Meet Current Students

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.

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.

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.

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!

Sydney Conley

Hometown: Gladwin, MI

Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Why MRADS?

MRADS was very appealing because of the research opportunities, and that is why it was one of my top choices. However, I could see the community within MRADS that I needed for Michigan to feel like home, and it became my top choice.

Favorite MRADS Memory

My favorite MRADS memory would have to be the Alumni Seminars, and I am looking forward to the Research Seminars. These seminars have taught me to look at research from a new perspective and have brought me closer to the MRADS community.

Tell us about your research project

I was looking for a research project in the STEM field; however, when I couldn't find the research I was looking for, I looked into different projects. I found a great project that focused on historical change and linguistics. My project has allowed me to work with multiple research methods that I now find more interesting every day. My project has also allowed me to consider different minors that I never considered before.

Why should students join MRADS?

In MRADS, you will become a part of a community with endless support, create lifelong memories and friendships, and become a part of a diverse group of students at the forefront of research. Words cannot describe how much MRADS has done for me.

How has MRADS impacted you?

MRADS has given me friends that I wouldn't have otherwise met. With the coronavirus and mainly online classes, I was still able to safely make meaningful connections with others in MRADS.

Atul Gera

Hometown: Plainview, NY

Major: Computer Science

Why MRADS?

I chose MRADS to join a community of young researchers and to enjoy my residential experience in Mojo with friends. Going to class with MRADS students and seeing them everyday in the hallways, dining hall, and elsewhere has made me more comfortable on such a large campus.

Favorite MRADS Memory

I loved the Halloween murder mystery event because it was tons of fun to see everyone online in a costume and argue about who is the most suspicious.

Tell us a little bit about your research project

I conduct research in the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies identifying the role of social media in electoral politics and violence. Focusing on Cote d'Ivoire, I collected data from thousands of Facebook posts regarding the country's presidential candidates. This project is highly interdisciplinary, and I love the opportunity to work with data, French, and politics. Remote research has also been rewarding because I can work at my own pace. 

Why should students join MRADS?

You should join MRADS because there are so many resources, from workshops to study groups, to help you succeed in your academic career. Not to mention, you will be a part of quite a diverse community where you will meet a lot of new friends who share your interests.

How has MRADS impacted you?

MRADS has given me an excellent first-year foundation from which the sky is the limit. I am always learning something new about college or classes from the many peer advisors, mentors, and friends that I have met this past year. Join MRADS, and GO BLUE!!

Teresa Lee

Hometown: Hong Kong

Major: Computer Engineering

Why MRADS?

I chose MRADS to participate in research and find a relatively smaller community in such a big university.

Favorite MRADS Memory

Having fun in community events, and meeting people in this weird semester.

Tell us a little bit about your research project

I was able to choose a research project that's related to ancient astronomy, which I would have never thought I'd be involved in. Even though I'm physically on the other side of the world, the MRADS staff and peers are very supportive and helpful in the process of my project search. I have gained a lot from my project, which might not be directly related to my major, but it helps me think from a very different perspective and trains my creativity.

Why should students join MRADS?

You would be able to meet new people, learn a lot of skills and guidance from MRADS staff, and be in a great peer support system that lifts you up when you're feeling down.

How has MRADS impacted you?

MRADS definitely helped me meet new people during the pandemic. I have gained a lot of knowledge and skills that are necessary for college life through workshops provided in MRADS.