Author: Berkey, Melissa

What Even Is Research? Common Questions and Misconceptions

By Darren Lee, Peer Research Ambassador

Picture of mascot Jonathan in a painterly style with text: Student Research Blog, What Even Is Research? Common Questions and Misconceptions. By PRA Darren.Another fall semester at UConn. Undoubtedly, it’s been a whirlwind of moving in, seeing new faces (or re-acquainting yourself with familiar ones), and settling into the rhythm of classes. By now, you’re most likely aware that many of your professors and TAs are involved in research in addition to just teaching. Whether they’re using their research to introduce themselves to the class, weaving references to it in between lecture slides, or complaining about deadlines (professors are human too!), they’ve probably made that fact abundantly clear. Without a doubt, research is an integral part of the work being done at this university. But what does this actually mean for you?

Most students’ first exposure to research is in college, so there’s naturally a lot of confusion and apprehension about it. Maybe you’re in awe of all the cool research being done at the university and you’re itching to work on your own project, but you don’t know how you can find a mentor or if you even can do research as an undergraduate. More likely, your eyes are glazing over as you wonder if you could ever get to that level of knowledge in your subject—research seems like an interesting way to get there, but it just seems so hard to get started. If those scenarios describe you at all, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll be trying to dispel some common myths about research and help you understand what it’s like to be involved in research (Hint: you can do it and it can be really great!).

I’m just an undergraduate student. Are we even allowed to do research?

Yes! Many professors are happy to take in undergraduates who show a strong interest in their work. We even have an entire office at UConn (OUR!) dedicated to providing support and resources to undergraduates who want to get involved in research. Generally, there’s a really great culture surrounding undergraduate research here at UConn, and we’re always excited to have more students share in that! Continue reading

Lit Review Tips and Tricks

By Emma Beard, Peer Research Ambassador

As a STEM major, my biggest misconception about research was that I would spend more time at the lab bench than at my desk. I was surprised to find that for the first week of my time with the Health Research Program, I ran one or two experiments and then spent the rest of my time reading papers. At first, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough work since I wasn’t getting any data, but as I began to design my own experiments and brainstorm project directions, I realized just how important it is to learn from others’ projects. Reading research articles has been a constant throughout my time involved in undergraduate research, and through experience, I’ve discovered a few tricks that I would have loved to know when I was just getting started. While these tips are based on my experience in STEM research, hopefully one or two of these tips can help you as you begin your research journey, no matter the field!

1)  Write down every paper you read

I don’t know how many times I’ve thought to myself, “oh I read this in a paper,” and then realized I couldn’t remember which paper I found it in. Especially when I was first getting started, I read a lot of research papers to get introduced to the field, but thought about them in almost the same way as a textbook for a course where once I learned the material, I could move on. I didn’t realize how much I would need to refer back to papers later on, especially the materials and methods section for guidance on how to plan my own experiments.

Whether it’s a hand-written list kept in your lab notebook or typed out on your computer, write down the title and a few key points or relevant experimental techniques from each paper you read. I’m usually someone who prefers to handwrite rather than type (and did when I first started making my list), but for ease of reference, I’d recommend a typed list. Control/Command+F will be your best friend once you’ve read enough articles, and having the direct links available is extremely helpful. Continue reading

Breaking Up With Your Mentor

By Fraser McGurk, Peer Research Ambassador

Picture of the Avery Point campus lighthouse in a painterly style with text: Student Research Blog, Breaking Up With Your Mentor. By PRA Fraser.What do you do when it’s time to move on?

The journey through the world of research is as unpredictable as it is exciting. There is never one clear cut way to find your passion through research, and often this requires a bit of trial and error. On some occasions, someone’s first research mentor fits their every need, and that is great! However, that’s not the case for everyone, and sometimes it’s better to expand your horizons. There are a variety of reasons someone may want to diverge from their original research mentor. Whether it’s for convenience, disagreements, or just the passion to pursue something new, it’s OK to feel like you fit better somewhere else. But leaving your lab or mentor can be a daunting task. What if they react poorly? What if I lose a connection? Am I really making the right decision?

It is completely understandable for these thoughts to be rushing through your head, this is a big decision, and these conversations are never easy to have. But there are a few things that are crucial to know about breaking up with your mentor:

1) Do not feel guilty for leaving

When deciding to leave a lab, it can be easy to put it on yourself. Imposter syndrome is common for early-career researchers. Was I not smart enough for the lab? Am I just not made for research? What if I hurt their research by leaving? It’s normal to have second thoughts when you decide to leave. However, you should not feel guilty about your exit. You have every right to explore all the wonderful areas of research on campus, and you are not confined to one single research group for the entirety of your career. If a research group makes you feel guilty about exploring other options on campus, that is a glaring indicator of a toxic workplace that does not treat its students with respect. Continue reading

Meet the PRAs – Lina Layakoubi

Meet Lina Layakoubi ’24, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) majoring in Biological Sciences.

