Rebecca Chen

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
This summer, for my independent SURG research project, I worked in Dr. Atique Ahmed’s lab, which focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in glioblastomas from the angles of cellular plasticity, stem cells, and epigenetics. By understanding the mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, the Ahmed Lab also is actively involved in the development of new brain cancer therapies to improve patient outcomes. Specifically, for my research project, I wanted to further understand the role of 2-HG, an oncometabolite, in the mechanisms of glioblastoma therapeutic resistance, specifically comparing the inhibition of TET2 by D-2-HG and L-2-HG, an enzyme critical for epigenetic modifications in brain cancer that could lead to therapeutic resistance. To elucidate the involvement of L-2-HG as an inhibitor of TET2 contributing to epigenetic modifications involved in TMZ resistance, my project sought to investigate the differences between the addition of L-2-HG and D-2-HG on the 5mC pathway and stemness. Given that glioblastoma remains a devastatingly incurable disease with a near 100% recurrence rate, investigating the mechanisms of therapeutic resistance may inform new glioblastoma treatments that extend patient life spans.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
In high school, I became really interested in the brain as a result of a cellular and molecular neuroscience course I took, as I was shocked by the complexity of the brain along with its both physical and non-physical nature. I was also struck by how much we didn’t know about the brain and the fact that many neurological diseases don’t have effective treatments and cures as a result of this. For example, over the last few decades, the prognosis of glioblastomas (GBM) has remained poor with only 5% of patients surviving 5 years post-diagnosis as a result of a near 100% universal recurrence rate for GBM. As a pre-med interested in neurosurgery and oncology, the Ahmed lab’s glioblastoma research immediately piqued my interest. Current research points to epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, as one of the key mechanisms in therapeutic resistance. Thus, my graduate school mentor in the lab was working on a project regarding L-2-HG’s role in chemoresistance, so after undergoing training in relevant laboratory techniques, that inspired me to take on a new angle for my project, exploring L-2-HG’s inhibitory interaction with TET2.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I applied for SURG because I wanted the opportunity to take on an independent research project, where I would be able to gain invaluable experience in how to think scientifically, whether it be in the form of troubleshooting, data analysis, and experimental design. In my classes, I spent a lot of my time learning about all these neurological disorders and the cutting-edge research that was going on, and I knew I wanted to somehow be a part of that in the future. I also wanted to be able to try out the laboratory techniques I’ve seen in textbooks. I’ve always been someone who likes to take on challenges, and that’s why I decided to pursue research related to a disease that has kept physicians and researchers stumped for years. In the lab, I realized that research wasn’t something that’s individual—a lot of interdisciplinary is required. For example, for one of our experiments, we had to work with another department to complete it. I loved the idea of being part of a team that’s devoting their life to furthering our knowledge on the mission of improving the quality of life for patients and families everywhere. I also really enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking, and sometimes I just lay in bed at night thinking about the signaling pathway mechanisms and “what ifs.”

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
It was definitely really challenging at times, and although this was my own project, I received a lot of support from my mentors. I had to ask a lot of questions related to a variety of things, such as the optimization parameters for lab techniques, and my mentors’ experiences with creating a “scientific story.” I gained a lot of skills related to techniques, such as immunofluorescence microscopy and western blotting. However, what I found most rewarding was the problem-solving skills I gained. A lot of unexpected things happened, and I went through a lot of failures. But without these failures, I wouldn’t have learned as much as I did. I was also able to improve my communication skills through presenting at weekly lab meetings, and I’ve thoroughly experienced the importance of constructive feedback and collaboration. This summer has only affirmed my interest in pursuing research in the future.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Research can seem daunting at first, but you should never feel alone. If you want to get involved, I would encourage exploring your interests first and searching for faculty doing research that aligns with those interests. Aside from the Office of Undergraduate Research, I think talking to upperclassmen who have been involved in research throughout their undergraduate career is a great idea. Everyone I’ve met has been so nice and open to sharing their experiences. I think it’s also important to find a mentor who’s passionate about your success and has the capacity to help you gain a greater understanding. I think finding a lab that has experience with mentoring undergraduate students is super important. Cold-emailing may also seem scary at first because it seems like you don’t know anything, but I believe the most important thing is your interest and willingness to learn.

