Juniper Shelley – 2026 Circumnavigator

Please provide a brief summary of what you plan to research over the summer, where you plan to go, and why you chose those locations. 
This summer, I will explore how men in different cultural contexts experience loneliness, masculinity, and emotional connection, and how community-based programs can help address the recent uptick in male isolation. I will be working with an international nonprofit called the ManKind Project, which facilitates men’s conversation groups in over two dozen countries. My goal is to create actionable recommendations that will allow the ManKind Project to improve its adaptability across cultural contexts.

My research will take me to Mexico, South Africa, Sweden, Japan, and Australia. I chose these locations because they represent very different cultural models of masculinity, from highly egalitarian societies to more traditional ones. The ManKind Project has thrived in some of these countries, and struggled in others. By making comparisons between these locations, I hope to better understand what kinds of approaches are the most effective at facilitating community around the world.

What made you interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research?
Last year, I joined an on campus research lab studying how Black girls experience discipline in the Chicago Public School system. At the same time, I completed an independent research project assessing how immigration status predicts an individual’s experiences with the health care system. Working on these two projects simultaneously allowed me to appreciate how a variety of research methods can be used to provide nuance to complicated questions. This experience encouraged me to think outside of the box when considering research opportunities, leading me to an interdisciplinary, mixed-methods approach.

Describe your experiences with research thus far in your career.
This fall, I had the opportunity to present original research at the Midwest Association of Public Opinion Research. For this project, I relied on secondary data to assess how immigration status influences the experiences and perceptions that individuals have with the U.S. healthcare system. I was able to gain quantitative research skills through this experience, which complimented the qualitative skills I was learning in my research lab at Northwestern, examining inequality in public schools through focus-group style interviews.

What made you initially interested in researching your topic in particular?
A few years ago, I read “Boys and Sex” by Peggy Orenstein. In this book, Orenstein uses interviews and focus groups to reveal the immense relational struggle that young men in the United States are facing. The scale of this problem really struck me, and after some research I realized that there was very little existing literature that focused on solutions to this problem. When I began preparing for this grant, I knew I wanted to  work on a project that was solution oriented. After speaking with over 20 members of the ManKind Project, I noticed that men from very different countries were describing remarkably similar feelings of isolation and emotional constraint, even though their cultures looked completely different on the surface. Hearing how deeply these patterns affected men’s mental health and relationships made me want to understand not only the problem, but what kinds of community-based solutions actually help.

Any tips or advice you have for students interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Be open minded to changing your approach as you go. This project is certainly not what I imagined I would be working on when I began doing research for this grant. However, it quickly revealed itself as the most accessible and relevant topic within my general interest area. For other students that are interested in independent research, I recommend that you start with a big idea, and let the resources that are available guide your specific research plan.

Which aspect of your trip are you most excited about?
I am most excited to have conversations with people whose life experiences and cultural frameworks are different from my own. The conversations that I had with members of the ManKind Project in preparation for this grant were some of the most engaging academic conversations I have ever had. I am looking forward to continuing these conversations within member’s own countries, developing a better understanding of how, where, and why the ManKind Project works.

I’m also very excited about the opportunity to travel solo, which I have never done before.

What is something interesting that you’ve learned this week (reading, podcasts, class, living life…)?
This week was my first week studying abroad in Australia, so I learned a lot! One thing that surprised me is that voting is universally mandated here. I also learned that work culture is much more casual in Australia. On my first day at my internship, everyone was drinking beer by 3pm!

Do you collect anything?
Postcards from every place I visit.

What skill would you most like to learn?
I would love to be able to pick up a guitar, and play any song without having to look at sheet music.

What is your favorite dessert?
Homemade apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.

