What years did you participate in UROP?

Freshman (2017-2018) and Sophomore (2018-2019)

What UROP Program(s) were you a part of?

UROP first year and Research Scholar

What made you choose UROP?

I chose UROP first because I always wanted to do research going into college, and UROP was the first research program to contact me as I am coming to orientation in June. I saw this great program and decided to not let go.

 

What do you think you have learned from your UROP experience?

What have I not learned from UROP?!

  • UROP taught me basically everything I know about research and networking. 
  • I learned how to interact with professional persons like professors,
  • How to find library resources,
  • How useful the library system is,
  • How to write in a professional way,
  • How to write a resume (never done it before),
  • How to be confident,
  • How to maximize the utility of my talent and my existing knowledge,
  • How useful myself is to researchers,
  • The fact that undergraduate students could help with research,
  • The fact that undergraduate students could self-direct research (this is unimaginable for my friends in China),
  • This list could be expanded beyond the horizon.

 

What is the extent to which you have kept in contact with your Research Mentor?

I continued to do research with my professor the summer after I was done with research scholars. I worked his research projects, and he helped me with my paper’s editing and publication submissions. I worked with him up until he left to work for Facebook this month. 

 

How did your UROP experience shape or inform the next steps you took in your academic and professional journey?

Since UROP taught me how enjoyable burying myself into old books is, I want to pursue a PHD eventually, and maybe work for a think tank or research projects so I could find knowledge in history. Even if I know doing research is hard, the interest I have in it still makes me want to do it.

 

What advice would you give to a current UROP student?

When you choose a project, please choose one that you absolutely love. Many people will tell you to be realistic and do what is “good” for your future; however, I believe that what is “good” for you is what make you work hard. People work hard faithfully only when they love what they are doing.

 

What are some recent publications or accomplishments that you are proud of?

Dr. Javed, who hired me to research for the past almost 3 years, gave me 3 of his most rare books. These are books that only a handful of universities have (they only have the photocopy version; I have the real thing). I also submitted my paper to two top-tier journal on Chinese studies, who gave me very valuable feedback.

 

Is there any other advice you would like to impart to current or future UROP students?

  1. Treat your project mentor with great respect. It goes a long way.
  2. Find a project that you love.
  3. Make sure you utilize very opportunity that your mentor provides you with.
  4. Don’t just do what’s required. Do what’s beyond required.