Meet Sana Gupta ’24, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) majoring in Statistics and minoring in Mathematics.
What is the focus of your research?
I am working on an IDEA Grant project in the Statistics department, focused on the imputation of compositional missing data. I am using a statistical programming language called R to test different functions on my dataset with percentage data to figure out a way to fill in the gaps in the data. I also help with data analysis and writing manuscripts in a lab in the Allied Health department.
Why did you get involved in research?
I got involved with research because I wanted to apply what I’ve learned in my classes to a project where I could learn and potentially develop something new. I also appreciate the opportunity to improve my research skills as I prepare to apply to graduate school.
What advice would you give to aspiring student researchers?
Don’t be afraid to explore outside of your department when looking for research opportunities. There are many unexpected places you could apply your skills and learn something new, and looking outside of the box can allow you to apply your coursework in unique ways beyond the scope of your major’s curriculum. This can also be an opportunity to explore interests you might have outside of your field of study, and college is the perfect time to foster those interests and grow your skills.
Describe the impact your research experience/creative activity has had on you.
Being involved with research in two different departments has allowed me to meet people with different backgrounds (educationally and otherwise). I am very lucky to have made such great connections in the form of helpful mentors, inspiring peers, and good friends.
What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
My greatest accomplishment in undergraduate research has been earning an IDEA Grant. It feels really special to be among other amazing researchers and creatives working on our projects and I’m really grateful for the recognition and support from the IDEA Grant team. As someone applying to doctoral programs, receiving this grant makes me feel validated in my decision to continue in academia and eventually pursue a career in research.
Click here for more information on Sana and other OUR Peer Research Ambassadors.