Current Ambassadors

• eangelb29@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Scholars, Engineering Honors Ambassadors, MSC Spencer, Student Success Operation Committee, Student Government Association, TAMU Symphonic Winds
• Activities: Baking, Playing the flute, Being with my cat
• Awards & Distinctions: Undergraduate Research Scholar, Deans Excellence Award for the College of Engineering, Engineering Honors Program, University Honors Program, National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar
• Experience with: Summer Research (REU), Presentations, Undergraduate Thesis Writing

Howdy! My name is Angelina Baltazar and I am a sophomore Biomedical Engineering major from College Station, Texas. After graduation I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in Neuroscience to focus on stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. When coming to Texas A&M I was questioning my major. After talking to multiple colleagues in the Biomedical Engineering Department and the Biology Department, I stumbled my way into Dr. Jennifer Dulin's lab when I met my graduate mentor Ashley Tucker, who graduated with a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M. She encouraged me to stay in my major, but also offered me a position in the lab based on how close my research interests aligned with the Dulin lab. Since then I have learned the basics of neuroscience, stem cell biology, and just recently completed my undergraduate research thesis. My thesis covers the differences in neural progenitor cell transplantation between short and long time points for treating spinal cord injury.

Outside of research, I am passionate about promoting equity. I noticed all ethnic groups at Texas A&M are not represented equally in faculty and leadership positions. The current culture is not inclusive of minority students due to the low retention rate of minority students. I ran for the Student Senate to increase minority retention. As a member of the Student Success Operations Committee, I have increased virtual resources, publicized the progress of projects, and increased student feedback. Through my involvement I noticed how powerful research is for gaining critical thinking skills an providing a community.

Through these different experiences I want to show what an impact research has made in my future and provide that opportunity for others at Texas A&M. Research is full of mentorship, bonding, and a lifelong impact in one's life.

• chbowerman@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs:  Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Beckman Scholars, Society of Physics Students
• Awards & Distinctions: Beckman Scholar, Dean's Excellence Award
• Experience with: Summer Research, Presentations, Nanofabrication

Howdy, my name is Connor Bowerman and I am a sophomore from Austin, Texas. I am a physics student, as well as a Beckman Scholar. I have been doing research in Dr. Alexey Akimov's lab, which focuses on nonlinear optics. Specifically, I have been working to create a system of quantum memory. This device would be able to take in a quantum-encoded signal, for example from a quantum computer, and then repeat that signal without reading it. This would allow the signal to travel greater distances, without the quantum nature of the signal being destroyed. In practicality, most of my day-to-day research involves aligning lasers and testing experimental designs. In the future, I plan to do research as a career, and get my PhD eventually. For now, though, I'm excited to help guide new students and help them get started in undergraduate research!

• joseph.h.chen@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: University Honors, Dulin Lab, AMSA, MORPH
• Activities: Music Production, Piano, Tennis, Fishing, Volleyball
• Awards & Distinctions: University Honors Program
• Experience with: Research, Research Presentations

Howdy!! My name is Joseph and I'm a sophomore Biology major and Computer Science minor from Houston, Texas. Upon graduation, I hope to attend medical school and become a physician in the future! I began my researching career as a freshman here at TAMU in the Dulin Lab working under our wonderful postdoc, Miriam, and I have loved it ever since! In the lab, we conduct research on spinal cord injuries and explore various therapeutic methods, such as neural progenitor cell transplantation for recovery of locomotor functions and reducing the pain associated with such injuries. The project that we are conducting right now focuses on characterizing embryonic spinal cords from the days E11.5 to E13.5 both in vivo and in vitro. The reason for this is that embryonic spinal cords generate over the span of several days, with each day exhibiting distinct phenotypes that consequently have differing ratios of cell proliferation. By characterizing these time points and collecting data on which cells are most abundant at each time point, we can begin to generate more effective and efficient cells for transplantation not only in experimental models, but eventually in humans as well! Aside from being able to conduct exciting and innovate scientific research, joining the Dulin lab has been an amazing experience, and I've found not only a group of intelligent, curious, and like minded coworkers, but a family as well. I'm happy to say that I've found some of my closest friends in the lab, and it is a joy to be side by side with them conducting research and experiencing life, and it is my hope that everyone can have the same amazing experience that I've had!

• swapnildash@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Hook Laboratory, Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Business Honors, Business Student Council, Mays Healthcare Alliance, Club Tennis, University Honors, AMSA, IDEAAL, Volunteer at St. Joseph's
• Activities: Tennis, Reading, Volunteering, Volleyball, Cooking
• Awards & Distinctions: Mays Business Honors Program, University Honors, President's Endowed Scholar, Dean's Honor Roll, Professional Distinction in Healthcare, National Merit Scholar Finalist, International Baccalaureate Diploma Recipient
• Experience with: Undergraduate Research, Summer Research Internships

Hi! My name is Swapnil Dash and I am a Business Honors major from Austin, TX. After I complete my undergraduate studies, I plan on attending medical school with the hopes of serving as a physician and a leader in improving the service quality of healthcare for patients and their families.

