Finding Passion and Allowing Uncertainty

Posted on by

By Andrei Abarientos, Peer Research Ambassador

Picture of the Storrs campus, Wilbur Cross Building steeple, and text "Student Research Blog, Finding Passion and Allowing Uncertainty, By PRA Andrei."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 →

Meet the PRAs: Malak Nechnach

Posted on by

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

Picture of OUR Peer Research Ambassador Malak, link to a "Meet the PRAs" profile of Malak.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 →

Social Media and Marketing Strategist

Posted on by

Opportunity Description

This position will support the publication of a book on the topic of the politics of disability and the US care crisis. The writing relates to the ways ableism (or the devaluation of disability) is embedded into every aspect of our culture and society, which then translates into such things as a lack of care infrastructure and the resulting dependence on the unpaid care work of family members.

I am looking for a student who can assist with social media and marketing. The student will conduct social media research (reviewing and compiling social media accounts and content related to topics covered in the book), navigate social media platforms, organize information gleaned from social media thematically in spreadsheets, synthesize broad trends, and advise on social media plans for the book, all while learning about the nonfiction trade book publishing process.

Student Qualifications
Required:
– Social media literacy with IG, TikTok, and Twitter, and other platforms
– Completed coursework in marketing/publicity, business/communications, and/or journalism

Preferred:
– Experience working in publicity, marketing, or advertising
– Have interest in topics related to disability and/or caregiving

How to Apply
Please submit a resume and brief write up of why you are a fit for the position.

Mentor: Laura Mauldin, Associate Professor
Department: WGSS/SCI
Email: laura.mauldin@uconn.edu
Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Campus: Storrs

Research Assistant for Autism Intervention Systematic Review

Posted on by

Opportunity Description

Join our systematic review project focused on understanding the effects of interventions on the brain and behavior of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We are conducting a comprehensive synthesis of neuroimaging and behavioral data from studies examining pre- and post-intervention changes in individuals with ASDs.

As a research assistant, your primary responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting with full-text screening of articles to determine eligibility based on our inclusion criteria.
  • Extracting data related to study design, participant demographics, intervention characteristics, neuroimaging, and behavioral outcomes.
  • Attending weekly team meetings (45 minutes online) to discuss progress, address challenges, and receive ongoing training and support.
  • Ensuring accuracy and consistency in data coding, and resolving discrepancies collaboratively.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in research methods, systematic reviews, neuroimaging, and autism intervention research. Course credit is available for this role; however, monetary compensation is not available.

Time Commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per week. Flexible schedule with an expected commitment for the Fall 2024 semester, with the possibility of extension into Spring 2025.

Student Qualifications
Required:

  • Junior or senior with interest in neuroscience, psychology, special education, or related fields.
  • Major in psychology, pre-med, neuroscience, education, or related field.
  • GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Attention to detail and ability to follow complex instructions.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred (but not required):

  • Previous research experience or coursework in neuroimaging, systematic reviews, or autism spectrum disorders.
  • Familiarity with academic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus) and citation management software.

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV, a brief statement of interest, and your weekly availability for Fall 2024 to deborah.schneider-richardson@uconn.edu at your earliest convenience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Mentor: Deborah Schneider, Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Department: Psychological Sciences (BrainLENS)
Email: deborah.schneider-richardson@uconn.edu
Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Ongoing
Campus: Storrs

Research Assistant Opportunity – Fact Checker

Posted on by

Opportunity Description

This position will support the publication of a book on the topic of the politics of disability and the US care crisis. The writing relates to the ways ableism (or the devaluation of disability) is embedded into every aspect of our culture and society, which then translates into such things as a lack of care infrastructure and the resulting dependence on the unpaid care work of family members. I am looking for a student who can assist with fact checking for the book, which is an important process in all researched/journalistic writing. Duties will include but aren’t limited to:

  • Checking cited references
  • Cross checking field notes
  • Learning how to use citation software
  • Creating bibliographies
  • General support

Student Qualifications
Qualifications:

  • Experience with research
  • Knowledge of fact checking processes

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working for the school newspaper or in other journalistic endeavors

How to Apply
Please email your resume and a brief write up of why you think you are a good fit for this opportunity to Professor Laura Mauldin (laura.mauldin@uconn.edu.