Ben Cruz

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
I studied the role of protein coding genes highly expressed in post-synaptic pathways in the cortex that are susceptible to mutations that are linked to schizophrenia and autism.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I use of biochemical principles in a wet lab that gave insight into disorders that I care deeply about. I have worked with kids/students with autism and different developmental disabilities since middle school. Serving those with developmental disorders has always been of utmost pride and sincerity to me; therefore, applying my love for science in a medical lab combines the best of both worlds.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I wished to connect my background of Biochemistry as a skillset for techniques used in medical research specifically in pathology, or the study of the development of a disease. With disorders like Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder, therapeutics are somewhat limited due to a lack of knowledge on the roles genetic mutations play in pathogenesis; therefore, pathology is a medical research field that is very likely to be responsible for curative findings that can aid individuals with more severe afflictions. With the opportunities at NU, I hope to perform curative research that can inform and improve my practices in clinical settings as a doctor. Thus, learning the process of a pathology researcher grants me ideas on how I can connect future research to bettering clinical-care.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
Research is a matter of trial, error, and reworking. Patience and adaptation are the two largest skills I have gained. Due to the nature of the proteins we worked with, experiments like western blots often gave inconclusive data. Nevertheless, my mentor helped me re-analyze smaller yet significant findings in our data to generate new directions and areas of interest in our research.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
You need to advocate for yourself. Undergraduate students can have a meaningful lab experience by participating at a level close to that of others in the lab, gaining real knowledge on the field one works in, and being inserted in the experiment planning. Many times we assume that because we are at the youngest stage we can’t gain a level of knowledge of our mentors. While we may not have that background, discussing often about why “things” occur, how “things” function, and introducing your own ideas will separate your experience from just doing mindless busy work. If there are opportunities, ask to take them on with the assistance of others in the lab.

What would you name a boat if you had one?
“Don’t Touch My Boat, It’s Mine”

Angela Zhong

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
In this research project, I examined whether greater physiological linkage (specifically, Interbeat Interval linkage) between caregivers and youth predicts higher empathic accuracy in caregivers during a conflict conversation. Building on prior research conducted with married adults, friends, and strangers, we extended these findings to parent-child interactions. Of particular interest were caregivers of youth at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis, as empathy in these relationships could play a significant role in youth functioning and clinical outcomes. Since empathy is crucial to fostering healthy familial relationship and promoting individual well-being, we hope to contribute to a better understanding of the physical mechanisms underlying empathy and its potential implications for interventions aimed at improving parent-child relationships, especially in CHR populations.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
My initial interest in this research project stems from a desire to explore the fundamental and often automatic mechanisms underlying empathy and emotions. I was particularly drawn to the concept of physiological linkage, which theorizes that people empathize by mirroring others’ autonomic nervous system responses in their own bodies. This focus on physiological experiences offers a fresh perspective on empathy, moving beyond traditional self-reports and emphasizing the instinctive connections we share as humans. Moreover, being able to studying empathy in real-life dyadic interactions fascinates me, as it allows for direct observation of how individuals communicate and respond to one another in their natural environments, preserving rich details that provide more accurate insights compared to conventional research methods.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I’ve had a strong passion for research that stems from a deep curiosity about the underlying reasons behind human behavior and various phenomena. I’ve always been eager to explore the “why” behind the “what” using scientific methodologies that provide a structured, evidence-based way to understand complex issues. Psychology research particularly captivates me because it not only describes and explains behaviors but also aims to predict and influence them, offering insights that can lead to life-changing real-world applications. The potential of research to bridge scientific inquiry with practical solutions that positively impact society is truly inspiring to me. Additionally, the supportive and collaborative atmosphere in our lab has made my summer research experience genuinely enjoyable, despite the inevitable challenges that research presents. Working alongside my fantastic lab members has enriched my learning and boosted my confidence in tackling obstacles. Their encouragement and support have really empowered me to grow as a researcher and has solidified my commitment to pursuing research in the future.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
My research experience has been quite a journey! My SURG research was my first fully independent project, which was both exciting and challenging. I learned to handle everything from crafting my research questions to analyzing and interpreting data, giving me a well-rounded understanding of the entire process. One of the key skills I developed was data management (compiling, organizing, and cleaning data), a crucial skill in research. I also gained a solid foundation in using R for data analysis, which boosts my confidence in coding and statistical analyses. A highlight of my summer research experience was creating and presenting my first academic poster at DevSci’s symposium. This helped me improve my ability to communicate complex findings clearly and engage with an academic audience, which was really rewarding. Of course, there were challenges along the way—like technical issues and data inconsistencies—that tested my problem-solving skills. But I learned to adapt and overcome these obstacles with the support of my peers and mentors, who provided invaluable feedback. Overall, this experience has been instrumental in my growth as a researcher, and I’m excited to keep building on what I’ve learned!