My first experience with research was during the fall semester of my freshman year under Dr. Michelle Hook, in the department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics. Currently, my undergraduate research project focuses on depression and cognitive decline after spinal cord injury (SCI) in a transgenic rat model of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Hundreds of thousands of people live with SCI, impairing the quality of life and providing many physical and psychological challenges post-injury for both patients and their caretaker(s). Up to 60% of people living with SCI develop chronic challenges with learning and memory, executive function, attention, and processing speed. Patients with SCI are also two times more likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, which rob them of memory and cognitive abilities, impacting daily functioning and quality of life. By investigating the molecular changes induced by SCI and identifying the causal factor(s), I hope to contribute to the understanding of depression, cognitive dysfunction, and neuropathology after SCI and improve quality of life for people living with this injury, and subsequently, the general public.

Moreover, I hope to begin pursuing research relating to the business of healthcare under Dr. Len Berry. We hope to improve the service quality of healthcare, specifically in end-of-life and cancer care. By engaging with undergraduate research, I have experienced numerous benefits, including the ability to work efficiently with a team, better understand research publications, and explore my areas of interest. Finally, my exposure to research has affirmed my interest in pursuing a medical education.

When I am not in the classroom or in the lab, you can usually find me reading a good book or exploring new coffee and boba shops! I also enjoy playing tennis and volleyball with my friends and watching movies (La La Land is my favorite)!

If you are thinking about joining a lab or you want to learn more about undergraduate research, I would love to talk to you about it!

• jellard@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Texas A&M Subunit of the American Fisheries Society (Vice President), The Wildlife Society, LAUNCH Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (2021-2022) (2022-2023), Texas Bass Brigades Adult Leader (2021)
• Activities: Fishing, Camping, Drummer for Local Church, Playing Guitar and Piano, Tennis
• Awards & Distinctions: Featured in Texas A&M URS Student Spotlight Blog, LAUNCH Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society 2022 Travel Grant Award, Harry Tennison Scholarship and Award by the Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth
• Experience with: 2 Poster and 2 Oral Presentations on the university, state, and national research conference level, Internship - Riverscape Ecology Lab, Fall/Spring/Summer Research, Fisheries Technician Position, Intensive Field Work, Lab Work, Manuscript Writing, Public

Howdy! My name is Johnathan Ellard and I am a senior Wildlife and Fisheries major from Caldwell, Texas and a second year LAUNCH Undergraduate Research Ambassador. I began my involvement in undergraduate research when I joined the Riverscape Ecology Lab under Dr. Joshuah Perkin right before my Sophomore year. Since then, I have been involved with freshwater ecology research, particularly studying the multiscale movement of Alligator Gar along the Brazos River.

The goal of this project is to give a clearer perspective on Alligator Gar movements across different spatiotemporal scales and habitats and potentially be able to predict Alligator Gar movement. This in turn will contribute to our understanding of the movements and habitat usage of this integral keystone species not only in the Brazos River but also throughout its range. This study will contribute to the scientific platform of this understudied species and what we know of its ecology as well as contribute to management practices. I have also been involved in a project that focused on flow-recruitment relationships for Shoal Chub within the Brazos River and implications for managing environmental flows from reservoirs into rivers.

Aside from these projects, I also aid in other projects as needed among our lab’s group of outstanding graduate and undergraduate scholars. My interest of fisheries sciences began long before my undergraduate research opportunity. As I completed courses and learned more about freshwater ecology and aquatic sciences, my desire for involvement within these fields only increased. I eventually was able to become plugged into a lab in which I have been presented the opportunity to learn and grow as a student and a person. Undergraduate research for me thus far has been an opportunity to expand my scientific mind and broaden my academic and professional experience in a field that I have interests in. It is a way for me to engage with others on projects that are not only beneficial to this field and the environment but possibly society. After my bachelor's degree I hope to continue my path in research by pursuing a master's degree related to freshwater aquatic sciences. I am truly blessed and excited to be a part of this program and I would love to talk to anyone who has questions about undergraduate research!

• emilyha303@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Texas A&M Pre-Medical Society, Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Biology Honors, University Honors, Christian Women in Medicine
• Activities: Vaccination Assistant at the Brazos County Vaccine Hub, Pianist and Piano Teacher, Calculus and Algebra Tutor on Tutorfly, Former Bible Study TA for First Communion Class
• Awards & Distinctions: University Honors, Biology Honors
• Experience with: Undergraduate Research, Presentations, Education

Howdy! My name is Emily and I am a Biology major and Psychology minor from Houston, Texas. After graduating from Texas A&M, I have very high hopes of attending medical school and becoming a Dermatologist, and specializing in surgical and cosmetic dermatology. I am currently undergraduate researcher in Dr.Blackmon's lab. As a student in the Biology Honors Program and being in Dr. MacKenzie's class I felt a strong passion for evolutionary biology and an urge to participate in undergraduate research. With my love for technology and evolutionary biology I came across Dr. Blackmon's lab and immediately felt at home. My lab specifically focuses on two major realms of biology, firstly being genome evolution and the second being the development of various methods and databases for data analysis in biology. I am currently working on my own research project regarding y chromosome evolution using beetles as a model species. In my project, I am extracting as well as sequencing multiple sets of DNA from 7 species of beetles, males and females, to later code and identify specific genes pertinent to and specific to the male sex. I will then create Y chromosome assemblies for each species to allow the first comparative genomic analysis of Y chromosome content across a large taxonomic sampling of species. In my free time, I enjoy playing piano, listening to music, working out, involving myself at church, hanging out with friends, and involving myself in creative activities. I love being able to explore and learn more about the world and if the opportunity arises I am always down for a new adventure and a way to grow my mind. If anyone has any questions about joining Undergraduate Research or have any questions about my experience I am happy to help and talk to you!