Melany Morales Ghinaglia

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
Developmental language disorders (DLD) tend to be diagnosed at around 4 years old, and they are characterized by difficulties in acquiring and utilizing language. While it is prevalent in 6-8% of children in the United States alone, accurate and early detection of DLD remains a challenge. My research this summer aimed to investigate whether we can use a neuroimaging technique, called electroencephalography (EEG), to examine potential neural differences between typically-developing children and children who later received a DLD diagnosis. I specifically examined whether the degree to which an individual’s brain activity synchronizes to stimuli during an auditory task predicted their language outcomes by 4 years.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I have worked in a couple of labs that investigate typical language development in early childhood which has allowed me to understand the expected trajectory of language acquisition. However, I have always been interested in atypical language development and how we can integrate neuroimaging techniques to detect potential differences before the behavioral symptoms emerge. When I began researching on different ways one can analyze EEG data, I found a recent method that measures how synchronized an individual’s brain activity is during a task. Since the current literature on DLD and brain wave synchronization is scarce, I was excited to pursue this area further.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
From a very young age, I have always wanted to understand the underlying mechanisms that drive certain processes or behaviors. Even though research was always an area of interest to me in some shape or form, I had a difficult time narrowing down the specific research field I wanted to pursue. One aspect of my research experience I have thoroughly enjoyed has been getting the opportunity to work with experts in different fields, from neuroscientists that work with animal models, to speech language pathologists and behavioral psychologists. I think it is because of this rich exposure that I have appreciated the value of interdisciplinary research.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
My experience with research has definitely had its ups and downs. When I began research, I didn’t how much patience is required, but I quickly learned that it is normal for things to move slower or not turn out as expected. My research experience has also greatly improved my communication skills. Through writing manuscripts and presenting at conferences, I have learned to adapt the content of my research based on the audience which has definitely helped in other aspects of my life.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
I strongly encourage you to try out different labs if you can! Throughout my years here, I have worked with several incredible research faculties that utilize different techniques and/or focus on different aspects of my research of interest which has allowed me to not only gain expertise in various areas, but it has also helped me narrow down my focus. I also recommend looking into all the resources Northwestern has to offer to support undergrads with their research career, which not only includes the research grants provided by the Office of Undergraduate Research, but also national and/or international fellowships.

What was your favorite childhood story (written, spoken, or film)?
Corduroy

Carson Walters

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
Over the summer I looked into how Drosophila propagated the signal of its starvation response. These signals formed calcium waves that flowed between fat cells in a cycle. My goal for the summer was to determine which proteins were involved in the calcium wave propagation. I did this by removing different proteins from the Drosophila and then using a fluorescence microscope to see how the signal got disrupted. The more disrupted the signal, the more involved this protein was in propagation.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I was drawn to this project because of how visually beautiful the results can be. In the fluorescence imaging, I used multiple channels to highlight different aspects of the drosophila – such as the calcium levels, individual fat droplets, and fat cells that have the protein of interest removed. By compiling all of these images together, it is as if I created a piece of art.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
In high school, I asked my teachers questions and sometimes they admitted they (and everyone else) didn’t know. I quickly realized that even though society has learned to understand so much, even more has yet to be discovered. This was my draw to research. I could be the first person who ever conducts this study, and going into it I have no idea what the results will be. This unknown is so exciting and keeps me coming back for more.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
My first year of research had one of the worst possible outcomes I could think of. I was tasked with correlating the levels of two proteins and then analyzing how different conditions change this correlation. Unfortunately, when conducting the original test to correlate the proteins, it was unsuccessful. Without this piece of information, the rest of the project would not work. With my knowledge (which was only a few weeks in this lab) I tried to figure things out on my own and find out what went wrong. Eventually, I gave up and admitted defeat to my PI. I thought it was all my fault. I quickly learned that it was, in fact, not my fault. There was something fundamentally wrong with the project and it was impossible to correctly correlate the data. He then guided me on what I should do next. From that experience, I learned that I should never be ashamed about asking for help. My PI was more than happy to lend me a hand and assist me with whatever I needed.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
A bit of advice I have for those interested in pursuing undergraduate research is to have fun with it. This is an amazing opportunity that most people don’t have. It is so easy to compare yourself to others, and once you do, your time in lab will start to feel like a chore instead of something you can look forward to.

