What years did you participate in UROP?

Fall 2017-Winter 2018, Fall 2018-Winter 2019 (Research Scholars)

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

Traditional UROP, and Research Scholars

What made you choose UROP?

When choosing where to go to college, I wanted to go somewhere on the frontlines of the future in terms of health care. Michigan is one of the biggest research institutes in the nation and I wanted to get involved. UROP allowed me to do so.

 

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

I worked in the Frankel Laboratory during both my freshman and sophomore years at Michigan. Our goal was to find an efficient treatment for pancreatic cancer which thus far has poor survival rates. Not only was I able to develop my analytical and basic laboratory skills, but I was also able to build strong relationships and public speaking skills.

 

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

My mentor and I had great communication. While working in the lab, I was with her 3 days a week minimum. As a result of her expertise and guidance, I have a much deeper understanding of research methods, presentations, scientific papers, communication, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, she got to know me as a whole and I got to know her as a whole. I learned about her lifestyle and she learned about mine. The relationship was mutual and that's what makes it strong. I still keep in touch with my mentor now and we catch up every few months. 

 

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

My experience in UROP initiated my goal of using data analytics to solve real-world health care problems with innovative solutions. In the summer between my freshman and sophomore year, I was given the opportunity to present my research to other members of the Department of Surgery at the Moses Gunn Research Conference as my abstract was selected in the top 25. I later presented to interdisciplinary students and professors at the University of Michigan as a research scholar. The ability to explain complex medical research and understand terms using visualization is one of the most applicable professional skills I gained.

 

What advice would you give to a current UROP student?

My biggest piece of advice would be you get what you put in. To get the most out of the program you have to be driven and motivated to not only make an impact on the future but also develop strong relationships while doing so.

While doing research, I also found myself learning and growing the most when I was positive. Research can be slow and it doesn't always go according to the plan, but being positive gets you to ask more questions and advance your research.

 

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

My abstract was featured in the Moses Gunn Conference in 2018. I was selected to be in the top 25.