• marissahenley19@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Fade to Black Dance Ensemble, Minority Association of Pre-Med/Health Students
• Activities: Physician Shadowing, Volunteering, Teaching Dance, Dancing 
• Experience with: Research Presentations

Howdy! My name is Marissa and I am a junior public health major from Austin, Texas! After I graduate, I plan on attending medical school and eventually becoming a pediatrician. Outside of school, I love to dance! I have been dancing since I was 18 months and have been teaching dance for a few years now. I've always known I wanted to be a doctor, but my love for medicine, helping people, especially those who are underrepresented, and working with kids solidified my plan on becoming a pediatrician. I first started my research the second semester of my freshman year. My research primarily focuses on renal lymphatic and hypertension. Throughout my two years, I have worked on different projects. My first semester, I focused specifically on lymphatic endothelial cells and its connection to hypertension. I did a lot of cell culture which allowed for me to treat different cells with hypertensive stimuli and look at different lymphatic genes to see which ones were up or down. I also performed a scratch assay to examine the migration and proliferation of the cells. This past semester, I worked with human lymphatic endothelial cells and mouse mesometrium to visualize blood and lymphatic vessels. Hypertension is a major public health problem that many people suffer with, so being able to do research on it is very rewarding. My research experience has been one of the best experience I've had in my time as an undergraduate student. I've learned so many new scientific concepts and experiences that are very helpful for the medical field and I've learned so much about myself. Research has personally given me more confidence in myself and my abilities. I want to be able to share these experiences and hopefully show other undergraduate students that research is definitely something they should participate in. 

• Aisha.Jalal@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassadors,Texas A&M Pre-Medical Society, Pakistani Student Association, Hullabaloo U Peer Mentor
• Activities: Healthcare Summer Staff Counselor, Hospital Volunteering, Physician Shadowing, Tutoring
   
• Awards & Distinctions: University Honors Program, Broad Street Society Honors
• Experience with: Summer Research, Fall/Spring Research, Clinical Experiences

Howdy! My name is Aisha Jalal and I am a public health major in my junior year from Sugar Land, Texas. After obtaining my Bachelor's degree in public health, I plan to pursue a Master's degree in public health at a university in Texas. While pursuing my Master's degree, I plan to simultaneously continue my research in public health. After completing my Master's degree, I intend to further my education and apply to medical school.

I began research with Dr. Ping Ma after my first year at Texas A&M University. I have now had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ma for 3 semesters on 2 projects. Our work together primarily focuses on the impact external factors have on the human body. My first project was a systematic review on horticulture therapy and analyzing its impacts on the psychosocial health and wellbeing of older adults. My role on the project was reading and extracting information from a plethora of scientific publications on nature-based interventions. After extracting this information, my research team and I cross checked and performed quality assessments on all articles that met the working protocol criteria. After being thoroughly filtered, this data was then imputed into a table which will be utilized in the published manuscript. My experience working on this project ignited my interest and passion for public health and research.

During the spring semester of my sophomore year, I joined Dr. Lei-Shih Chen and Dr. Ma's research team. Our current project focuses on creating a smoking-cessation program for pregnant women. This program aims to assist Texas women and their household members in quitting smoking during and after pregnancy. My role in this project is to create manuals and documents for participants and councilors to conduct counseling sessions. During my time thus far on this project, I have been fortunate to work with a supportive team and have further developed my critical thinking skills.

If anyone is interested in joining Undergraduate Research and has questions, I would love to help you!

• lee73769598@tamu.edu
• Activities: Senior RA
• Experience with: Presentations and Summer Research

My name is Sangji Lee (I go by David) and I am in junior year for biomedical science from Plano, Texas. I am in a neuroscience/psychology lab under Dr. Brian Anderson since my first semester of sophomore year. I started learning coding, cognitive psychology and other basic knowledge required for lab works from no background knowledge. I struggled a lot had hard time in the beginning. However, Dr. Anderson and other graduate students showed me that all of the given resource comes together with proper approach to a question we want to figure out. I have learned research is not about being smart or significantly outstanding only but pure curiosity and passion towards your research are the main core of your fundamental base.

After first semester, I started to get some more hands on experience such as collecting data, writing analysis code, writing manuscript, and different process of research. With more experience I have now, I can clearly see my heart for research and want to share this feeling to others. I will gladly share my experience, hear any hardship in research, and be here for students to move forward.

• yilinli@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Aggie Minority Women in Law
• Activities: Bouldering, Hiking, Painting, Exploring libraries
• Awards & Distinctions: Dean's List
• Experience with: Internships, Summer Research, Presentations

Howdy! My name is Yilin Li, and I am a sophomore Economics and Mathematics double major with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Currently, I am interested in pursuing a career in law or research after graduation focused on promoting gender equality.

I was introduced to research by the amazing Claye Epperson in my freshman year. Since then, I have worked with Dr. Samuel Cohn and the Leontief research team for over a year. We analyze industry multipliers created from Leontief matrices to study and compare different nation's economies. Our study examines three types of multipliers that represent different indicators of economic growth, and we run econometric analyses to find relationships with other economic development indicators (GDP, Female Labor Force Participation, etc.).