If your (speaking) voice were an instrument, what do you think it would be?
Trombone

What was your favorite childhood story (written, spoken, or film)?
The Lorax

Zosia Alarr

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
This past summer, I designed and carried out a cultural psychology research project exploring Afro identities across Colombia. I conducted interviews with over 40 participants from multiple regions and analyzed these interviews to uncover recurring themes and conflicts. This experience provided invaluable insights into the development of Black identities outside the U.S. and offered fresh perspectives on how Afro-descendant individuals make sense of their identities outside the context of the U.S.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
As an Afro-descendent individual, I’ve often struggled with the pressure to conform to the narrow stereotypes of Black identity that are prevalent in the US. We are frequently told that there is only one way to “be Black,” when in reality, the diversity of Black identities across the Americas is vast and deeply nuanced. This desire to challenge the misconception of a monolithic Black identity inspired me to explore Afro identities outside the U.S. I chose to conduct my research in Colombia, which not only has the fourth largest Black population in the Americas but is also home to the first freed slave town, where a distinct Afro-Colombian identity has emerged.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
My interest in research began with a simple curiosity about my subject and a desire to learn more. I’ve always been a naturally inquisitive person, eager to explore and question the conventional ways of thinking about certain topics. It was an amazing opportunity to have my curiosity supported and funded through the SURG, allowing me to investigate and challenge mainstream perspectives in a meaningful way.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
Initially, I was quite intimidated by the idea of research, but it turned out to be an incredible experience. I’ve come to realize that research is a broad, flexible process that can take many forms. I found my project to be surprisingly creative and was amazed at how much I enjoyed the work. That said, it wasn’t without challenges—managing the logistics and navigating the open-ended freedom to create was difficult at times, but it also made the experience all the more rewarding.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
If you can put in the footwork and allow yourself to believe in your abilities, you really can accomplish whatever crazy little research dream you may have.

Grace Cheng

Conference Travel Grant

Please provide the tile and a brief summary of your research/conference presentation.
Title: SPOTs — High Throughput Synthesis and Screening for Transition Metal Nitride Catalysts Summary: SPOTs (surface patterned omniphobic tiles) is a technique that allows the discovery of efficient mixed transition metal nitride catalysts that could be applied to important chemical processes such as ammonia production. Compared to the current industrial ammonia production process, nitrogen reduction reactions catalyzed by mixed transition metal nitrides could be significantly more efficient and environmentally friendly. In addition, the challenge in synthesizing and screening these materials with numerous combinations (up to the thousands and beyond!) lends well to a high-throughput technique. In this project, SPOTs was developed to create and test a library of mixed transition metal nitride catalysts synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in mild nitrogen environments. The products have the potential to not only boost the efficiency but also mitigate the environmental impact of industrial chemical processes.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
Ammonia production and many other chemical processes create critical products for our everyday lives; however, they contribute to a significant percentage of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As a chemical engineering student, I have always been passionate about seeking more environmentally friendly alternatives for current industrial chemical processes. When I learned about the SPOTs technique and how it could be used to discover efficient catalysts for heterogeneous reactions such as nitrogen reduction to ammonia, I was excited to optimize and standardize this novel procedure.

What conference(s) did you present at and how did you find out about them?
I presented at the National Undergraduate Research Conference (NCUR) held in Long Beach. It appeared to be one of the most inclusive and high-level research conferences for undergraduate students when I was looking for opportunities to share my research project.

What was it like presenting at a conference? Anything that you didn’t expect?
It was a fascinating experience telling the story of my research work, engaging with the audience, and learning from the other presenters from across the country. One thing I wasn’t expecting was how diverse people’s research areas could be, which manifests the importance of establishing a solid knowledge background of my work and minimizing jargons during my presentation. I also learned to stay open-minded to allow inspiration to take place at these wonderful opportunities.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in presenting at a conference one day?
Don’t be afraid to apply for presenting at a conference! All great research projects deserve to be heard and seen.

Aryan Kalluvila

Conference Travel Grant

Please provide the tile and a brief summary of your research/conference presentation.
3T to 7T Whole Brain and Skull MRI Translation via Densely Engineered U-Net Network. I created an advanced AI tool to enhance MRI scans from standard 3T to high-resolution 7T, helping doctors get clearer views of conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. I engineered a denser U-Net algorithm to help bridge the resolution gap.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
While shadowing a radiologist in high school, I was introduced to MRI scans. Quickly, it became evident that certain conditions couldn’t be diagnosed on the traditional MRI scan, especially deadly neurological ones. Thus, I became determined to develop an AI tool to enhance scans from 3T to 7T, aiming to revolutionize diagnostic accuracy for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

What conference(s) did you present at and how did you find out about them?
I presented my work at the Stanford Research Conference (SRC), winning the Top Research Project for Computational Sciences. I stumbled upon the SRC while browsing online for opportunities to present my work in medical imaging.

