UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH BLOGS

The Office of Undergraduate Research sponsors a number of grant programs, including the Circumnavigator Club Foundation’s Around-the-World Study Grant and the Undergraduate Research Grant. Some of the students on these grants end up traveling and having a variety of amazing experiences. We wanted to give some of them the opportunity to share these experiences with the broader public. It is our hope that this opportunity to blog will deepen the experiences for these students by giving them a forum for reflection; we also hope these blogs can help open the eyes of others to those reflections/experiences as well. Through these blogs, perhaps we all can enjoy the ride as much as they will.

Kaytlyn Mittag

Kaytlyn Mittag

Photo of Kaytlyn Mittag

ULG

What language did you study and why?
I spent my summer attending an intensive Japanese language program to maximize the opportunities of Northwestern University’s Japanese course offerings and prepare myself for the goal of teaching English in Japan after graduation. Through rigorous study and practice, I honed my language skills, embracing the opportunity to develop cultural sensitivity and communication proficiency. This summer endeavor has not only accelerated my Japanese language acquisition but has also fueled my enthusiasm for the journey ahead as I strive to become a competent English teacher in Japan.

What program did you attend and why did you choose it?
Participating in Hokkaido International Foundation’s summer program (HIF) opened up a world of opportunities to immerse myself in Japanese culture and connect with local people beyond the classroom. The program’s rigorous language classes, spanning four hours a day, five days a week for two months, provided me with a solid linguistic foundation. Yet, what truly enriched my experience were the cultural activities and connections I made outside of formal instruction. Engaging in homestays allowed me to delve into everyday Japanese life, while local culture classes introduced me to unique aspects of Japanese heritage, such as the art of benshi and the shamisen.

Describe your experience doing summer language study. Was it tricky? How do you think your language skills improved?
Undoubtedly, the rapid pace of the curriculum presented unexpected challenges, pushing me to adapt my study strategies for a deeper grasp of the material. Divided into two classes, our learning environment fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and often echoed with laughter as we delved into diverse topics, from onomatopoeias to the fascinating realm of cup ramen and shifts in Japanese speech styles. Beyond the classroom, continuous interactions with a variety of individuals further honed my listening and speaking skills. While I acknowledge the need for refinement in my Japanese abilities, I’m confident that my Japanese proficiency has improved across all four language dimensions.

Did intensive summer language study change or solidify any of your future goals? If so, how?
My intensive language study experience in Japan has left me with a strong desire to return. While it had its share of ups and downs, it was undeniably a rewarding journey that not only deepened my understanding of the language and culture but also provided insights into myself. I look forward to going back and delving even deeper into Japan. Currently, as I engage in my teaching English internship, I can envision a future where I return to Japan after graduation to pursue teaching. Japan has left an indelible mark on me, and I’m excited to continue my journey there.

Do you have any tips or advice for students similar to you that are interested in pursing intensive language study?
I highly recommend talking with the locals! Although it might be challenging, some of my most memorable interactions with locals who became friends (some who I still talk to) in Japan occurred when I was lost at a train station or waiting for my bus. While intensive language study is difficult and time consuming, don’t underestimate the significance of making new friends! The sense of achievement when you use newly learned class material in the real world is wonderful, and it is such a great way to learn more about the place you live in.

Shravya Pant

Shravya Pant

Shravya Pant

AYURG

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
My research at the Laronda Lab investigates the effects of acute chemotherapy on ovarian vasculature and primordial follicle (immature eggs) activation in pre-pubertal and adolescent patients. The goal of my project is to help optimize fertility preservation methods for young female cancer patients, as chemotherapy treatments can cause lifelong consequences on fertility.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I have always been passionate about issues of sexual and reproductive health, particularly when it comes to fertility and bodily autonomy. Being able to combine these interests with science has driven my interest in pursuing this project and being part of a reproductive lab in general.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
Combining my interdisciplinary interests in journalism and medicine, I’m passionate about utilizing research and investigative skills both as a reporter and scientist to better communicate medical news to the public. I feel that research combines the best of both worlds. Through honing my scientific research and communication skills, the knowledge I’ve gained through working in a lab will make me a better reporter and physician.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
I think research requires a lot more teamwork than one may think at first. Working in a lab environment as an undergrad can be daunting at first, but I think making connections and valuing mentorship from graduate and masters students, as well as the PI, is really valuable.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
If you see a lab or group that interests you, reach out to them. I was initially intimidated to reach out to the PI of the lab that I currently work in because I wasn’t sure if they would want to take an undergrad. However, I met with one of the graduate students over the summer who took me on a lab tour and is now my project mentor!

