Peer Research Ambassadors

Goals and Growth: Reflections of a Graduating Peer Research Ambassador

By Anabelle Bergstrom, Peer Research Ambassador

Picture of the UConn Sign with bright yellow and red flowers below. Text: "Student Research Blog, Goals and Growth: Reflections of a Graduating Peer Research Ambassador, By PRA Anabelle"As I write this blog article, I cannot believe I am coming to the end of my undergraduate career. I also cannot believe that I will be wrapping up my time as a Peer Research Ambassador, a position I have held since the summer between my freshman and sophomore years. This position in the Office of Undergraduate Research has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. My favorite part has been meeting students who are as interested in research as I am and helping them find their research passion. Over the past (almost) four years, I have learned so much that you may find useful as you continue to pursue your own undergraduate research goals. Continue reading

Balancing Research and Life: A Crash Course to Undergraduate Success

By Malak Nechnach, Peer Research Ambassador

Student Research Blog - Balancing Research and Life: A Crash Course to Undergraduate Success, By PRA Malak with link https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/2025/03/03/balancing-research/Undergraduate research is an amazing experience that enriches a student’s academic journey, providing opportunities to deepen knowledge, develop critical thinking skills and gain hands-on experience in a chosen field. However balancing research commitments with academic coursework and other commitments can be very challenging. Effective time management, setting clear priorities and fostering a supportive environment is essential for maintaining academic excellence while engaging in research.

Last semester proved to be very difficult for me to balance research with my other commitments. I realized I had to sacrifice something to be able to accommodate to my schedule, and usually that sacrifice was time and mental health. Although I loved my lab, I was not able to manage my time successfully and quickly felt drained in work. I believe this is an issue that a lot of undergraduate’s encounters once they start dedicating six, ten to twelve hours a week to research, which is why I hope my advice will help! Continue reading

Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Balancing Research, Jobs, Clubs, & Schoolwork

By Michela Brown, Peer Research Ambassador

Picture of Swan Lake and the Chemistry Building on the UConn Storrs campus with text: "Student Research Blog: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Balancing Research, Jobs, Clubs, & Schoolwork, By PRA Michela."As a senior in college, I’ve come to know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to juggle classes, jobs, club commitments, and leadership roles – let alone adding research to the mix. Some days, it seems like there just aren’t enough hours to get everything done, and the pressure to succeed can feel intense. But let me assure you – everything will be okay. The key is finding balance and giving yourself grace along the way. Here are some strategies that have helped me navigate this journey and a reminder that you are not alone. Continue reading

Discovering Your Story

By Andrei Abarientos, Peer Research Ambassador

Snowy overhead picture of the Wilbur Cross building and adjacent buildings on the Storrs campus with text "Student Research Blog: Discovering Your Story, By PRA Andrei"One of the most important lessons that I learned as a researcher is that your research (and your experiences with it) is a story. One of the most important things you can do as an undergraduate to prepare for your future is to reflect and understand your own path, and how your research plays into that. Hand-in-hand with that is being able to effectively craft a narrative, which is crucial anytime you are explaining yourself, your work, and your career. Whether you’re studying molecular processes, supermassive black holes, or social issues, placing your work into a larger context and effectively articulate your path is a major pillar of being a researcher. In large presentations, interviews, applications, or even just small-talk with colleagues, having a mastery of storytelling is an oft-overlooked skill of a scientific or investigative career. There’s a myriad of ways to go about this, but here are a few steps to crafting your story that I’ve picked up through experience and through listening to others: Continue reading

Breaking the Mold: Standing Out in Your Pre-Health Journey

By Alexis Elkinson, Peer Research Ambassador

Picture of a tree on the Storrs campus with text "Student Research Blog: Breaking the Mold: Standing Out in Your Pre-Health Journey, by PRA Alexis" with link https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/2025/01/31/breaking-the-mold/The road to a career in medicine, dentistry, or any graduate health program is often paved with rigorous coursework, competitive exams, and carefully curated extracurriculars. Many students strive to become the “perfect” or “cookie-cutter” applicant—someone with a flawless GPA, high test scores, and a checklist of clinical or community service hours and research experience. But the truth is, admissions committees are looking for more than just numbers. They seek individuals who are unique, passionate, and self-aware. So, how can you stand out? By embracing what makes you different, sharing your authentic experiences, and demonstrating your commitment to growth—both as a future healthcare professional and as a person. Continue reading

At Your Own Pace

By Naomi Benningfield, Peer Research Ambassador

Picture of students in a medical simulation room with text "Student Research Blog - At Your Own Pace, By PRA Naomi" and link - https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/2025/01/23/at-your-own-pace/“Do you know you have thirty minutes? Thirty, thirty, yes…”

At some point or another, we have all experienced the burning torment of falling behind in a never-ending race. What were we doing in 3rd grade when we should have been saving up for a house? Or last semester, when we should’ve completed our second research thesis? What about the freshman next door who has already lined up a research internship with Yale and is studying to take the MCAT?

