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Zoey Brookbanks
MRADS was not only a way to jump start my research at the University of Michigan, but a way to connect with a built in community, and facilitate my transition to college life. I have been able to find a long term research position and participate in a selective summer program due to the support I found through MRADS. As a first year student, I learned professional development skills, joined seminars, engaged in research, and presented my findings at a conference. MRADS was integral to my success and enjoyment found at UMich, I am so glad to have been a part of this program.
Myrra Arrya
As an international student from Mumbai, India, MRADS was a fantastic way to get involved in the Michigan community from the very start. Through MRADS, I was able to make invaluable professional connections as well as an extremely diverse friend group. Without MRADS, I would have been lost on a campus this size, and I am so grateful I joined so I could have the experience of working at a research lab, presenting my research, and also going to fun events they planned like ice skating. The peer mentors and advisors are a great source of support and guidance, and as an MRADS student, you also have access to resources like special study groups. I truly recommend MRADS to any international student who has an interest in research and wants to be a part of a small, close-knit, diverse and ambitious community on campus.
Spencer Johnson
Being part of the Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars (MRADS) has greatly influenced my University of Michigan experience. As a freshman, I dived into exciting research, collaborated meaningfully with my community, and built connections with mentors and peers. MRADS’ supportive community and the opportunity to be involved in research has shaped my academic journey and career aspirations at the University of Michigan. I am truly grateful for these enriching experiences.
Lee Hickman
During my freshman year, everyone was online due to COVID-19 and it was really hard to establish a community. However, MRADS made that so easy for me and I've made some of the best friends I've ever had in undergrad. MRADS opened me up to a whole new world of professional and leadership opportunities while being around one of the most diverse and academically motivated populations on campus. I feel so lucky to be a part of MRADS because finding research at one of the top public research universities in the world was made so easy.
Katie Zhao
Joining MRADS was undoubtedly the best decision I have made so far during my time at the University of Michigan. Coming into college as a nervous and slightly overwhelmed freshman, the close-knit community feeling of MRADS fostered by student leaders and staff really helped make Michigan feel like home. It was also such an important means of helping me break out of my comfort zone and meet so many new friends from a variety of different backgrounds—many of whom I am still close with now. MRADS also offered me such an important introduction to my professional development and guided me through many opportunities at Michigan, both in research and beyond. I can directly pinpoint many ways in which I have grown in college as a result of my MRADS experience; it is a program I will forever be grateful to have been a part of at Michigan.
Vivica Addrow
I joined MRADS my first year of college knowing it would be a community where I could grow. Through MRADS I made a multitude of friends, which allowed me to break out of my shell. While also making friendships, I was also able to further explore my interest in research. Thanks to MRADS I got my first publication as a first-year student!