Meet the PRAs - picture of Lina, Peer Research Ambassador.What is the focus of your research?

I work in the Menuz Lab in the PNB department. The main focus of my research is to understand the molecular and physiological mechanisms in which insects detect and seek out certain odors in their environment. My current project involves finding receptors involved in ammonia seeking behavior which is one way mosquitoes find human hosts.

Why did you get involved in research?

When I first started looking into research as a freshman, it seemed intimidating, confusing and otherwise unattainable. I spent my first year at UConn with completely online labs and the thought of jumping to a real lab was terrifying to me. As I learned more about molecular biology and physiology in my classes, I developed a passion that trumped this fear. I knew that my time as a biology major would not be complete without experiencing the world of research. Not only did joining a lab give me the chance to contribute to something beyond my textbooks but it also immersed me in a world rich with hands-on learning and new challenges. To me, research has been fun, exciting and crucial to my experience as a student. Looking forward, I can’t imagine research not being a part of my career! Continue reading

Meet the PRAs – Riley Beckham

Meet Riley Beckham ’24, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Meet the PRAs - picture of Riley, Peer Research Ambassador.What is the focus of your research?

I am interested in learning more about strengthening electrical grids and making them more resilient against extreme climate events. My recent work involves co-authoring a conference paper which examines how changing/shifting the amount of electricity supplied to an electrical grid during an extreme weather event can help reduce damage to the wider electrical network.

Why did you get involved in research?

I wanted to find a way to apply what I was learning in my engineering classes and find real world examples of the concepts I was being exposed to. Research seemed like a great place to start, and it seemed to me to be a low-risk way to explore my interests. A lot of my good friends were involved in research in their chosen fields, and they seemed to be getting a lot out of it, so I figured why not give it a try?  I enjoyed the idea of being able to ask questions without having any clue as to the answer: it was a liberating feeling, and one I credit with reinvigorating my passion for engineering in the latter half of my time at UConn. Continue reading

Semester Survival Hacks

By Anabelle Bergstrom, Peer Research Ambassador

Navigating research, academics, and extracurriculars can be daunting. Luckily, time management doesn’t need to be scary! At the beginning of every semester, I take some time to reflect on my study and schedule habits. That way, I am in tune with what works for me and what doesn’t. Every semester offers new experiences that change how I approach my responsibilities. I thought I would share some advice on what makes me successful, though it is important to note that just because these tips work for me, doesn’t mean they will work for you. Here are my top five study and schedule hacks to help you succeed this semester.

  1. Dedicated blocks of time– This tip helped me during one of my toughest semesters. Just like you would put a class or club into your schedule, put a block of time that is dedicated for studying. Do not schedule anything else during these times. This will allow your mind to become used to dedicated time to focus. Also, it will assist you in becoming more disciplined with your study habits.
  2. Disconnect – Turn off your phone and computer notifications. You may have heard this a million times, but I promise it makes a difference. Staying focused and present during your study time is a valuable skill to have. Having a distraction free environment will also help prepare you for exams.
  3. Take breaks – Remember to take a few moments when you are studying, and throughout the day, to ground yourself. Take a few deep breaths or drink water. It can even be helpful to set a timer for when to take a break while you are studying. As I mentioned, staying focused is key but remember that you are human. Studying for 4 hours straight can do more harm than good, so setting few minutes of time to go for a walk or grab a snack is beneficial.
  4. Surround yourself with people who understand – Part of surviving the semester is knowing when to throttle up and when to throttle down. You won’t be able to go to every girls night, party, or sporting event. Surrounding yourself with people who understand that you may need some nights to catch up on work or self-care will help immensely. Having a strong support system is key to surviving the semester.
  5. Listen to your body and mind – If you do not get anything else out of this blog post, at least take this piece of advice. Listen to yourself. You know yourself better than anyone. So, if you are feeling overwhelmed, allow yourself to set back and reset. This might look like a hike, a walk around town, or a long gym session. There is nothing more important, even academics, than making sure you are healthy and happy.

Continue reading

Meet the PRAs – Krithika Santhanam

Meet Krithika Santhanam ’25, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) double majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology and Health Policy & Racial Disparities (individualized major).

Meet the PRAs, picture of Krithika, Peer Research Ambassador.What is the focus of your research?

The long bones of the adult arms and legs are originally completely made of cartilage. During embryonic development and adolescence, nearly all of the cartilage disappears and becomes replaced by bone through a process called endochondral ossification. The critical step of endochondral ossification is chondrocyte maturation; A stepwise differentiation program in which the chondrocytes that comprise the cartilage of the long bones proliferate, enlarge in size, and ultimately change into bone.