I aspire to apply the skills I have gained to work on projects focused on gender inequality, gender-based violence, or gender discrimination. Recently, I have started researching the Texas Crime Victim's Compensation Program, which helps survivors of sexual assault with related expenses. Outside of research, I interned with the Department of Justice's Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Office in Washington D.C. through the university's Public Policy Internship Program. I also interned with the National Women's Political Caucus and participated with the Becker Friedman Institute's Expanding Diversity in Economics Program. This summer, I will be a research assistant to Dr. Christina Patterson at the University of Chicago.

In my free time, I love to boulder, propagate plants, complete paint by numbers, hike, listen to musical soundtracks, and order tea in unique coffeeshops. Research and the people I have met through research has completely changed the trajectory of my life and provided me with opportunities I never knew were possible. If anything I have done interests you or if I can help you discover a love for research, please reach out! 

• atmazzawy@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Scholars, Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, The Eckleburg Project Staff Writer.
• Awards & Distinctions: Sci-Fi Fantasy Award 1st Place Winner 2020, Undergraduate Research Scholar, Lou and C.C.'42 Burton Scholar, Stewart and Anna Morgan Scholar.
• Experience with: Publishing Internship - McPherson & Company, Publishers, LAUNCH Written Communication Intern.

Howdy! My name is Amira T. Mazzawy and I am an English major with a minor in psychology from Shokan, NY (Yes I know, quite far!). My passion lies in writing, and it is my lifelong dream to become a novelist. I am currently working on my senior capstone project of finishing my first fantasy novel, Two Worlds.

My first experience in research came from the Aggie Creative Collective and the Undergraduate Research Scholars Thesis Program. For my project "Two Worlds: A Study Of The History, Mythology And Culture Of Celtic Origins", I researched the history, mythology and culture of the Celtic people during the Iron Age. I did this research to develop the world of my fantasy novel, Two Worlds. In my novel there is an alternate dimension where all mythological creatures of the world exist, and they escaped to this dimension when their cultures were taken over by monotheistic religions or other cultures. These mythological creatures never move beyond the era in which they escaped from. Since Celtic mythological creatures are center to the conflict in my novel, I decided to focus my research on Celtic people. I then wrote my novel up to the point of where my main character encounters a village populated by Celtic mythological creatures that I created based on my research. I plan to continue research for my novel with my capstone project, where I will do further research into other worldly mythologies and cultures that are relevant to my novel's plot.

In 2020, my short story "A Great Goliath" won 1st Place for the Sci-Fi Fantasy Award. I also had my poems "Reaching" published by the English Aggie and "Doughy Cookies Are Never Enough" published by The Eckleburg Project.

• r_mitchell@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Maroon & White Leadership Program, Maternal Child Health Organization, Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach
• Activities: Hiking, Piano, Cooking
• Awards & Distinctions: Brockman Scholar
• Experience with: Student Research Week, Presentations, TAMU Honors Housing Community

Howdy! My name is Ruth Mitchell, and I'm a senior from Pecos, TX pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences. I plan to get a Master of Science in Business from Texas A&M's Mays Business School after graduation and then pursue a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.

I became involved in research at Texas A&M whenever I heard about how the Center for Translational Research of Aging and Longevity (CTRAL) was conducting clinical research. They conduct several studies that examine the relation between metabolism, exercise, and nutrition in relation to aging and diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). My involvement has included aspects in the clinic, laboratory, and working with data. Working as a part of such a large team, I have enjoyed seeing how all of the moving parts come together and working to learn as much as I can about each phase and part of the research projects.

This past semester I was able to present on some of this work at Student Research Week with a poster entitled, "Presence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is associated with Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Disease, But Does Not Affect Functional Performance and Well-being." For this study, I analyzed data from our trial database and determined that the presence of OSA in COPD is associated with specific clinical conditions, while daily performance and well-being were maintained.

Outside of research, I enjoy hiking, volunteering, cooking, and spending quality time with friends and family. Undergraduate research has become one of my favorite things about Texas A&M, and I would love to share how it might become part of your story.

• jmoore2003@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Biochemistry and Genetics Society, Starlight Aggies, Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Song Lab, Singh/Gaharwar Lab, Biomedical Research Certificate Program.
• Activities: Hiking, Thrifting, Volunteering
• Awards & Distinctions: Student Research Week 2022 - Life Sciences Subject 1st Place Winner
• Experience with: Presentations, Internships, Symposiums, Scientific Writing, Fall/Spring Research

Howdy! My name is Jordan Moore, and I am a sophomore Genetics major and Biomedical Sciences/Public Health minor from Spring, Texas.  I hope to go to graduate school to earn my PhD in genetics. I would like to pursue a career in oncology research. Ideally, I would like to one day develop a cure to cancer. I began research at Texas A&M University in September of my freshman year. I have previously worked in the Song Lab alongside a PhD student to assist him in the molecular aspect of his research. In this lab, my primary task was to perform DNA extractions, PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis with the ultimate goal of molecularly delineating the two new gregarine species that we have discovered on Texas A&M's campus. Currently, I am working in the Singh Lab. In this lab, I will focus on helping develop a 3D bioprinted glioblastoma organoid model.

