What years did you participate in UROP?

2013-2017

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

Traditional UROP as a Freshman (Social Sciences)

Peer Advisor/Peer Facilitator

 

What made you choose UROP?

I was curious about research, but didn't really know what it could look like outside of what I had seen on TV/movies (mainly a lot of lab coats and beakers). As someone in the social sciences, it was an amazing opportunity to participate in other types of research.

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

It's hard to know where to begin. From an academic perspective, don't underestimate the librarian seminar! It was the sort of seminar that didn't seem like much at the time, but I found incredibly useful as I did literature reviews and other projects throughout my undergraduate and graduate career. On a more professional level, having research experience early allowed me to apply to more positions later on. I learned what I was interested in methodologically and in terms of the subject matter I wanted to focus on. I was able to become better aligned with my own research interests as I progressed through undergrad and beyond. Even though I didn't stay on the same project, it was my foot in the door as I continued on my research journey. Finally, the teaching experience from being a Peer Advisor was one of the most influential aspects of my undergraduate experience. I learned so much about lesson planning, teaching and advising that is invaluable in doctoral work and academic careers. I am currently interviewing for doctoral programs. I still bring up my UROP peer advising experience and find that many programs are impressed!

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

Sorry I don't! I do keep in touch with research advisors who I met later on in my undergraduate career.

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

As someone who is now pursuing research professionally (currently as a study coordinator and soon to be as a doctoral student), UROP was an amazing entry point into the world of research. I gained the skills and background that made me a desirable applicant for future jobs in research.

Where are you in your professional journey?

Currently a Study Coordinator for Dr. Charles Nelson at Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard. I am also in the interview process for doctoral programs in Developmental Psychology.

What advice would you give to a current UROP student?

I would say to take in as much as you can from every seminar. Some of them may not seem as immediately relevant, but I've found that later on in my research career nearly everything that I learned came up at some point. It's actually a really useful class in and of itself, and not just an opportunity for research training.

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

I have a few offers for doctoral programs! Still deciding which one to go to, but I am excited to be embarking on the grad school journey soon!

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

I would recommend following up with your mentors at least once or twice a year even after leaving the lab or graduating to maintain that strong relationship. This is especially important if you plan to ask that person for a letter of recommendation down the line for graduate school.