Author: Berkey, Melissa

Meet the PRAs: Riley Beckham

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Meet Riley Beckham ’25, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Picture of PRA Riley Beckham with text "Meet the PRAs, Riley, Peer Research Ambassador" and link to his post - https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/2024/10/02/meet-the-pras-riley-beckham-2/.What is the focus of your research?

The primary focus of my research has been on developing methods to improve the resilience of modern power grids. Specifically, we looked at various administrative strategies that could be employed to reduce damage to an electrical grid during a high-intensity climate event.

Why did you get involved in research/creative activity?

I was interested in gaining some much needed practical experience to provide context for the material I was learning in my classes. So much of engineering is taught in the abstract, and as someone who prefers hands-on learning, I was really struggling to find understanding and purpose in my degree. Turning to research not only helped me to better understand electrical engineering, but it also gave me a much-needed confidence boost. For the first time at UConn, I felt like I belonged and that this really was the right career path for me. Continue reading →

Preparing to Present Your Work at a Conference

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By Michela Brown, Peer Research Ambassador

Picture of the Science 1 Research Center on the Storrs campus with text "Preparing to Present Your Work at a Conference, By PRA Michela."Presenting at a conference can be an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience. This past January I had the opportunity to share my research at the Plant and Animal Genome conference in San Diego. It was the first time I presented my research, especially in front of scientists who share opposing or similar interests. I had a lot of anxiety and uncertainty when preparing to attend the conference, and I wanted to share some personal insight on how to make the most of your experience.

Building Confidence through Preparation

Confidence doesn’t come overnight; it’s built through preparation. When applying to present, you will have to submit an abstract (summary of your research) months before you attend. It is good to have the data you want to present completed before writing or submitting your abstract. This will allow you to know you are certain you will be presenting what you write about. Also, I encourage you to begin writing your abstract about one month before it is due to allow your Principal Investigator (PI) and co-authors to review what you have. You will typically have at least two months from the abstracts due date to form your poster before the conference date. It’s a great idea to use that time wisely and spend a few minutes a day organizing your layout, coming up with key ideas to add, or forming your data charts and graphs. I know from personal experience not to wait until the last few weeks to finish or even start preparing to present at a conference. I didn’t finish my poster for the one I attended until the week before I left and had to strategize how to have my poster printed before I flew across the country. I received my poster the day before my flight, and I felt an immense amount of stress that carried into the beginning of my trip. I felt unorganized and unprepared but managed to make the most of my experience after some time. Continue reading →

Meet the PRAs: Annette St. Jacques

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Meet Annette St. Jacques ’26, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology.

Picture of PRA Annette St. Jacques with text "Meet the PRAs, Annette, Peer Research Ambassador" and link to her post - https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/2024/09/24/meet-the-pras-annette-st-jacques/.What is the focus of your research?

I am a member of the Hanlon Lab in the Molecular & Cell Biology department. We study how new chromosomes form, move, and change over time by using the fruit fly as a model. I am interested in how age impacts the number of chromosomes that are passed down each generation.

Why did you get involved in research?

I got involved in research to try something new. I enjoyed classes with lab sections because of the hands-on aspect of science. During my first year at UConn, I took a First Year Experience course that focused on exploring STEM undergrad research. In that class, I was able to connect with faculty and learn about the different opportunities on campus. After that, I was curious about research and tried to find a lab. Continue reading →

Finding Passion and Allowing Uncertainty

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By Andrei Abarientos, Peer Research Ambassador

Picture of the Storrs campus, Wilbur Cross Building steeple, and text "Student Research Blog, Finding Passion and Allowing Uncertainty, By PRA Andrei."I’ll be the first to admit I’m still figuring things out: in my research, in my career, in my life. When people ask what I want to do with myself after college, I jokingly say: “maybe research, maybe medicine, maybe some secret third option.” The truth is, that secret third option is literally anything else. Sometimes, I think I could teach, others I think I could go into science policy or public health. Sometimes (especially around exam season) I think about dropping out, running away and living in the mountains.

I spent a long time thinking that maybe my personality was incompatible with research. I’m someone whose interests are still so broad, but much of research is narrow by design: you spend your time working on a specific social phenomenon, a specific protein, a specific disease. I was just interested in too much, I thought. Still, I jumped in, maybe for the wrong reasons; it seemed like everyone was doing research, and I wanted to give it a shot. Continue reading →

Meet the PRAs: Malak Nechnach

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Meet Malak Nechnach ’26, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Physiology & Neurobiology and minoring in Mathematics.

Picture of OUR Peer Research Ambassador Malak, link to a "Meet the PRAs" profile of Malak.What is the focus of your research?

I am working under Dr. Sciolino in the Physiology & Neurobiology department. We conduct behavioral neuroscience research, and the focus of our research is understanding how the effects of central norepinephrine systems regulate motivated behaviors, with the goal of uncovering the neuromodulatory basis of neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders.

Why did you get involved in research?

I got involved in research because I was interested in pursuing research in neuroscience and wanted to get experience to solidify my career choices and know what my career would look like. Continue reading →

Meet the PRAs: Michela Brown

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Meet Michela Brown ’25, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Animal Science and Molecular & Cell Biology.