• keerthana.prayaga@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, March of Dimes National Collegiate Council, A&M Red Cross, Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors, On to Medicine, SAFER Ambassador
• Activities: Dancing, Music, Baking, Reading
• Awards & Distinctions: Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Deans List, Partnership For Primary Care
• Experience with: Summer Research, IRB applications/approvals, Presentations

Howdy!! My name is Keerthana Prayaga and I'm a sophomore public health major. After graduation, I hope to attend Texas A&M's College of Medicine through the Partnership for Primary Care program and become a physician! I began my journey in research during high school assisting Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee with pancreatic cancer research at Johns Hopkins University. This experience helped me fall in love with research and I can't wait to help students across campus fall in love with it too! Currently, I am working as a coauthor  on a research project in neonatal health and toxicology with Dr. Natalie Johnson at the School of Public Health. Our research project is a human subjects study focused on investigating the lactational transfer of sulforaphane. SFN is a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables that has proven to activate antioxidant response pathways to protect against air pollution-induced adverse effects. Currently, we are evaluating if SFN and its metabolites are transferred to breast milk and if this can mitigate infant respiratory infection severity. With this project, I have had the incredible opportunity to help develop recruitment material, participant consent forms, dietary questionnaires, and logistical plans for breast milk sample pick up and storage. I have also been involved in data collection and the development of the analytical assay to measure SFN using HPLC-Mass Spectrometry. Additionally, I also assist in research at Dr. Shetty's lab within the College of Medicine. Conducting research at A&M has helped me meet many incredible scientists, friends, and mentors. It has helped me improve my communication, presentation, and networking skills along with finding a place at A&M for myself where I feel a sense of belonging. This has been an incredible experience for me and I truly hope that everyone can find the same joy in undergraduate research here at A&M!

• sofiaquintero@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Texas A&M MEDLIFE
• Awards & Distinctions: National Hispanic Merit Scholar, Endowed Opportunity Award Scholar

Howdy! My name is Sofia and I am a Psychology major and Neuroscience minor, with a certificate in Applied Behavioral Health. I'm originally from Bogota, Colombia but I went to high school in Katy, Texas and I'm currently on the pre-PA (Physician Associate) track. I'm very passionate about mental health and psychology and decided to pursue my degree in Psychology to dive into that before going to PA school.

I started my research experience in the fall of my sophomore year in Dr. Burte's Spatial Thinking and STEM Learning Lab where I worked for three semesters. My project focused on investigating the way in which individuals navigate through space and how they think about directions. This experience opened up many opportunities for me within research and really taught me the value of participating in the research process. In Spring 2022 I transitioned to the CHANGE lab, led by Dr. Idia Thurston. This lab encompasses all the things that I am passionate about – healthcare, equity, mental health, diversity and empowerment among minority populations. I'm looking forward to learning more about these topics during the research process and applying that information and experience whenever I enter the healthcare field.

I am also a part of Texas A&M's MEDLIFE, an organization dedicated to providing healthcare and education through mobile clinics and development projects to communities in remote areas around the world. Outside of school and research, I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending time with the people I care about. I also love traveling and trying new food! After many semesters of research, I have grown in ways that I would have never just within the classroom. I truly believe that research is an irreplaceable experience, especially as an undergraduate, and I'm looking forward to helping others take advantage of this opportunity!

• eread@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Scholars, Volunteers Around The World-Veterinary Outreach (Vice President), Aggie Network Student Ambassadors, Dairy Challenge Judging Team, University Honors, Animal Science Honors 
• Activities: Volunteer for The Bridge Ministries Food Pantry, Animal Science Undergraduate Grading Assistant, Reading, Gardening, Hiking
• Awards & Distinctions: Undergraduate Research Scholar, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Outstanding Freshman in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Nominee, Outstanding Sophomore in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Nominee, Agriculture Future of America Animal Institute Delegate, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Recipient
• Experience with: Research Compliance, Presentation, Bovine Reproductive Company, Summer Studying Abroad, Shadowing and Employment at Veterinary Practices Including Focuses in Companion Animal, Mixed Practice, Equine Emergency, and Veterinary Ophthalmology

Howdy! My name is Emily Read and I am an Animal Science major from Houston, Texas. After graduation, I plan to attend veterinary school and become a mixed practice veterinarian.

I am currently involved in equine physiology research under Dr. Chelsie Huseman. The focus of my current work is quantifying vibrational output and transmission from commonly utilized whole body vibration platforms to various tissues across the equine body. This project is what I focused my thesis on throughout my participation in the Undergraduate Research Scholars program during the 2021-2022 academic year. The goal of this project is to standardize how results are reported in the future for equine whole body vibration research, and to provide baseline values for what a normal, healthy horse is experiencing on these vibration platforms. This research may change how whole body vibration platforms are utilized across the equine industry, from the average horse owner to rehabilitators and veterinarians.

Over the past year, research has become a significant part of my academic development here at Texas A&M University. I have grown my skills of critical thinking, communication of complex ideas, writing, and public speaking. Having the chance to apply what I am learning in the classroom under such a supportive faculty advisor has taken me further than I ever could have imagined as an undergraduate.

We are fortunate enough to attend one of the largest research universities in the United States, and I believe all Aggies should have the chance to grow as an undergraduate researchers if they so desire. You do not have to have graduate or professional school aspirations; undergraduate research will still change your life for the better. I would love to talk to anyone who has questions or wants advice on how to find a research opportunity!

• khopesanchez@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, MSC OPAS, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brazos Valley
• Activities: Reading, Birding, Running, Baking, Puzzles, Soccer
• Awards & Distinctions: ECCB Undergraduate Research Award, UC Davis EERREC REU, LSAMP Research Stipend, National Hispanic Merit Scholar
• Experience with: Fall/Spring Research, Poster/Research Presentations, Lab research, Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), Museum Specimen Preparation

Hi! My name is Katelyn Sanchez, and I am a senior Ecology and Conservation Biology major from Katy, Texas. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, being outside, and birding. After college, I plan to obtain a Master's degree and PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology or a similar area of study. In particular, I plan to focus on either ornithology or mammalogy. From there, I would like to work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife or a non-profit like National Geographic. 

