By Mariam Vargas, Peer Research Ambassador

When I first got involved in research, I didn’t fully understand the impact it could have beyond the classroom. I thought of research as something abstract, confined to academia. But, with many different experiences over the past few years my perspective has changed, and my impact has widened.

Through my work as a research assistant, I’ve contributed to projects that aim to influence policy, advance human rights and prevent violence before it happens. Each of these experiences has taught me that research can do more than describe the world, it can improve it.

One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on is the CIRIGHTS Human Rights Data Project, where I helped assess how well countries comply with their international human rights obligations, focusing on judicially sanctioned torture. Through that experience I learned that data doesn’t just sit in a spreadsheet, it’s used by NGOs, scholars and policymakers to expose violations and push for accountability. By identifying where states are falling short, our work helps support the fight for justice but also accountability through sanctions, less aid and more.

I also worked on a project examining maternal organizations in Latin America, groups formed by mothers in response to state violence. These women, many of whom lost children to forced disappearances or political repression, turned their pain into advocacy. Studying their resilience and organizing strategies deepened my understanding of grassroots justice, reminded me that research can also preserve memory and amplify the voices of those most affected by injustice.

Most recently, I joined a research project in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security through a professor in the Department of Political Science, coding qualitative and quantitative data on rebel group recruitment patterns. The goal? To better understand the factors that drive people to join violent movements and to inform more effective, ethical counterterrorism strategies. Knowing that my research could contribute to policies aimed at preventing conflict and saving lives gave the work a new weight.

Research has the power to inform decision-makers, strengthen democratic institutions, and protect human rights. It can be a bridge between communities and policymakers, data and dignity, theory and practice.

For anyone unsure of whether research matters outside the university walls: it does. Whether it’s used to track violations, uplift marginalized voices, or guide national security strategies, research is one of the most important tools we have for making sense of, and making change in, our world.

Mariam is a senior double majoring in Political Science and IMJR: International Relations and minoring in Human Rights. Click here to learn more about Mariam.

By Hailey DeWalt, Peer Research Ambassador

You’ve probably heard a million times “find research you’re passionate about”, “engage in meaningful work”, “follow your heart”.

But… what if you don’t know what you’re passionate about?

Today I want to share a bit about my journey, how I figured out what excites me, and how you too can get started in research even if you’re not 100% sure where you want to go. Spoiler alert: it is more than okay to explore and change directions.

It’s Okay to Not Have It All Figured Out

For me, the issue wasn’t that I couldn’t find something interesting—it was that everything sounded interesting. Every topic felt groundbreaking, fascinating, and something I would be interested in exploring. I wanted to be involved in everything. And because of that, I struggled to figure out where to actually begin.

On top of that, there becomes the challenge of actually getting into a research lab, which can feel extremely intimidating and overwhelming.

So here is how I navigated it: Continue reading →

By Anabelle Bergstrom, Peer Research Ambassador

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 →

By Malak Nechnach, Peer Research Ambassador

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 →

By Andrei Abarientos, Peer Research Ambassador

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 →

By Alexis Elkinson, Peer Research Ambassador

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 →