What was it like presenting at a conference? Anything that you didn’t expect?
I enjoyed getting an avenue to talk about my work, however, the presenting part wasn’t the most valuable. It definitely was the people. I met students from across the United States presenting the most cutting edge research. Getting to meet them and make those connections was the most rewarding.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in presenting at a conference one day?
I would recommend keeping your project as accessible to the public as possible. If the public doesn’t understand your project, it makes it difficult for them to appreciate all the hard work you have done.

What would you name a boat if you had one?
S.S. Hyperfine

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
AI Applications for MRI

If your (speaking) voice were an instrument, what do you think it would be?
Tablas

What was your favorite childhood story (written, spoken, or film)?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

What was a memorable interaction that you had on campus this week?
The Solar Eclipse

Natalie Masnica

Conference Travel Grant

Please provide the tile and a brief summary of your research/conference presentation.
I work at the Matei Lab and my research presentation was on “Characterizing Novel PROTACs Against TG2 in Ovarian Cancer”. Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is an upregulated protein in ovarian cancer and is linked to epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) metastasis. The goal of our study was to characterize novel PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras) that most effectively decrease TG2 protein levels, causing EOC cells to lose their migrating, invading, and proliferation capabilities. Essentially, we are trying to understand the mechanism of chemoresistance and identify new ways to prevent metastasis and resistance.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
My interest in researching this project is personal as my grandma passed away from ovarian cancer very quickly as she became chemoresistant to her treatment. Additionally, I want to pursue medicine in the Obstetrics and Gynecology sector. I think that this research project will have greater implications for the future and being a part of such impactful research is something I am proud to be apart of.

What conference(s) did you present at and how did you find out about them?
I presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Long Beach, California. I found out about this conference by just searching for conferences online. This was one of the first ones that popped up for me. I decided to apply as I wanted to network with individuals from all over the country and experience what it is like to present my research.

What was it like presenting at a conference? Anything that you didn’t expect?
I loved talking about my research at the conference. Since this is a complex topic, many people had questions. Answering the questions made me realize how much I know and also what I should consider and think about moving forward. I want to present again at another conference and continue to grow my presentation skills for the future.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in presenting at a conference one day?
I say just go for it! Even though it can be stressful, if you love the research that you do it will be fun presenting it. I realized that after I presented to a few people, I was much more confident and relaxed. This is a great opportunity to network and to work on your presentation skills which will be beneficial for the future.

What would you name a boat if you had one?
St. Barbara

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
Gastro Health

Eni Egedigwe

Please briefly summarize your research.
For the READ Lab, the current project investigates cognitive and behavioral factors influencing specific reading comprehension deficits (SRCD) in children with adequate decoding skills. By examining these factors as potential risks or strengths across a range of readers, the study aims to enhance understanding of reading comprehension challenges. The findings are expected to inform theories, improve identification methods, and guide prevention and intervention strategies to better support children with SRCD. For my Summer 2025 project, I hope to be researching the experiences of Black women medical students in their medical education journey.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
My interest in pursuing interdisciplinary research stems from its ability to bridge gaps between fields and uncover innovative solutions to complex problems. For example, combining neuroscience, psychology, and education can provide a deeper understanding of reading comprehension deficits and cognitive processes. This approach not only aligns with my passion for addressing nuanced challenges but also allows me to create impactful, evidence-based interventions that benefit diverse populations. By integrating perspectives from multiple disciplines, I’m inspired to tackle real-world issues with a holistic and inclusive mindset.

How has it been working with faculty to transition from an assistant position to a more independent role?
Working with faculty to transition from an assistant role to a more independent position has been both challenging and rewarding. It has provided me with invaluable mentorship and opportunities to develop critical skills, such as formulating research questions, designing experiments, and interpreting data. Faculty members have guided me in refining my ideas and encouraged me to take ownership of projects, fostering confidence in my abilities. This collaborative process has helped me transition from supporting others’ work to contributing original insights, preparing me to take on greater responsibility and leadership in research endeavors.