After switching my major, I discovered research labs that share my interests in ornithology and mammalogy. I've been involved in undergraduate research for a year with both Dr. Jessica Light and Dr. Gary Voelker. In the Voelker Lab, I research Avian Malaria prevalence in the Caucasus region of Armenia. My main responsibilities include using polymerase chain reactions to determine the presence or absence of Avian Malaria by parasite genera. Furthermore, I plan to look at Avian Malaria in relation to microbiomes for my Undergraduate Research Scholars project. In the Light Lab, I am focused on determining the relatedness among Townsend's Big-eared Bats near the Inyo and White Mountains. In particular, the research focuses on using nuclear and mitochondrial methods to determine relatedness, and my portion of the project focuses on seasonal roosts in Nevada.

Research has been an integral part of my undergraduate experience. Besides the invaluable skills and network of peers, mentors, and faculty it has provided, research has allowed me to find and explore my future career path as a wildlife biologist. I want every student to have a positive, rewarding experience with undergraduate research. If you have any questions or are thinking about joining undergraduate research, please do not hesitate to contact me!

• sameeksha_sharma@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: BUILD, Texas A&M Emergency Care Team, Medical Scribe
• Activities: Running, Bouldering, Studio Art 
• Awards & Distinctions: Texas A&M College of Medicine Dean's Recognition Award, Undergraduate Research Scholar, University Honors 
• Experience with: Texas A&M College of Medicine Summer Research Program, Holster Summer Research Proposal Program, Biomedical Engineering Research, Presentations, Poster Sessions, Research Proposal Writing, and Thesis Writing

Hey y'all! I'm Sameeksha Sharma, a junior biomedical engineering student from Chelmsford, Massachusetts. I've become increasingly interested in research as I have worked to acquire molecular, clinical, and practical knowledge in the field of regenerative medicine. Research may seem like a wayward journey, but it is a worthwhile one, regardless of which discipline. 

My work in research started off as a fascination with epigenetics which allowed me to learn primary molecular techniques from Dr. Rachel O'Neill at the University of Connecticut. I followed that up by writing a research proposal about stem cell reprogramming which was selected and funded by the Holster Summer Program. 

After moving to Texas A&M University, I maintained my focus on stem cell research by becoming a part of Dr. Feng Zhao's lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. This gave me insight into the application of stem cell reprogramming and differentiation as it relates to regenerative medicine. Since then I've been involved with the regenerative cardiac patch project focused on designing a patient-specific cardiac patch by naturally fabricating sheets of extracellular matrix. 

To expand my portfolio, I worked in Dr. Samba Reddy's lab over the summer to explore a new field of research. There I was able to learn histology, image processing and analysis while studying the effects of toxic nerve agents on pediatric rat brains through the Texas A&M College of Medicine Summer Research Program. 

I was once told that no one is born a researcher. It's simply a pursuit of curiosity, albeit a pretty slow one. I believe this wholeheartedly. Research is constructive and critical curiosity that pushes the bounds of knowledge, which is why it is also uniquely rewarding. It allows you to contribute to the current pool of knowledge and engage in meaningful conversations with other professionals and peers. All you have to do is dare to ask the question.

• hsmith314@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Women Helping Out Other People (W.H.O.O.P.), Biomedical Research Certificate Program, Supplemental Instruction Program, Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Aggie Research Program 
• Activities: Cooking, Baking, Hiking 
• Awards & Distinctions: 2nd Place Poster Presentation at Texas A&M Student Research Week (March 2022) 
• Experience with: Fall/Spring Research, Poster Presentations

Howdy! My name is Hannah and I'm a senior Biomedical Sciences major and Public Health minor from San Antonio, Texas. I started research my freshman year of college in the Nghiem Lab where I was a team member in an Aggie Research Project (ARP) where we attempted to determine the role Myosin-Va in astrocytes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was finished online. My sophomore year I had the opportunity to research for another ARP project in the Muneoka Lab under Dr. Regina Brunauer. Virtually, we attempted to develop an open-source methodology to convert image stacks of tissue layers into three-dimensional images. This research opportunity lead me to my current lab with Dr. Lindsay Dawson in her lab where the adult mouse digit is used to model regeneration and bone healing. This past year, I worked on a project where I helped characterize the five bone regeneration stages. My senior year, I am excited to begin working on other projects where proteins are being investigated for their ability to induce regeneration in non-regenerative injuries. Undergraduate research has been one of the highlights of my time at Texas A&M and has helped guide me to decide what I would like to do post-graduation. After graduation, I would like to continue researching and I plan on applying to PhD programs in the field of biomedical science with focus on cancer cell biology. Outside of researching, I am a Supplemental Instruction Leader and President for my women's service organization, Women Helping Out Other People (W.H.O.O.P.). I am so glad you're looking for research opportunities, and I hope I can help you navigate undergraduate research here at A&M! 

• miriamstein@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: University Honors Program, Explorations: The Texas A&M Undergraduate Journal, Active Minds
• Activities: Volunteering, Reading, Painting
• Awards & Distinctions: Beckman Scholar, Baumberger Endowment Scholar, Dean's Honor Roll
• Experience with: Fall/Spring Semester Research, Summer Research, Internships

Howdy! My name is Miriam Stein and I am a molecular and cell biology major with a bioinformatics minor from San Antonio, Texas. After earning my Bachelors degree, I plan to attend graduate school and earn a PhD in a field related to biomedical research and drug development.

