Research doesn’t stop, and neither did the UNC Greensboro students who spent their summer working alongside faculty mentors in the lab and the field.
Many of these students came together with their peers and mentors at the UNCG Alumni House for the Summer Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Celebration. This gathering put UNCG’s academic strengths on display: the bonds forged between students and faculty and the real-world experiences teaching students skills that they can carry forward into their career.
Jia Emaus, a fourth-year student in the Lloyd International Honors College majoring in political science and international and global studies, lauds the mentorship of Dr. Michael Broache, an assistant professor of political science. “I was able to do research with a professor who I admire so much, and on a topic that’s super important to today’s time. I’m just eager to explore even more of what I can do with my skills,” says Emaus.
The Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Office, which offers financial support and training to students interested in these experiences, hosted the event. “Here at UNCG, we’re trying to connect undergraduate students with world class faculty, so that they can engage in these amazing research opportunities,” says new URSCO director Dr. Kimberly Petersen.
Research, Where Interest and Opportunity Intersect
Students developed soft skills during their summer research experiences that will apply to more than future careers in research. “I have strengthened my skills of being detail-oriented and communicating effectively,” says Kymberlee Harbin, a third-year chemistry student who studied energy storage and applications with Dr. Shabnam Hematian. “Working in a group environment and attending weekly meetings taught me how to communicate in a science environment and strengthened my public speaking skills.”
The students say the practical experience boosted their confidence in pursuing graduate studies or choosing a professional trajectory. Another Honors College student, Natalia Fagundez, is interested in a service-oriented career. She came to UNCG to major in special education and is on track to graduate next year. She can now see herself continuing to graduate school to focus on bilingual education.
“Working with young children means that I can have an influence in their lives and be able to show them they are important and loved from a very young age,” says Fagundez.
Working Toward Real-World Solutions
The work these students have done is about more than a stipend or a grade in an upcoming class. They are engaged in problem-solving that could improve communities for years to come.
Janae Wofford, a second-year student majoring in biochemistry, was grateful for a chance to work with Dr. Nadja Cech, Patricia A. Sullivan Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, collecting plant samples from Guilford Woods and examining them for antibiotic properties. “It’s really cool to do my research in what we can call the backyard of UNCG,” says Wofford. “I feel like I’m becoming a part of the research community of UNCG and getting a stronger tie to Greensboro.”
Wofford learned about UNCG’s undergraduate research opportunities during her First Year Experience courses. She joined the Undergraduate Research training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE), a program for students in biomedical sciences to prepare them to earn a PhD.
“Before I joined research, I thought I wanted to be a pharmacist,” says Wofford. “Now, I’ve definitely decided that I want to pursue a PhD in pharmacology and work in drug discovery and research.”
Petersen, who led U-RISE before taking the reins of URSCO this year, is excited to see how far these students will carry their opportunities. She says, “Undergraduate research is a chance for students to find their passion. It’s exciting that they can use that passion to really thrive here at UNCG.”
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
Videography by David Lee Row, University Communications