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
Anything related to professional tennis

Josie Halporn

Josie Halporn

Photo of Josie Halporn

ULG

What language did you study and why?
I studied Portuguese in São Paulo because I wanted to experience language immersion specifically in Brazilian Portuguese.

What program did you attend and why did you choose it?
I attended Tulane’s Summer in Brazil program. Believe it or not, there aren’t many study abroad programs in Brazil! I chose this one because it focused on contemporary social issues in the country as well as grammar practice.

Describe your experience doing summer language study. Was it tricky? How do you think your language skills improved?
As I flew home from Brazil, I talked to the passenger next to me for several hours in Portuguese, and this moment was when I truly realized how far I’d come in my language abilities. However, I may have improved my speaking more in Brazil if I had used less English with my American roommates. My writing and reading are also much improved. In my previous Portuguese courses at Northwestern, I always felt like I had to look up the English translations for every other word in class readings. I don’t feel that way anymore! I can also now write advanced phrases like “If I was…I would…,” using conditional and subjunctive tenses with ease. Though my listening comprehension improved significantly, I still want to put more effort into this area. When my Brazilian roommates spoke really fast to each other or me, I was at a complete loss for the meaning. It is also still difficult for me to understand certain regional accents, like the Carioca or the Nordestina.

Did intensive summer language study change or solidify any of your future goals? If so, how?
After completing the program, I am even more motivated to return to Northwestern and finish off the Portuguese minor. I know that I am capable of achieving success in classes of any subject matter taught fully in a different language. I also seriously want to return to Brazil for a more extended period of time.

Do you have any tips or advice for students similar to you that are interested in pursing intensive language study?
Lean into the independence you build while abroad. It will serve you well for the rest of your life!

Ishmael Nyame

Ishmael Nyame

Ishmael Nyame

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
My research focuses on the crucial role of migrant brokers in facilitating and controlling migration from Ghana to Qatar. While the study of brokers within the migration industry is not new, it has traditionally focused on brokers based in the origin countries, where aspiring migrants reside. What sets my study apart is that it examines brokers based in the destination country, Qatar, who liaise with aspiring migrants from Ghana and act as intermediaries in the process. This involved conducting in-depth interviews with Ghanaian migration brokers based in Qatar and migrants currently residing there. The primary objective was to gain insights into the roles, experiences, and strategies employed by brokers in facilitating migration, providing a comprehensive understanding of their practices.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I was born and raised in Accra, Ghana, in a diverse migrant community. In 2020, I attended Northwestern University’s Qatar campus, where I encountered discussions on COVID-19 and the migrant labor crisis linked to the 2022 World Cup. My interest in migration deepened as I integrated into local communities, noticing the crucial role of migrant brokers in Qatar. This experience enriched my understanding of migration’s complexities and fueled my ongoing fascination with the topic.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
My interest in pursuing interdisciplinary research is rooted in my fascination with migration studies and my extensive experience as a research assistant during my college years. My interest was amplified while at Northwestern University’s Qatar campus, where I encountered the significant migrant labor population and the pressing issues related to their experiences. The intersection of global health, labor rights, and socio-economic conditions that I observed underscored the need for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to address the multifaceted nature of migration. Throughout my college years, I held several research assistantship positions that allowed me to explore various aspects of migration and related fields. I worked on projects ranging from examining dementia-related policies in the GCC countries to analyzing the framing of migrant workers in the Qatar local newspapers during the FIFA 2022 World Cup. These experiences honed my research skills and deepened my appreciation for the value of interdisciplinary research in understanding and addressing complex global issues. By integrating diverse perspectives and methodologies, I am committed to contributing to a deeper understanding of migration and developing innovative solutions to improve the lives of migrants and minorities in general worldwide.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
My research journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Starting in my sophomore year at Northwestern University’s Qatar campus, I took on several research assistantship roles, each presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities. One of my earliest projects involved archival research of the operations of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) by gathering physical data from the Gulf Times Newspaper Archives (1979 – 2020). This required extensive data collection and statistical analysis from large databases like NexisUni, which sharpened my quantitative research skills and taught me the importance of meticulous data handling. Transitioning to a project on public health challenges (Dementia) among older people in the Middle East, I encountered the complexities of qualitative research. Another significant project focused on the belonging or inclusion of international students in Education City. Conducting interviews and focus groups, I learned how to design effective research questions, engage with participants sensitively, and analyze qualitative data to extract meaningful patterns and insights. This interdisciplinary study required synthesizing information from anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies, enhancing my ability to approach research questions from multiple perspectives. Throughout these experiences, I developed strong critical thinking, data analysis, and communication skills. I also learned the importance of adaptability, ethical considerations in research, and the value of a collaborative approach. These skills have equipped me to tackle complex research problems and contribute effectively to the field of migration studies.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
For students interested in pursuing undergraduate research, my key advice is to start early and seek out opportunities proactively. Reach out to professors whose work interests you and express your desire to assist in their research. Take advantage of the many resources provided by the Office of Undergraduate Research. Stay organized and be persistent, as research often involves overcoming setbacks. Lastly, choose topics you are passionate about; this will keep you motivated and engaged throughout the challenging but rewarding process of research.