I have been participating in undergraduate research since the summer following my freshman year of college, where I worked in a biomedical research lab at UT Health San Antonio under Dr. Madesh Muniswamy. My research there focused on magnesium signaling and its connection to mitochondrial metabolism and metabolic disease.

I then transitioned to my current lab at Texas A&M under Dr. Vishal Gohil. My project seeks to develop a novel treatment for fatal genetic disorders of copper deficiency, for which no effective treatments exist. The Gohil lab has identified a potential therapeutic for these disorders and, in collaboration with a pharmaceutical company, we are exploring its mechanism of action and prospective use in human patients.

Participating in undergraduate research has allowed me to delve deeply into my scientific interests and gain hands-on laboratory experience at an early point in my career. I've developed professional relationships, improved my communication skills, and become familiar with the process of scientific inquiry and experimental design. I feel very passionate about the work I do, challenges and all, and I am excited to share my experience and knowledge with younger generations of Aggies!
 

• hannah.thomas28@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Dulin Lab, VIDA, Youth Impact
• Activities: Clinical Shadowing, Volunteering, Voice Lesson Teacher for Kids, Calligraphy
• Experience with: Undergraduate Research, Presentations

Howdy! My name is Hannah and I am a freshman Biomedical Sciences major from Houston, Texas! After graduating from Texas A&M, I plan on attending medical school with hopes of becoming a pediatrician. I began my research experience my first semester here at A&M and I am extremely grateful I did! I have had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the Dulin Lab which focuses on using stem cell transplantation to promote recovery after spinal cord injury. I am currently working under our postdoc, Dr. Aceves, whose project focuses on the use of a type of stem cell, neural progenitor cells, as a therapeutic strategy to promote recovery following spinal cord injury. By looking at different time points in model embryonic spinal cords, we are able to developmentally restrict these cells and see how they can support reestablishment of damaged areas in the spinal cord. Spinal cord injury is extremely devastating and completely reduces one's quality of life as it causes damage to motor, sensory and autonomic function. However, as we look into this project in our experimental model, we can use this to see how cell transplantation can be effectively carried out in the clinical setting. There are many different cell transplantation strategies being researched and being able to be a part of this project has been really exciting! I have learned so much being a part of this project and lab and am really excited to continue my research experience. Outside of research, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and doing anything creative! I am really passionate about reaching under-resourced communities and am a part of an organization where I am able to partner and mentor kids in the Bryan/College Station area. I am really thankful to be a part of research as an undergraduate and I can't wait to share my experience! 
 

• tj380744@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Explorations: The Texas A&M Undergraduate Journal, Texas A&M National Scholar Ambassadors, Texas A&M Wind Symphony, University Honors, Engineering Honors
• Awards & Distinctions: President's Endowed Scholar, National Merit Scholar, College of Engineering Dean's Honor Roll, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
• Experience with: Fall/Spring Semester Research, Summer Research Internship (REU), Oral Presentations

Howdy! My name is Jeremy  and I am a junior biomedical engineering major/chemistry minor from Highland Village, Texas. After graduating from Texas A&M, I plan on earning a PhD in biomedical engineering with a research focus on tissue engineering. I have conducted research at TAMU since the spring of my freshman year, for one semester in Dr. Cote's Optical Bio-sensing Lab through the AggiE-Challenge program, and in Dr. Gaharwar's iNanoTE lab since then. My research centers around 3D bioprinting, which is a form of 3D printing that prints cells to mimic the behavior of natural living systems. This past year I helped develop a protocol for converting cheap 3D thermoplastic printers to functional bioprinters so that universities with less research funding still have the opportunity to conduct this type of research. Undergraduate research has completely changed my professional aspirations. I entered Texas A&M as a pre-med student without the slightest idea of what research is. At the suggestion of a friend, I enrolled in the AggiE-Challenge program, a program designed to introduce students to research by placing them on a research project. I fell in love with the research process and the direct applications it can have on our daily lives. I decided that I want to go into academia to conduct cutting-edge biomedical engineering research that will have an impact on the medical community. Undergraduate research has been instrumental in my professional development, and I am excited to help create similar experiences for other students as an undergraduate research ambassador!

• trikurm@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Aggie Research Program
• Activities: Cooking, Baking, Painting, Reading, Thrifting
• Experience with: Team-based Research Projects

Howdy! My name is Meera Trikur and I am a junior Materials Science & Engineering major from Frisco, Texas. I was introduced to research through the Aggie Research Program and work with Dr. J. Carlee Purdum on a project that focuses on the impact of hazards and disasters on prisons and incarcerated populations.  The research explores the social vulnerability that incarcerated people experience due to environmental and technological hazards in Texas, focusing on the issues of extreme temperatures, water quality, and medical care. We work closely with a nonprofit organization called Texas Prisons Air-Conditioning Advocates. They advocate for incarcerated people and their loved ones about the conditions that they experience within Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities. My role within the project is to collect and analyze data within surveys, help create social media posts for TPAA, and write written reports based on news media and survey data. By analyzing these surveys filled by people who are suffering through unfair conditions, I've been able to better understand the nuances of what incarcerated people go through. I have always had multidisciplinary interests and wanted to explore outside of engineering and through research, I was given that chance. Participating in research topics that aren't directly related to my major has allowed me to interact with a more diverse set of people and even observe connections between my major and my research. I am very excited to be a part of this program and see what opportunities lie ahead!

