When Schreyer Honors College Scholar Alice Cai came to Penn State, getting involved in undergraduate research was one of the first things on her to-do list. Within her first semester, Cai had obtained a spot in a research lab, and decided to set her sights on a new goal. Along with fellow Scholar Nathan Arnett, Cai founded the Undergraduate Research Society to help other students gain research experience.
“We started [the Undergraduate Research Society] because we felt that if it weren’t for our status as Schreyer Scholars, we would have had a much more difficult time in learning about research opportunities and joining a lab,” said Cai, who is double-majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology and immunology and infectious disease. “We also wanted to create an inclusive community of undergraduates who are passionate about research. The goal of the organization is to expose students to various research opportunities and form a network of peers and faculty.”
The Undergraduate Research Society hosts faculty talks, mentoring sessions and workshops. Recently, it also hosted a summer internship workshop where members helped one another search for internship opportunities and peer-review applications.
“The club is about creating a student-led environment for information regarding research, sharing our personal research experiences, and learning about different research on campus through our faculty guest speakers,” said Scholar Kaleb Bogale, who serves as the club’s treasurer. Bogale, a junior majoring in biology with the neuroscience option, has been an active member of the Society since its founding, and first became involved in undergraduate research through the Millennium Scholars Program.
Scholar Rhea Sullivan, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, said that undergraduate research was an important part of her decision to attend Penn State.
“The main reason I came to Penn State as an undergraduate student was because I knew that I would have the opportunity to conduct research,” Sullivan said. “A lot of other big schools that pride themselves in academic excellence have more of a focus on graduate research.”
Although Penn State is well-known for its undergraduate research, Sullivan understands the challenges of getting involved in research as a freshman, and she joined the Society so that she could be a resource to her fellow students.
“Penn State advertises and really markets its undergraduate research institution appeal,” Sullivan said. “However, when a lot of young students arrive here, they are confused as to how to make that jump into a research lab that fits them and their interests. Our mission is to educate and mentor students until they can find a research lab or experience that fits them.”
In addition to connecting students with research opportunities, the Society has developed a non-credited, semester-long basic laboratory course to train members in laboratory techniques. The program, called Undergraduate Research in Science and Engineering or U-RISE for short, teaches undergraduate students the basic techniques for working in a research lab.
All of these programs serve the Society’s ultimate goal of getting undergraduate students involved in research.
“The benefits of involvement in undergraduate research are huge,” Cai said. “Hands-on research has taught me more practical skills and ways of scientific thinking than in any classroom. I was also able to apply what I learned in the classroom to practical situations in the lab. Additionally, the faculty and students I work with have become great mentors and close friends.”
Bogale echoed the value of the connections made with faculty and fellow researchers in the lab.
“The most beneficial aspect of my undergraduate research was learning from leaders in their respective fields,” Bogale said. “Regardless of my career aspirations, I have role models who show me how they became leaders.”
The Schreyer Honors College promotes academic excellence with integrity, the building of a global perspective, and creation of opportunities for leadership and civic engagement. Schreyer Honors Scholars, including Gateway Scholars admitted after their first or second year of enrollment, total more than 1,900 students at University Park and 20 Commonwealth campuses. They represent the top 2 percent of students at Penn State who perform well academically and lead on campus.