Why do research
Sarah C. Flores- Junior
Major: Geology (Geochemistry)
Faculty: Isabel Montanez, Ph.D.
Department: Geology
Program(s) involved in: CAMP & MURPPS
I got involved in research because it is a very fluid academic experience. It entails reading, writing, field-testing, and lab testing and interpreting data. Also, it is the ultimate form of learning, both the process and the outcome of the research ensures the scientist continual learning. Research is the means by which a scientist converses with the natural world; it is the most dynamic way to exercise knowledge. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?
Jacqueline Teixeira- Senior
Major: Chemistry
Faculty: Neil Schore, Ph.D.
Department: Chemistry
Program(s) involved in: MURPPS & CAMP
I got involved in undergraduate research to get hands on experience working in a lab. It's experience that you can't get from a classroom.
Victoria E. Vasquez- Senior
Major: Evolution and Ecology (Zoology)
Faculty: Ted Grosholz, Ph.D.
Department: Environmental Science & Policy
Program(s) involved in: CAMP & BUSP
I got involved in research because I wanted to gain first hand experience in my desired career. I wanted to make sure after graduation that I would like the kind of work I would be involved in.
Gerardo Martinez- Senior
Major: Electrical Engineering
Faculty: David Horsley, Ph.D.
Department: Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
Program(s) involved in: MORE & CAMP
Once I took EEC101, Gateway to Electrical Engineering, I decided I wanted to do some sort of research. The professor was motivated about MEMS. He gave us some insights about the field and also about graduate school. I decided to do undergraduate research because I realized that it would be an important step towards graduate school as well as an opportunity to learn more and employ the theory I had learn in the past couple of years.
Catherine Cox- Senior
Major: Chemistry
Mentor: Susan Kauzlarich, Ph.D.
Department: Chemistry
Program(s) involved in: MURPPS & CAMP
Doing undergraduate research has been an invaluable experience for me. I am exposed to several subjects and lab techniques that I didn't learn about in my classes. I feel that doing research has prepared me for my future whether it is a career or graduate school.
Mychal Jennings- Junior
Major: Physical Sciences Undeclared
Faculty: Lori Lubin, Ph.D.
Department: Physics
Program(s) involved in: MURPPS & CAMP
I initially got started to get my feet wet to see what I would want to do after I was done with my college education. Now that I conducted research, I have a clearer picture of what I want to do with my degree. It has been a one of a kind experience that has opened up many opportunities that would not have been available to me otherwise.
Heather L. Hodges- Junior
Major: Chemistry
Faculty: Carlito B. Lebrilla, Ph.D.
Department: Chemistry
Program(s) involved in: MURPPS & CAMP
The Lebrilla lab is my second research group. The original shift occurred because I wanted to become more involved with analytical methods in chemistry. In the lab I am exposed to techniques and machines I would never see in a normal classroom setting. In addition, I see the processes involved in actual research conduction rather than follow-a-lab-manual technique from class. I expect to pursue a higher degree. Researching in this group has proved an invaluable resource in establishing technique, interest, and a network of references. It is also very fulfilling to work towards a project objective beyond the class goals of supporting concepts.
Tyra McCray- Junior
Major: Biological Science
Faculty: Joanne Engelbrecht, Ph.D.
Department: Molecular & Cellular Biology
Program(s) involved in: CAMP
I Love Research!!! It so interesting to observe how individual cells operate on the molecular level, and use all the bimolecular techniques you learn about in Bio 1A and Bio 101 like electrophoresis, PCR, DNA extraction etc., but its even more fun when your project works!!!!