As you carry on through your academic endeavors, you will continually come across people who appear unbreakable and completely have their s*** together! It will feel easy and even natural to compare yourself to them, especially when we live in a world in which success is often publicly displayed. You may think, “Maybe I’m not cut out to go to medical school. I haven’t heard back from any of the professors I emailed. I’m not smart enough to do research, it isn’t for me.” These feelings of self-doubt will eat away at your subconscious as you let the pressure of trying to be “good enough” consume you. Continue reading

Graduating PRA Spotlight: Riley Beckham, Dec. ’24

Picture of OUR Peer Research Ambassador Riley Beckham with text: "Riley - PRA Grad Reflections" and link - https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/2025/01/10/graduating-pra-riley-beckham/.Riley Beckham, Dec. ’24
Major: Electrical Engineering
OUR Peer Research Ambassador 

My Journey:

I first came to UConn in the Fall of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For my first year or so of school, I felt isolated and alone, and as a result, my academic performance started to suffer. I started to question what I was doing here and if this was the right path for me to take. I didn’t have a lot of self-confidence and worried that even if I were to graduate, I would struggle to find a job or build any kind of meaningful career. Continue reading

The Importance of Choosing the Right Undergraduate Research Mentor

By Malak Nechnach, Peer Research Ambassador

Overhead picture of the UConn Storrs campus with text: "Student Research Blog: The Importance of Choosing the Right Undergrad Research Mentor, By PRA Malak"Undergraduate research is one of the most significant academic experiences that can shape your intellectual growth, develop key skills, and pave the way for future academic and professional opportunities. One of the most critical decisions you will make during this journey is selecting the right mentor. A mentor plays a central role in your research journey, providing guidance, feedback, and the support necessary to succeed. However, choosing the right mentor isn’t always an easy task, and it requires careful consideration of several important factors. Continue reading

Research Is for the Social Sciences Too

By Mariam Vargas, Peer Research Ambassador

Picture of the Homer Babbidge Library on the Storrs campus with text "Student Research Blog: Research Is for the Social Sciences Too, By PRA Mariam"When people think about research, they often picture scientists in lab coats conducting experiments in high-tech labs. I’ve lost count of how many times STEM majors have told me they were surprised I was doing research. But here’s the thing—the “science” in Political Science is not just a placeholder. Research isn’t confined to the natural sciences; it’s just as vital in the social sciences. At its core, research in the social sciences helps us understand human behavior, society, and the systems that govern our lives. This work doesn’t require microscopes or petri dishes. It demands curiosity, critical thinking, and a drive to uncover the “why” behind the way our world works.

In the social sciences, research begins with a question. What factors drive political stability or instability in different countries? How do international norms influence state behavior in the global arena? What explains voter turnout patterns in key elections? These questions guide investigations that have the potential to inform policies, strengthen diplomatic efforts, and promote global justice. Social science research is everywhere. When you see predictions for voter turnout in an upcoming election, assessments of human rights compliance, or analyses of peace agreements, you’re seeing the power of social science research in action. Continue reading

Meet the PRAs: Hailey DeWalt

Meet Hailey DeWalt ’26, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology and minoring in Healthcare Management & Insurance Studies.

What is the focus of your research?

I got started in research as a Health Research Program Fellow last summer, working in Dr. Caroline Dealy’s Lab at UConn Health. The focus of my project was on understanding the biological role of an alternatively spliced EGFR isoform and its implication in cancer diagnostics. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a predictive EGFR cancer diagnostic test.  

This current semester I am also starting in Dr. Nyholm’s Molecular and Cell Biology lab here on campus, where I will be investigating the egg microbiome of the Hawaiian bobtail squid and its potential for antibiotic discovery and development.   Continue reading