By Malak Nechnach, Peer Research Ambassador

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 →

By Mariam Vargas, Peer Research Ambassador

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 →

By Riley Beckham, Peer Research Ambassador

Dwight Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States and Supreme Commander of Allied forces in Europe during WWII, is considered by many to be one of the greatest strategic thinkers of the 20th century. As the mastermind behind D-Day, the Allied invasion of Western Europe, Eisenhower was a shrewd planner who was determined to account for all possible contingencies. Yet, when reflecting on his experiences in the Army many years after the war, he is quoted as saying “Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable”.

To many of you reading this blog, the above statement may seem paradoxical upon first inspection. After all, if plans are useless, why bother making them? To illustrate the wisdom of Eisenhower’s words, I’d like to use my own experiences as an example.

As a high school graduate in the year 2020, I thought I had my whole life figured out. I thought I had planned out every possible contingency, thought of every path laid out ahead of me and narrowed down everything to the ultimate way forward. I was gonna go to college, graduate on time, get a nice stable job, then go on with my life from there. Everything would be simple and straightforward. Not easy, surely. But simple. Continue reading →

By Alexis Elkinson, Peer Research Ambassador

Getting involved in research can feel intimidating at first, especially when you are just beginning to navigate the different paths available. However, this early stage of uncertainty is exactly the time to explore. Rather than diving headfirst into the first research opportunity that comes your way, it is essential to take a step back and assess what excites you and where your true interests lie. This is where shadowing becomes an invaluable tool. Shadowing allows you to observe without immediate pressure, giving you the time and space to explore different fields before committing, helping you avoid burnout while developing a deeper understanding of your potential career paths.

The key to making the most of your research journey is to shadow a diverse range of professionals—whether they be physicians, researchers, or project coordinators in your area of interest. This does not just apply to the sciences; exploring various domains like medicine, social sciences, and even the humanities can broaden your perspective. When you shadow, you are not just watching someone work; you’re gaining insight into the day-to-day realities of that profession or research field. You can observe the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the culture of collaboration or independence that the environment fosters. By experiencing these aspects firsthand, you can better align your research pursuits with your future goals. Continue reading →

By Anabelle Bergstrom, Peer Research Ambassador

College offers so many opportunities to study topics that you find interesting or that will help you navigate your future career. Learning logical reasoning skills through mathematics, understanding the food chain, and discussing historical sources for research are all great skills that can take you far. As I have migrated through the academic sphere and into professional workplace environments, I have learned how important another skill that is not talked about nearly enough: professionalism. Being professional goes beyond what you wear to classes or work every day. Learning the many skills that are part of “being professional” can open new doors, allow you to meet new people, and could even land you a job someday.

One of the many skills that is often associated with achieving professionalism is the way one dresses when one shows up for a meeting or for work. Of course, dressing appropriately for the event you are attending is important. However, being professional is more than external “what meets the eye” characteristics. You could show up to an interview looking the part, but that will not matter if you are unable to introduce yourself in a clear and confident way. The way you address people, eye contact, and being punctual are just a few of the ways you can level up how you portray yourself outwardly. These skills are incredibly important as you begin or continue to network with those in your field. Continue reading →

By Michela Brown, Peer Research Ambassador

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 →

By Andrei Abarientos, Peer Research Ambassador

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 →

By Grace Vaidian, Peer Research Ambassador

In my previous blog post “Tips for Starting an Independent Research Project”, I provided advice on developing a self-driven research project. While the pursuit of independent projects is undeniably valuable, the reality for many undergraduate students seeking research involves participation in collaborative research. Solo projects need funding and resources, which can be hard to obtain alone. Collaborative projects often offer more accessible routes into research, leveraging existing resources and established teams. This could be through a research lab or joining a professor’s ongoing study. In this blog, I will explore key tips for successful collaborative research projects, drawing from personal experiences and lessons learned.  Continue reading →