By Priscilla Grillakis, OUR Peer Research Ambassador

I recently applied to graduate programs to pursue a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Throughout the application process, I struggled with the challenge of condensing a year’s worth of research into the small space on the application and on my resume, and with explaining my research within the time allotted during the interview process. I also faced the dilemma of whether to apply for formal research opportunities in these new programs.

If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few tips that helped me: Continue reading →

By: Emily Saccuzzo, OUR Peer Research Ambassador

When I first started at UConn as an undergraduate I had absolutely no idea what I wanted for my future career. I came in undeclared with only a vague idea that I knew I loved science in high school. I first started taking chem classes and realized that this was something that maybe I could see myself making a career out of but still I didn’t know what I wanted that career to look like or even what a career in chemistry could look like. I decided to join chemistry club in my sophomore year and quickly learned from other students about the undergraduate research that they were doing. Continue reading →

By: Sarah Robbins, OUR Peer Research Ambassador

Finding Inspiration – Don’t Get Bogged Down in the Everyday

On a day-to-day basis research can appear to be daunting, monotonous and full of long days with lots of setbacks. So, what makes you keep going? The answer might vary, but likely everyone has some kind of inspiration that motivates them. It’s hard to be optimistic when you’ve been pipetting for what seems like an entire day, or a month of experiments still don’t work. But, I would like to share some suggestions I have for staying inspired. Continue reading →

By: Emily Regan, OUR Peer Research Ambassador

As with anything in life, research and creative projects are wrought with setbacks, surprises and even failures. No matter how carefully you plan, schedule or prepare, bumps on the road are inevitable. What’s most important is how you handle these setbacks, and what you learn from them.

When things deviate from the original plan, it can feel overwhelming and defeating. It’s important to have skills and strategies in place ahead of time in order to move past these challenges and be triumphant in your research or creative endeavors. Here are strategies that I’ve learned through my creative process that have helped me recover from setbacks and be successful in my project. Continue reading →

By: Soumya Kundu, OUR Peer Research Ambassador

Your first research conference will be one of the most exciting experiences of your research career. After spending months working in your lab, this is going to be your first opportunity to meet other researchers in your field outside of your university, catch a glimpse of some of the work being done by peers at other institutions, and maybe even present your own work! However, as with most new experiences, there is always a degree of anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of not knowing what to expect at your first conference. Here, I will offer a few simple pieces of advice that can help you prepare to make the most of this valuable opportunity. Continue reading →

By: Kavita Sinha, OUR Peer Research Ambassador

A month ago, I traveled to the New England Immunology Conference in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Despite the rain and the fact that my hair, which I had spent over an hour straightening, had returned to its natural curly and frizzy state, I was excited. This conference would be a time for me to meet other scientists in the field and to make important connections. Further, it was the first time that I could showcase some of my research in front of people who did similar work, which would only help to improve my presentation skills. I had planned the perfect outfit, both stylish (in my opinion) and professional. And that’s what I want to focus this blog post on. The outfit.

Continue reading →