Mentor: Laura Mauldin, Associate Professor
Department: WGSS/SCI
Email: laura.mauldin@uconn.edu
Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Campus: Storrs

Meet the PRAs: Michela Brown

Posted on by

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 →

Research Assistant at ECOM (Expression, Communication, and the Origins of Meaning) Research Group

Posted on by

Opportunity Description

As an undergraduate research assistant at ECOM (Expression, Communication, and the Origins of Meaning Research Group), you will play a key role in organizing conferences and talks, contributing to the smooth execution of these academic events. You will also assist with research activities, particularly in conducting literature reviews to support ongoing projects. Additionally, if you have skills in website design, you will help maintain and update the ECOM website, ensuring it effectively communicates our work and events to the academic community. We are especially interested in students from philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, or related fields, as this role offers valuable experience in both research and event coordination, along with the opportunity to enhance your digital skills.

Availability: Must be available to work approximately 9 hours per week, with some flexibility to accommodate key event dates. Specific times will be discussed during the interview process.

Student Qualifications
Academic Background: Must be an undergraduate student majoring in philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, or a related field.

Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough literature reviews, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and synthesis of academic materials.

Event Coordination: Interest in or experience with organizing academic events, such as conferences and talks, is preferred.

Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in website design and maintenance is desirable but not required.

Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for coordinating with event speakers, team members, and managing public-facing content.

Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting, as well as independently on assigned tasks.

Attention to Detail: Must be detail-oriented, especially in tasks related to research, event planning, and website content management

How to Apply
Interested students should submit the following materials to apply for this research opportunity:

  • CV/Resume: Include relevant academic background, coursework, and any previous research or event coordination experience.
  • Short Statement: Provide a brief statement (no more than 300 words) explaining your interest in this position, any relevant skills or experience you bring, and your availability.

Please send your application materials to Utku Sonsayar utku.sonsayar@uconn.edu

Mentor: Dorit Bar-On, Professor
Department: Philosophy
Email: dorit.bar-on@uconn.edu
Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
Campus: Storrs

Research Opportunity – Robotics Design

Posted on by

Opportunity Description

The Ruka Lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering studies prosthetic and robotic grasping, manipulation, and controls. This position is a research experience focusing on end-effector and test object design. In addition to end-effectors, the choice of test objects is important to comprehensively validate the invention. Working on this project entails designing, building, testing, and iterating using 3D modeling software and additive manufacturing techniques. The student will be expected to work approximately 10hr/week and will primarily include independent design work and regular weekly meetings to discuss progress. Submitting work for publication will be contingent on good progress and interest from the student.

Student Qualifications
Experience with Solidworks or other 3D modelling software is necessary. Experience with MATLAB is a plus, as is experience with prosthetics and robotics, but not necessary. Those without prior research experience are encouraged to apply, so long as they are excited to work on creative hands-on design projects that they will help bring to life.

How to Apply
Please email Professor Yuri Gloumakov (yuri.gloumakov@uconn.edu), and include your year, major, classes you have taken related to design and engineering, a design portfolio (if you have one), how many hours per week you would like to work, and a brief description of why you are interested in this position. Attaching a resume is optional.

Mentor: Yuri Gloumakov, Assistant Professor
Department: Electrical and Computer Engingeering
Email: yuri.gloumakov@uconn.edu
Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Ongoing
Campus: Storrs

Meet the PRAs – Naomi Benningfield

Posted on by

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

Picture of PRA Naomi Benningfield with text "Naomi, Peer Research Ambassador" and link to a Meet the PRAs profile.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 →

Meet the PRAs – Hansuja Chaurasia

Posted on by

Meet Hansuja Chaurasia ’26, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Allied Health Sciences and minoring in Spanish.

Picture of Hansuja, OUR Peer Research Ambassador.What is the focus of your research?

Currently, I am involved in the Kienzler Lab in the chemistry department. We work with photoswitches, which are molecules that change shape when interacting with light. I am working on the synthesis of light-sensitive calcium channel inhibitors. I recently have been helping out with research in the Duffy Lab in the Allied Health Department, working on promoting nutrition and oral health in toddler populations.

Why did you get involved in research?

I got involved in research because I loved the idea of applying the things I’ve learned in my academic career to an actual scientific experience. I wanted to see firsthand what the scientific method is like in the real world, and how new discoveries and knowledge are made. Research allows me to dive deeper into topics I’m passionate about, to ask questions and challenge myself, and to contribute to the overall advancement of scientific knowledge, even in a small way. Continue reading →