What is the focus of your research?

I am conducting research in animal science in Dr. Kristen E. Govoni lab, where we are studying how a mother’s diet affects the growth and development of her offspring, specifically in sheep. Our goal is to identify differences that could enhance livestock health and production. My project specifically examines changes in the liver of the offspring related to their mother’s diet. I have recently been gaining new experience in Dr. Rachel O’Neill’s lab to learn new techniques.

Why did you get involved in research?

I first got involved in research because I am part of the honors program and thought it was a requirement to get involved. I didn’t get into research until my sophomore year, which helped me realize that research was something I truly wanted to pursue, not just a program requirement. My perspective shifted when I had the opportunity to shadow a graduate student in a lab I was interested in. That experience made me genuinely excited about the possibilities for my own research. Continue reading →

Meet the PRAs – Naomi Benningfield

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Meet Naomi Benningfield ’25, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology.

Picture of PRA Naomi Benningfield with text "Naomi, Peer Research Ambassador" and link to a Meet the PRAs profile.What is the focus of your research?

Within my molecular archaeology lab with Dr. Hartman, we focus on creating a comprehensive understanding of the past through a range of studies. The Nesher Ramla project that I participate in analyzes enamel samples from herbivore teeth through isotope ratio mass spectrometry. In doing so, we hope to reconstruct the paleoclimate of the site. Currently, I am working towards assessing the eco-physiological response of equids to the last glacial climate change. During my time at Hartford Hospital, we focused on a range of prospective and retrospective clinical studies within anesthesia. My main focus was on opioid reduction and pain management. Continue reading →

Meet the PRAs – Hansuja Chaurasia

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Meet Hansuja Chaurasia ’26, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Allied Health Sciences and minoring in Spanish.

Picture of Hansuja, OUR Peer Research Ambassador.What is the focus of your research?

Currently, I am involved in the Kienzler Lab in the chemistry department. We work with photoswitches, which are molecules that change shape when interacting with light. I am working on the synthesis of light-sensitive calcium channel inhibitors. I recently have been helping out with research in the Duffy Lab in the Allied Health Department, working on promoting nutrition and oral health in toddler populations.

Why did you get involved in research?

I got involved in research because I loved the idea of applying the things I’ve learned in my academic career to an actual scientific experience. I wanted to see firsthand what the scientific method is like in the real world, and how new discoveries and knowledge are made. Research allows me to dive deeper into topics I’m passionate about, to ask questions and challenge myself, and to contribute to the overall advancement of scientific knowledge, even in a small way. Continue reading →

Graduating PRA Spotlight: Lucie Lopez ’24

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Peer Research Ambassador Graduate Reflections -Lucie Lopez.Lucie Lopez ’24
Majors: Psychological Sciences and Spanish
2023-24 OUR Peer Research Ambassador

Research Journey

When I first got to UConn, I was not confident in my ability to succeed. However, after three years as an undergraduate, I can confidently say I believe in myself. One reason for this change is my experience in undergraduate research. As a first-year student, I barely knew what research was, which made the experience of getting started very intimidating. Nonetheless, I felt pressure to get involved with research, especially since I was potentially interested in graduate school. So, I took a leap of faith during my first semester and reached out to a faculty member. That led me to the first stop on my research journey as an undergraduate research assistant with Dr. Rhiannon Smith in the Social Emotional Development Lab. My next stop led me to participate in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts Research Experience (SHARE) program as an apprentice and work with Dr. Peter Chen in the Department of Geography. Lastly, I wanted to combine these fields into a project of my own, which led me to the UConn IDEA Grant program. Continue reading →

Graduating PRA Spotlight: Emma Beard ’24

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Emma Beard ’24
Major: Molecular & Cell Biology; Minor: Physiology & Neurobiology
2023-24 OUR Peer Research Ambassador

My Journey:

Most of all, I believe that my undergraduate journey has taught me the value of patience, resilience, and exploration. Starting college in the middle of a pandemic was an incredibly difficult experience. I came to UConn with goals of what I wanted to achieve as an undergraduate and felt frustrated when reaching those goals felt impossible. I knew in high school that I wanted to be involved in undergraduate research, but with the pandemic keeping campus closed, that goal was put on hold. Once campus opened up again, I had a hard time finding a lab to join on-campus, and began to worry that, as I approached the halfway point of my undergraduate studies, it would be harder for me to find a lab willing to spend the time to train me.

Luckily, I was able to join the Health Research Program the summer after my sophomore year, which has had an incredible impact on my growth as a researcher. I would not have been able to have this opportunity without the experience of my first two years. If I had joined a lab at Storrs, I would never have gotten to learn about the fascinating research at UConn Health. Even if I had joined the HRP one year earlier, I might not have met my research mentor. By waiting until after my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to take courses in cell biology, a part of the MCB major I was initially disinterested in, and discover my enthusiasm for the subject. I have now been a member of the Department of Cell Biology at UConn Health for two years! Continue reading →