Opening up research opportunities to undergraduates leads to greater academic success, and four students from Neuroscience and the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology prevailed in the annual Multicultural Undergraduate Research Art and Leadership Symposium.
Their success is a sign that the college’s focus on undergraduate research opportunities is working. “We wanted to create a research track for undergraduates to obtain research positions early in their academic careers,” said microbiology professor Erica Suchman, who helped design the program that starts with an introductory class that includes real-life research project. Since it began in 2015, the course (MIP150) has grown from one offering for 20 students to three sections.
Those students can go on to apply for one of the six spots in the Undergraduate Research Fellowship program in Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology. “The students are matched with a research mentor in their freshman year, allowing them to obtain valuable research experience and mentorship for the entirety of their academic careers,” said Suchman.
The Multicultural Undergraduate Research Art and Leadership Symposium intentionally reaches out to students of color, and focuses on mentoring, presenting scholarly work, networking, and learning about multicultural leadership. Students present their work in creative writing, visual and performing arts, STEM, social sciences, and humanities, and get feedback from graduate students and faculty members.
Twelve students from Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Neuroscience participated in the event. The winners were:
Jessica Herrera and Jordan Rose-Williams, seniors, Microbiology
First Place, STEM: “Microbes Living Amongst Us”
“We decided to look at the validity of cleaning products in regards to the claims they make versus their actual cleaning power. We compared the products ingredients and took into consideration the health hazards they pose to us,” said Herrera. “We took everything that we learned throughout our schooling experience and applied it to our experiment. It was very rewarding seeing other people engaging in our research and showing them how microbiology affects their everyday lives.”
Career plans: Jessica plans to pursue a career in medical laboratory science, and Jordan plans on going into pharmaceuticals and to travel before she pursues her masters degree.
Daiszha Cooley, senior, Neuroscience and Psychology
Social Justice Enhancer award: “Health and Racism — Exploration of Vicarious Racism as a Stressor”
The social Justice Enhancer award honors an entry that examines inequities that marginalize people.
“Researchers across multiple disciplines are working to understand the factors that contribute to the existence of racial health disparities — including stress. My project explores the research literature related to potential health implications of racism and suggests further research to explore the specific role vicarious racism may play,” said Cooley. “MURALS provided the opportunity to explore my interests from an interdisciplinary perspective and to see all the great work my peers are doing.”
Career plans: “I am applying to graduate programs related to psychology and public health this fall and plan to gain more research experience by working in a lab until I go to graduate school.”
Tyler Thomas-Fenderson, junior, Microbiology
Rising Star, STEM: “Antimicrobial Characterization and Utilization of a Novel Phage, T790”
“I was able to really practice my presentation skills. Being able to explain the science in a new way, for the public, was a great opportunity as well. Scientists are able to talk about things using jargon but sometimes struggle simplifying the information for others,” said Thomas-Fenderson. “The overall goal of the research is to sequence the phage DNA and characterize and utilize certain genes present.”
Career plans: He wants to attend graduate school and earn a Ph.D. while working in a lab.