Juan Barrera Lopez

Juan Barrera Lopez

Juan Barrera Lopez

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
I researched the behavior of infection through the Contact Process, a model of infection that allows physicists to study systems which particles interact and affect the state of their immediate neighbors.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I was interested by the ability of complex systems to create descriptions and predictions for a wide range of phenomena. The calculations we are working on should be independent of the particular system we study, describing the behavior of the universality class through simple simulations.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
Physics has applications in many fields. When I first approached my PI, Dr. Kovacs, I was impressed by the wide variety of topics his lab researches through complex systems. Some projects different than my own, studied in the same lab, include studying the network dynamics of the brain, as well as the structural formation of proteins.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
I found that one of the most challenging parts of doing computational research is time management. Some days are more straightforward than others, especially at the begining when most of the work is laying down the foundational code for the simulations. Learning how to stay engaged and active in research, while also waiting for up to a week while the simulations produce results, was a challenging skill to develop.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
If you are planning on doing research in the sciences, it is important to find a project that engages you outside the purely academic. Something that was helpful for me was finding how my project had meaning beyond the ‘Contact Process and Infinite Randomness’ literature.

What would you name a boat if you had one?
La Hojarasca

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

 

Cate Jeschke

Cate Jeschke

Photo of Cate Jeschke

URAP

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
I worked with Dr. Hatch on her work in investigating environmental injustice in the Chicago area through measuring soil lead levels. I assisted her in collecting, preparing, analyzing, and interpreting the data in order to build on her growing dataset.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
When I first saw the project, I was really interested in its environmental justice lens, and really liked that it integrated science and social justice. I was eager to do research and this project stood out to be for both its topic and the breadth in skills that I could learn.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
My experience in this research has solidified my interest in applying skills across my interests in multiple ways. As an environmental science major and computer science major I have become really interested in finding the intersection between these two disciplines, as I have found it incredibly helpful to use these skills in application of my interest in environmental science.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
I think the research I did has helped me gain skills in a variety of areas – from field work to the chemistry to data analysis, I think I was able to gain good general research skills to be well rounded and prepared for varying types of research in the future. Generally, I think I gained some new organizational skills in tracking work and structuring future research to answer our overarching questions.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
When you go into the project, think both about you want to get out of it and how you can contribute to it. I think research becomes even more meaningful when you find ways to apply your own skills or skills you’re learning in your classes to your research. I think doing so, and getting creative about putting your skills into the research, can really help you get excited about doing it.

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

 

Rachel Kwon

Rachel Kwon

Photo of Rachel Kwon

URAP

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
This year, I spent my time working as a research assistant at the Shirley Ryan Affective and Emotion Rehabilitation Lab. Throughout the duration of my URAP program, I engaged in qualitative research with an ongoing project in the lab that focused on developing an EMA (ecological momentary analysis) to act as a better measure of depression for PWAs (People with Aphasia). Under the mentorship of my PI and lab manager, I used the qualitative data analysis software–Dedoose– to qualitatively code transcripts that were created from focus groups of PWAs and their care partners. In addition, I learned how to conduct thematic analysis by finding deeper connections between the established codes to develop intricate themes in relation to the research question. I plan on using these skills that I have developed in my next, independent project over the summer that will focus on the mental health challenges associated with aphasia for PWAs and their care partners.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
The fact that this project focused on highlighting the voices of PWAs–an underrepresented (yet one of the most important) groups– that were affected by post-stroke depression contributes to why it is personally important to me. Over the summer of 2022, I conducted a literature review on racial trauma in adolescents, and I discovered it was often overlooked by clinical psychologists because it was an uncomfortable matter and also because racial trauma is difficult to “measure” using traditional data collection methods. Thus, this study stood out to me because of its goal to develop an “aphasia-friendly” EMA. I strongly believe that it is highly important to innovate new ways of data collection that can call attention to once-unrepresented groups in the medical field.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
Research has always been something that I have always wanted to pursue. It gives the researcher the ability to directly learn more about a topic that they are interested in. I love how in research, the researcher is given a sense of creativity as they are in charge of designing their own project. Each decision that a researcher makes about their methodology is purposeful, and there are so many different ways to examine the same set of data by using an array of different research methods. I find the ability to hand-craft a project that revolves around issues that are really important to the researcher a characteristic that is unique to research.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
When I first started the URAP program; I was incredibly nervous. I was worried that I would not be able to meet the expectations of others that had already been working in the lab. In the beginning, I felt intimidated and unsure whether I could actually “do research”. However, I quickly learned that the people who you work with in the lab are very supportive and do not expect you to know everything. I have learned how to reach out when I have questions, and I learned that in the research environment questions are always encouraged.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
A tip that I would have is to find something that genuinely interests you. In order to engage in meaningful research, you have to connect to the data you are working with. This involves spending long periods of time engaging with the data, so you should choose projects that you actually want to learn more about. Also, always reach out and try for any opportunity to engage in research no matter how underqualified you feel you are. Passion and a strong work ethic always beats out “strong qualifications”.

