me the meaning of research and what a career in research could look like. The URSA program provides a good, consistent structure to follow through on a real research project with the mentor you are paired with, and you get results and experience with communicating and presenting your work. It has helped me with my continued work in the CNI Lab and allowed me to figure out what I am most interested in with research, leading to my internship opportunities at Mayo Clinic. The opportunity to grow as a leader through the committee has also helped me with communication and management skills, which I have been able to apply in other areas, such as with other leadership positions or with mentoring underclassmen.”

Q: How has participating in research influenced your academic, professional, or career goals?

“Participating in different research environments allowed me to see what I am most interested in pursuing in my future career. I’ve learned what type of environment works for me to feel happy and successful. Through my work at Mayo Clinic, I’ve realized that I enjoy working in a wet lab, and the projects in the lab reinforced my interest in pursuing research for therapeutics and personalized medicine for neuropsychiatric disorders. It has also influenced me to choose certain technical courses to support my interests, in addition to pursuing a minor in psychology. Before participating in research, I had not considered graduate school, but now I am interested in applying for graduate school in biomedical or neural sciences and working in research environments such as research & development in industry.”

Q: What advice would you give to students who are interested in getting involved in undergraduate research?

“For students interested in getting involved in research, I recommend taking advantage of the time and resources you have as a student and going for any opportunities that are available to you. It doesn’t hurt to try and apply for anything you are interested in and say yes to things. Reach out to people and ask for help, advice, and resources to guide your journey. Find a strong mentor that will be able to support you in your learning and experiences. Inform yourself and read up on the research happening in the field you are interested in to know what you should look out for and be aware of the available opportunities.”

Q: Is there anything else you would like students to know about your research experience or URSA?

“URSA opens applications to freshman and sophomores (open to any major) before the start of each fall and spring semester. I encourage students to apply if they have little to no previous research experience and would like to get involved. URSA provided a valuable stepping tool toward building the start of my research career as an undergraduate with little previous experience or knowledge, and now I am preparing to apply for graduate school and build a career in research.”