Meet Romir Raj ’24, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) majoring in Biomedical Engineering.
What is the focus of your research?
The focus of my research is to understand the relationship between the structure of the genome and its function or if there even is a relationship at all between the two. Specifically, I am trying to deduce a relationship between chromosomal homolog pairing/interactions (genome structure) and gene expression or development (genome function).
Why did you get involved in research?
I got involved in research because I wanted to become involved in extracurriculars on campus. I have since grown to love research and have a passion for the intricacies of research.
What advice would you give to aspiring student researchers?
If you are interested in research, be sure to give it a shot! There are so many different labs that study many unique and different things – you are sure to find your place at one and find where you will thrive as an undergraduate researcher.
What do you enjoy the most about participating in research?
I enjoy the intricacies and nuances of research. I am part of a Molecular and Cell Biology lab – which studies things at a molecular level. For me, it is interesting to see how such small and molecular elements can have such profound effects on organisms.
What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
My greatest accomplishments so far are receiving the National Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and being accepted into UConn’s University Scholar Program. For me, both have validated my work as an undergraduate researcher and have pushed me to work even harder in my research career.
Click here for more information on Romir and other OUR Peer Research Ambassadors.