A key signal that promotes chondrocyte differentiation during maturation is the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) pathway; A critical positive regulator of chondrocyte differentiation during maturation, however which individual BMP factor(s) mediate this role and their influence on promoting proliferation and/or stem cell behaviors are unknown. My project aims to identify a new chondrocyte population that emerges below the growth plate and into the bone marrow space by using markers to identify their properties. My project provides insight into how understanding signals that control the balance of stemness and differentiation may help restore articular cartilage loss in adults by stimulating cartilage growth.

Why did you get involved in research?

In all honesty, I got involved in research because it was something I saw high-achieving individuals pursing around me. As a Freshman, I wondered if I would be able to write a research proposal, present at a conference, and go through the experimental design process. I wanted to engage in this process to learn more about myself and try something new. Once I found a project I was passionate about, digging deeper into my work came naturally and going through difficult processes like applying for SURF, creating a poster, and experimental design allowed me to grow valuable skills of presentation, communication, and collaboration which is what I hoped for going into the experience. Continue reading

Navigating Your First Weeks at UConn

By Lina Layakoubi, Peer Research Ambassador

As thousands of new students are welcomed to UConn, the excitement is palpable on campus. With each new student comes the beginning of a new journey, and though this transition can be fantastic, it is also a time when many students are facing new challenges and anxieties. I can say from personal experience, your first few weeks at UConn will probably be a little chaotic, but within this chaos you will find new passions and overcome new challenges. I want to share some tips that can make your transition less stressful!

1)  Settle In

At this point you’re probably just discovering UConn’s seemingly endless resources. Maybe you’ve left the Involvement Fair with a list of ten clubs you want to join, or you just opened Blackboard and have no idea how to post a discussion board. It may seem like everything is moving at lightning speed and information is being thrown at you from all sides.

If you’re anything like I was, you might be feeling stressed about making the most out of every minute. My best advice at this point is to slow down and take a breath. I promise none of the clubs or activities or dining hall “specials” are going anywhere. What’s most important now is acclimating yourself. Regardless of if you’ve lived away from home before, being a part of the UConn community is a major lifestyle change. Try and find the things that work for you and establish a routine. I remember my first semester on campus, I felt like I was being pulled into activities left and right. It took me a long time to feel settled and I think I caused myself unnecessary stress trying to do everything at once. Taking some time to settle into a routine gives you a chance to take small steps towards making new friends, learning new study habits, and discovering activities. Freshman year is about exploration. It’s about taking your time and figuring out what works for you and what you want out of UConn. Calming yourself down and settling in is the first step to having a great first year! Continue reading

Meet the PRAs – Lucie Lopez

Meet Lucie Lopez ’24, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) double majoring in Psychological Sciences and Spanish.

Meet the PRAs - picture of Lucie, Peer Research Ambassador.What is the focus of your research?

I am currently working on an IDEA Grant project that combines two of my research interests I had previously explored separately: social-emotional development and food insecurity. My research explores how participation in a free or reduced school meal program impacts sense of belonging at school, particularly for adolescents.

Why did you get involved in research?

Before coming to UConn, I didn’t have much of an understanding of what research really was and what the process entailed. I knew UConn was a Research I institution and had read about so many cool student-led research projects in the UConn Today magazine and always wondered how I could do something like that. I wanted to explore more of what research as an undergraduate could look like, so I joined a lab during my second semester. That experience in my lab and the SHARE summer apprenticeship taught me what the research process was like and made me realize that I really enjoyed it. After those experiences, I wanted to investigate my own ideas, so I applied for the IDEA Grant Program. I am currently working on an IDEA Grant project that combines two of my research interests I had previously explored separately: social-emotional development and food insecurity. My research explores how participation in a free or reduced school meal program impacts sense of belonging at school, particularly for adolescents. Continue reading

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Into Undergraduate Research

By Fariha Fardin, OUR Peer Research Ambassador

Student Research Blog, 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Into Undergraduate Research. By PRA Fariha.Being involved with research is an invaluable opportunity that I think everyone should take advantage of during their undergraduate years. I can definitely say that being involved in undergraduate research has been transformative for me academically, but also honed my skills and set my career trajectory on a promising path. As I reflect on my own experiences, here are ten insights I wish I had known before embarking on this exciting endeavor (in no particular order):

 1)  The Power of Inquiry

The old adage “Don’t be afraid to ask questions” holds true, though I’ll admit even I hesitated. It can be very intimidating when you’re surrounded by graduate students and professors who are very clearly extremely knowledgeable and busy. However, overcoming that intimidation and seeking clarification can open up opportunities for deeper understanding and more analytical thinking. Continue reading