What’s been your favorite part about being in a cohort with other scholars?
My favorite part about being in a cohort with other scholars has been the sense of community and intellectual exchange. Collaborating with peers who have diverse perspectives and expertise enriches the research process and sparks new ideas. The cohort dynamic fosters mutual support, where we can challenge each other’s thinking, share resources, and celebrate each other’s successes. This environment not only enhances my academic growth but also builds lasting connections that contribute to both personal and professional development. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by driven individuals who are all passionate about pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Do you have any tips or advice for first years similar to you who are interested (but maybe hesitant) to apply for a 15 month long program?
If you’re considering a 15-month program but feeling hesitant, it’s helpful to approach it with a growth mindset. See it as an opportunity to expand your knowledge, develop new skills, and build meaningful connections without the pressure of rushing through the experience. Clarifying your goals for the program—whether academic, professional, or personal—will keep you focused and motivated throughout. It’s also important to find a balance between commitment and flexibility; while the program will require dedication, be open to adapting your approach as new challenges and experiences arise. Don’t hesitate to seek support from mentors, peers, and faculty, as they can offer valuable guidance based on their own experiences. Lastly, remember that self-doubt is normal, but don’t let it hold you back. If the program aligns with your interests, take the leap—it’s likely that you’ll gain far more than you anticipate.

What would you name a boat if you had one?
Esperanza – I love the Spanish language because I feel like it is able to convey words so beautifully

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
food/food recs! i have been to so many cool restaurants and places and I just love to talk about it

If your (speaking) voice were an instrument, what do you think it would be?
a piano

What was your favorite childhood story (written, spoken, or film)?
princess and the pea

What was a memorable interaction that you had on campus this week?
I worked with my friend Joey this week for the first time in a long time and I had a really fun time catching up.

Audrey Clarendon

Summer URG

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
I set out to shed light on depersonalization/derealization disorder. My project involved translating feelings/symptoms of the disorder into a series of oil paintings based on interviews with health professionals and afflicted people, previous literature, and my own personal experience.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
Depersonalization/derealization disorder (DDD) is an understudied and poorly understood phenomenon. Prior to undergoing my own bout of (DDD), I had never really heard of the disorder before. I also struggled to find comprehensive information about it once I could identify what I was going through. I sought out to remedy this disparity in knowledge and understanding by creating an accessible library of work that accurately reflects the direct experience of the disorder in the hopes that it would better our formal and informal understanding of depersonalization and derealization.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I have always wanted to pursue interdisciplinary and independent research because of the opportunity it would provide me to gain useful, complex knowledge of a niche or specific subject that interested me.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
It was definitely a process. The independent nature of SURG was as challenging as it was liberating and intellectually stimulating. Over the course of the summer, I learned self-efficacy, proactivity, and self-determination.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Don’t get discouraged by not always being able to keep a high productivity. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed or too into the weeds with literature-based/creative research. Take many, many reset breaks. Go on a walk, see a show, or lounge at the beach for no reason other than to have some time away from research so that you come back better.

Do you have a podcast/documentary/piece of shareable media related to your research? Post the link(s) to share here!
Website portfolio: audreyclarendon.com/contact
Google drive folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1j6LBRT8yg2OBqQG5LRpv43I767uoGo-L?usp=sharing

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
Over the Hedge (2006)

Ava Levinson

Summer URG

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
I filmed, edited and produced 6 different minute-long videos exploring how social media impacts young, emerging music artists in NYC. I interviewed artists ages 18 to 26 years old and talked with them about their experiences releasing music in the age of apps like TikTok and Instagram.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I find it so inspiring to hear musicians talk about their work — their passion just always lights up the room for me and I love being around it. I knew I wanted to base my project around having musicians as subjects, and I also wanted to explore documentary style video.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I had just recently become interested in video journalism, and I wanted a summer internship that would allow me to explore that in my own way and create something completely mine. Through pursuing research I got to build a project that I had so much fun with and that helped me grow as a person.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
For me, the most difficult part of doing research was making a schedule and sticking to it. I learned how to set weekly goals for myself, better manage my time, and pivot when my project wasn’t going how I wanted it to. I also feel I gained independence and confidence through reaching out to artists online and meeting up with them to conduct interviews.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
If you’re at all considering it, I say do it. The word “research” was daunting to me, but the grant allows you to conduct a project completely of your own making— you are in control of exactly what, where and how you want to do it. Before this summer I never saw myself as someone who could move to a different city and conduct an independent project like this, but I learned so much about myself and what I want to do with my life. And it was fun!

Do you have a podcast/documentary/piece of shareable media related to your research? Post the link(s) to share here!
My videos can be found on Instagram @avalevinsonmedia!

What was your favorite childhood story (written, spoken, or film)?
Judy Moody by Megan McDonald