 

Aimee Resnick

Aimee Resnick

Photo of Aimee Resnick

URAP

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
We will conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with a subset high school students at “Franklin High” (a pseudonym) who have missed more than 20% of school days about their personal experiences, challenges, and perceptions related to absenteeism. A distinguishing feature of the proposed project is its focus on discerning, through the lens of students, the aspects of the school setting that might promote absenteeism. The interviews allowed us to investigate the intersections of racial identity, gender, sexuality, and their potential influences on truancy. By collecting qualitative data and collaborating with the school district on potential solutions, this project aimed to shed light on the school-level factors and experiences that make skipping school seem preferable to attend for some students.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I had a really hard time in high school due to bullying. I was prone to hiding in the bathrooms during lunch. I feel very empathetic for the students we interviewed and hope to help make high school a better place for others.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I find people very interesting, To be honest, I think it is just my tendency to by nosy.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
I learned how to build probing questions, foster empathetic relationships with participants, and draw meaningful themes from interview data. The hardest thing for me was learning DeDoose. I also got yelled at several times in the high school for loitering in the halls (they thought I was a student). haha!

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
find a strong faculty mentor. Professor Ispa-Landa and I are a good team. This helps move the research forward in ways that are exciting for both of us.

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

 

Yao Xiao

Yao Xiao

Yao Xiao

AYURG

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
My study explores the possibility of training students’ analogical ability to improve their STEM thinking. We created a type of scaffolding templates to help students become better at analyzing scientific analogies.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
As a student studying Psychology and Math, I am always interested in the cognitive processes underlying STEM thinking. On the other hand, analogical thinking is a crucial aspect of higher-order thinking I have been curious about. And the connection between these two areas is invaluable to research to improve STEM education. Therefore, I became interested in starting my current research project.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I have very broad interests, so whenever I have a chance to study the connection between different areas I am interested in, I get very excited. Doing Psychology research has provided me with plenty of such opportunities. I also believe interdisciplinary research especially has great potential to spark creative ideas and provide inspiration for critical issues in today’s world.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
It was not easy (especially with grad school applications and senior burnout)! Also, we failed to find significant results in this version of the study. However, I learned a lot on how to design a rigorous psychology experiment and how to learn from failures in research.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Research is always a long, long journey, whether we are talking about conducting a single research project or becoming a researcher in the long term. So the achievements or failures at present are all just a small part of this long journey. What really matters is to keep going with curiosity and passion.

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
Figure skating and manicure!

Regina Fernandez

Regina Fernandez

Photo of Regina Fernandez

Conference Travel Grant

Please provide the tile and a brief summary of your research/conference presentation.
Title: Development of a Cell-Free System for Producing Vaccines Against S. pneumoniae Summary: We developed a cell-free system for producing glycoconjugate vaccines against S. pneumoniae by enzyme engineering and strain optimizing.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I am extremely interested in the research and development of biotechnologies that can impact people’s health. Professor Michael Jewett’s lab implements interesting and novel technologies within the field of Synthetic Biology. I wanted to learn more about it and gain those tools, so I was extremely grateful for the opportunity in the vaccine project.

What conference(s) did you present at and how did you find out about them?
I presented at the AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) national conference in Orlando. I heard about it when I was a junior (last year) from other older chemical engineering students at Northwestern.

What was it like presenting at a conference? Anything that you didn’t expect?
It was an awesome experience! I really liked how the judges ask you questions and challenge your research making you have to think on your feet. I also enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet faculty and students from other institutions and learn about their research.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in presenting at a conference one day?
Go for it! Talk to your PI and the grad student you are working with that you want to present. You are not in this alone! They will help you put a poster or powerpoint together and prepare. Also, practice many times before. You probably know your research very well, but it is important to make sure you can present it to people from diverse backgrounds that may know very little about your field.