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
My best tip is to be proactive and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t hold just because you’re a freshman or sophomore; there’s so much you can learn along the way, and research often introduces you to skills and knowledge that you won’t find in the classroom. Plus, try to find a research topic that genuinely excites you and aligns with your passions. This will help you stay motivated when challenges pop up (and trust me, they will!). So, enjoy the research journey and have fun:)

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
why you should stop using TikTok – it literally harms you brain in so many different ways! (I’ve actually told this to so many people around me but it wasn’t really that effective LOL)

Jenna Amusin

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
The purpose of my project was to see how the mechanical environment of the femur and hip joint created by a subischial (SI) prosthetic socket compared to the mechanical environment due to the ischial socket (ICS) for transfemoral amputees. The goal was to explain why osteopenia and osteoporosis may be particularly prevalent in transfemoral amputees.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I took a biomechanics course and was very interested in the content. I talked with my professor about research and his lab, which led to me applying for a Summer Undergraduate Research Grant with a PhD student at his lab.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I love the classes I get to take as a BME student, however through research experiences I have had the opportunity to actually apply what I learn while simultaneously figuring out what my interests within BME are.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
A large part of research is truly getting better at learning. I’ve learned to become more resourceful and apply content from my courses in new ways.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Talk to your professors if you are interested in starting research! It seems daunting at first but professors are truly there to help and even if they don’t have a lab or a position available, they have an entire network of other faculty that they can connect you with.

Ellie Caro

Please briefly summarize your research.
I conducted critical discourse analysis on a corpus of Instagram posts from three different fashion brands: H&M, Reformation, and Quince. I analyzed their posts for values that they were promoting to the consumer and the manner in which they were doing so.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I wanted to explore ways I could pursue sustainability and also continue exploring ways of making positive change in the world.

How has it been working with faculty to transition from an assistant position to a more independent role?
OUR staff were such wonderful resources, I felt supported at every step of the process. Because of their guidance, even in moments where I was concerned about the progress of my project, I knew that I would come out the other side with a robust (and finished!) research project.

What’s been your favorite part about being in a cohort with other scholars?
Firstly and most importantly, I have found a cherished group of friends in the Emerging Scholars Program. I love the GURTs like family. In addition, I appreciated being in a space where we could discuss and support each other in our research without feeling like we were stepping on each others’ toes since we were all researching in vastly different fields.

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?
I had no plans for my freshman (or sophomore) summer, so joining the Emerging Scholars Program allowed me to feel like I already had two summers already planned out for me and I just needed to come along for the ride. Despite the long timeline which can feel daunting if you haven’t even started, know that every month/meeting/workshop is planned to a T, so don’t feel like you have to plan out the next 15 months of your life in on go–your assignments/expectations will be communicated after each meeting 🙂

If you have presented at the Expo (at the end of your first year! You’ve achieved so much by now!), how was that experience for you?
The Expo was (bittersweet but) fun! As a performer and theater major I have a lot of experience with speaking to an audience but I’ve had less experience doing so in a nonfiction context (can I call it that?) as well as speaking from the top of my head and revising each time rather than memorizing a script. During the Expo I got to strengthen this skill and I also got the experience of answering questions relating to my poster–which might have been my favorite part 🙂

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
My Personal Beef with the Red, White, and Royal Blue Film (as an adaptation of the novel of the same name)

What was a memorable interaction that you had on campus this week?
I got to see my acting cohort again and we all talked about our summers (and saw photos of our professor’s wedding!)

