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 →

Meet Alexis Elkinson ’25, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Physiology & Neurobiology.

What is the focus of your research?
During my sophomore year, I began working as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Guillermo Risatti’s Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Collaborating with the Engineering Department, I took on a leading role in researching the relationship between fabric components and bacterial resistance. This project involved cultivating various bacteria strains and testing their interactions with specific fabric materials, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective and advanced antimicrobial procedure masks and air filters.

I also began pursuing my interests further by embarking on an independent study working under Dr. Risatti focusing on the genetic characterization of microbes through next-generation sequencing, particularly of COVID-19 variants and rabies viruses. This research forms the basis of my honors thesis.

Why did you get involved in research?
I pursued involvement in research to engage in a creative activity beyond the scope of my major. While I am deeply interested in the processes of physiology and neurobiology, I sought to challenge myself with a different field, which is why I aimed to join a pathology lab. By exposing myself to novel procedures and operations, I believe I can become a more well-rounded student and future physician. Continue reading →

Meet Krithika Santhanam ’25 an OUR Peer Research Ambassador double majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology and Individualized: Health Policy & Racial Disparities.

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 in the Dealy Lab 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. Continue reading →

Meet Andrei Abarientos ’26 an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Pathobiology.

What is the focus of your research?

Here at UConn, I work on vaccine design for emerging tick-borne viruses. These include Powassan virus (which is a burden here in New England), Heartland virus, and SFTSV (a virus found predominantly in East Asia). I also did an internship with the National Institutes of Health studying tick biology: namely, how mammalian skin proteins can be inhibited by tick saliva, preventing wound closure and allowing ticks to feed effectively. My scientific interests broadly are focused on vector-borne diseases, infectious agents that can be spread by insects like ticks, mosquitoes, or fleas.

Why did you get involved in research?

I got involved in research because the act of discovery is intrinsically exciting and dynamic. It’s cool knowing that the work you’re doing is something that hasn’t been done before, and even negative results can push a project forward. It’s even more exciting knowing that work might lead to more positive outcomes in controlling infectious diseases. Continue reading →

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

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 →

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

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

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 →