What years did you participate in UROP? 

I was in UROP from 2012-2013

 

What made you choose UROP?

I wanted to get involved in research at the university and thought UROP would be a great way to get started.

 

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

UROP helped me better understand my research interests. Initially I was planning on pursuing the biomedical sciences, but once I saw the all the research position listings across fields it piqued my interest in joining a Cultural Psychology lab. 

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

Unfortunately we have not stayed in touch.

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

Being in UROP made me realize that I was more interested in doing research in psychology and the social sciences in general. I'm currently a PhD student in Cognitive Science and I'm still thinking about topics that I worked on in my UROP lab! 

What advice would you give to a current UROP student?

Remember that you don't have to stick to anything that doesn't feel right. If your current lab isn't working out, there's always opportunities elsewhere. At U-M I worked in 4 labs before graduating and each one had its own vibe and way of doing things. It's definitely worth finding a spot where you feel comfortable and where you're excited about what you're working on. 

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

Getting accepted and starting my PhD program at UCSD has been something I'm proud of. I don't have any publications yet, but I'm really excited about the projects that I'm working on and grateful that I have the opportunity to be involved. 

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

Don't be afraid to try something different and pursue something that might not have been on your "original" plan but still interests you. Undergrad is a great time to explore new avenues! Even if you ultimately decide to stick to what you initially set out for, having explored other possibilities will give you a unique (and valuable) perspective in your field.