• bwatanabe@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, Innovation[X], PSYC Mentor, Teaching Scholars Program, Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors, Academy of Undergraduate Researchers Across Texas
• Awards & Distinctions: Terry Scholar, Dean's List, George and Barbara Bush Foundation Travel Grant Recipient
• Experience with: Spring/Summer/Fall Research, Poster and Oral Presentations, Manuscript Preparation, Human Subjects Research, Data Analysis (R, SPSS), Peer Mentorship

Howdy! My name is Brandon and I am a senior psychology major with a minor in neuroscience from Fort Worth, Texas. I first became involved in research my freshman year after joining a project listed on the Aggie Research Programs page. Since then, research has been a central part of my undergraduate experience and given me multiple opportunities to explore broad topics in cognition.

During my sophomore year, I joined the Spatial Thinking and STEM Learning Lab led by Dr. Heather Burte. I worked alongside graduate student Sungjoon Park in investigating the possible connection between spatial perspective taking and mentalizing, as well as individual differences in perspective taking based on personality, anxiety, and visualization factors. Additionally, I was able to work on an interdisciplinary Innovation[X] project with researchers in neuroscience, kinesiology, and psychology to further study the brain processes that enable complex locomotor navigation.
 
I am currently working in the Multimethod Affect and Cognition Lab led by Dr. Annmarie MacNamara researching the relationship between different neural signals and cognitive control mechanisms using psychophysiological measures (EEG). I am specifically looking at how working memory load impacts certain event-related potentials related to error-monitoring. I am also working with Dr. Joseph Orr to better understand how task switching alters representational brain activity.  

Engaging in these experiences has allowed me to strengthen my skills as a researcher and learn how to present cognitive concepts in an exciting and engaging way to a broad audience. It has also shown me how research can foster impactful mentorship and build diverse communities of people. After graduating, I hope to attend graduate school and eventually teach and mentor the next generation of bright minds as a teacher and researcher. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about research and how to get involved!

• ktwilhoit@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Texas A&M National Scholar Ambassadors, Biomedical Sciences Association, University Honors Program, Student One Health Association
• Activities: Biomedical Sciences Association Volunteer Tutor, Disability Services Peer Note-Taking, Texas A&M Navigators, Cooking and Baking
• Awards & Distinctions: Presidents Endowed Scholar, Craig and Galen Brown Foundation Scholar, Deans Honor Roll, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
• Experience with: Summer Research Internship, State Conference Poster Presentation, Prospective Student Outreach

Howdy! My name is Kayla and I am a junior Biomedical Sciences major from Grand Prairie, Texas. I plan on obtaining a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences with a focus on genetics research. I hope to eventually pursue a career as a genetics researcher. I began my undergraduate research experience as soon as I entered my freshman year of college. I am currently working on a theoretical population modeling project in Dr. Heath Blackmon's lab in the department of Biology, where I am investigating chromosomal fusions using a model built in the programming language R. During my two years in the Blackmon lab, I have really enjoyed learning programming for the first time and exploring the field of genetics. Despite the importance of genetics to disease and speciation, there are still so many aspects of the subject that we know very little about. I am beyond excited to be producing work that can help fill some of the gaps in our knowledge of how chromosomes fuse and evolve, and I hope to continue to explore and discover new questions to answer in my research career. Outside of the lab, I am involved in several student organizations where I provide volunteer tutoring and prospective student outreach. In my free time, I enjoy cooking for my friends and trying out new recipes and techniques. Undergraduate research has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my college experience and I am excited to help others find the same fulfillment in their own research experience.

• jake4230@tamu.edu
• Organizations & Programs: Texas A&M Subunit of the American Fisheries Society (Social Media Coordinator)
   
• Activities: Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Basketball, Kayak Fishing
• Awards & Distinctions: Undergraduate Research Ambassador, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean's Honor Roll, Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Student Travel Award
• Experience with: Presentations, Summer Research, Internships

Howdy! My name is Jacob Wolff and I am a Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences major from La Grange, Texas. Upon graduation, I plan on attending graduate school in hopes of becoming a professor in fisheries science! I am currently employed as an undergraduate research technician in Dr. Joshuah Perkin's Riverscape Ecology Lab where I am studying the movement of the state fish of Texas, the Guadalupe Bass, as well as stream fish metacommunities. My research involving Guadalupe Bass deals with the validation of a general fish dispersal model, using my study species, in order to accurately predict movement of this fish using parameters such as stream order, caudal fin aspect ratio, fish size, and time. My research involving stream fish metacommunities takes place right here in College Station! I am a part of a long-term study in which we are collecting habitat, water quality, and fish data on White Creek in order to further understand stream fish metacommunity dynamics. I am also an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Fundamentals of Ecology Lab here at Texas A&M University. My first experience with undergraduate research was as a volunteer for Dr. Perkin's lab on the very same White Creek research project that I now lead! Ever since then, my love for research has continued to grow. Getting involved with undergraduate research has helped me find my passion, helped me excel in my school work, helped me develop professional and interpersonal relationships, as well as develop crucial skills that will allow me to succeed in my future career. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be an undergraduate research ambassador and encourage anyone who is interested in performing undergraduate research to not hesitate in reaching out to me!