Evrim Agca

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
My research attempted to reveal the relationship between recent declines in local news on turnout in midterm elections.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I’ve always been interested in the work of statisticians like Nate Silver. I don’t think there’s anything more fascinating than using analytics to reveal interesting information about pressing issues like elections.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I’ve been interested in public policy research for many years, and I thought I could put the analytical skills I learned in class to use.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
I started research in high school, where I mainly focused on lab work related to immunotherapy. It involved a lot of technical work and a little bit of data analysis. I enjoyed the data analysis a lot more, so I thought doing research more involved in that area would be more fun. One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed through research is the ability to answer questions that are both important and relevant while making the explanation accessible to a broad audience.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Make sure to spend a considerable amount of time searching for the right area of research to get into. A few days of searching for the right area can make a months long project way more enjoyable.

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
Why the Beatles are the best band of all time

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

James Lee

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
My research was in service of a dramaturgy packet and the beginnings of a third draft for my full-length stage play, “The Spirit of Renewal,” which is a story about a Korean-American screenwriter attempting to write a spin-off to a popular fantasy-genre film trilogy with the author of the novels that inspired the original films. In order to properly examine the lives and careers of Asian American filmmakers and screenwriters — their experiences in the industry, the way their identities influence their creative decisions, etc. — I looked into various interviews with a list of Asian American directors and screenwriters, using journalistic databases to find articles from industry trade publications. I also made the effort to seek out various articles that detailed their creative careers as they moved from independent projects to more mainstream budgets, and examine if there were any shifts in thematic content or representation. Over the course of several weeks, I also interviewed Korean-American theatre directors and writers to have a stronger understanding of how to represent our identities in theatrical spaces, as my project may be about film, but is still fundamentally a work for the stage. The end result was an extensive dramaturgy packet containing a compilation of quotes from these articles and sources, and transcriptions of the interviews I conducted, all of which is in service of enhancing the journey, background, and character arc of my play’s protagonist, as well as how to comprehend how she navigates the industry that surrounds her, for a third draft of my play.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
Considering my interest and desire to join the entertainment industry as a Korean-American in a creative and artistic capacity, writing a story about someone who shares the same racial identity as me was not a very far stretch. The impetus for this play was a deeply personal one; watching the recent wave of Asian-led films and television, both from Hollywood and abroad, reach mainstream acclaim and fame had me genuinely thinking about my place in this industry, simultaneously celebrating this rise in representation while also questioning its earnestness as it becomes more evidently profitable. This research project’s attempts to support my play were the direct byproduct of wanting to figure out the kind of life I would lead as a Korean-American aspiring creative in film, and the answers I discovered were both more enlightening and complicated than I reasonably expected.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
Research is something that I’ve grown to recognize as an essential piece in a writer’s toolkit — it’s exactly the kind of thing any writer needs to enhance their understanding of the topics they’re covering, the worlds they plan to create, the characters they want to forge, and so on. Its essentiality has led me to emphasize its importance in every arena of my creative life, and I’ve sought out multiple opportunities to seek support and tutelage on how to properly conduct it over the course of my academic career.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
I’ve previously worked as a research assistant for Exal Iraheta, who’s an assistant professor and advisor in RTVF — specifically for his play in development, HONGO, which predominantly concerns mycology and indigenous medicine. Most of the skills I assembled during that time — how to find interview subjects for research, what kind of sources to look into, how to dramatically incorporate research into the actual text of the play — have wound up directly applying to my own independent research for my SURG, which was a learning experience in its own right as I steadily started to discover my own methods for research and how I could apply them to the writing style that I’ve already established for myself. Every writer works differently, and that includes the research they conduct — this experience in particular has given me the confidence to directly involve myself more in the worlds that I want to both represent and create in my stories.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Learning how to properly conduct research is an act of genuine respect for the writing you want to do — especially if you’re planning on writing a story about a specific kind of demographic, profession, industry, etc., and even if those worlds are familiar to you. “Write what you know” can only carry you so far as-is, so expand what you know — undergraduate research is one method to properly expand your horizons and broaden the reach of what you’re able to write about. Stay curious, always make a concerted effort to break beyond your comfort zones, know how to pivot when schedules and availabilities don’t turn out as planned, and always think about what you could still learn next, even after completing the given steps for research you’ve set out for yourself.

Elyse Malamud

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
In my research, I studied Jewish medical philanthropy in Chicago from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. Specifically, I focused on reconstructing the story of the city’s forgotten first charitable Jewish hospital, opened in 1868. I also examined the interfaith collaboration that supported the hospital.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
This topic was really a chance encounter. I came across an 1890s illustration of a Jewish medical institution in Chicago. I was surprised, as I did not know that Jewish history in Chicago goes so many years back. I felt that I had to learn more!

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I love a good story, and research is great way to share fascinating stories with others.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
My research is a lot of fun. Every time I handle archival material, I learn something completely new about a place I thought I knew well. Through my research, I have gained a new appreciation for Chicago and its history. Of course, the research is challenging at times; it’s always a bit of a hunt to find archival sources. I have become better at digging through archives over the research process, and I have found that my writing has improved, as well.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
My biggest piece of advice is to make use of the Office of Undergraduate Research’s resources. The OUR offers a lot of workshops and advising throughout the year. I found these to be very helpful.

What was a memorable interaction that you had on campus this week?
I saw some geese I hadn’t seen since they were babies, and they were all grown up!

Emily Shanafelt

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
I worked for the Human Agility Lab, under Dr. Keith Gordon. It is under the Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences Department of the Feinberg School of Medicine. I was grateful to have been selected from a competitive applicant pool for URAP. I was also a Fletcher Award finalist. The lab works to improve the mobility of individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury or chronic stroke. It applies principles of biomechanics to create a specialized treadmill and gait training rehabilitation sessions. These technologies challenge participants to strengthen and stabilize their gait over time. Ultimately, the research is done to enable these individuals to walk more independently in their day-to-day life.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I have had spinal fusion surgery to treat my severe scoliosis, which is not something the lab studies, but I personally understand the challenges of walking independently after a major surgery or medical event. I used a walker for some time, and I think this allows me to empathize with the participants on a deeper level. (I attached a photo of an x-ray of my spine before and after my spinal fusion surgery— it majorly changed my life).

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I was excited to do research with the Human Agility Lab because it works directly with individuals who have experienced incomplete spinal cord injury or chronic stroke. It’s so encouraging to work with individuals who are trying to better themselves, and I get to play a role in larger research projects that have the potential to help these groups significantly.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
Research is a challenging, yet worthwhile process. Forming a research project takes time and dedication, but it is a necessary part of laying the groundwork for an impactful study.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
If you don’t find a lab that is the right fit for you straight away, that’s okay! I have worked in a few labs now, but this one stands out for its welcoming environment.

Andreia Madeira Costa

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
Through URAP, in the MyCog project, I had the gratifying opportunity to be directly involved in the research and creation of mobile tools that allow early diagnosis of cognitive decline in an efficient and timely manner

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
My interest in cognitive health research is driven by my family’s first-hand experience with Alzheimer’s disease. Witnessing a close loved one’s rapid cognitive decline due to late diagnosis sparked my passion for Cognitive Neuroscience and motivated me to volunteer at Alzheimer’s Portugal Organization for over three years. There, I co-led dementia prevention workshops and facilitated memory games for over 50 individuals with dementia. Naturally, the MyCog project particularly excited me given its aim to identify early markers of cognitive decline, helping individuals and families like mine avoid the devastating effects of late-stage diagnoses. Being able to contribute to research on such a topic was incredibly rewarding!

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
My passion and curiosity for pursuing research began in high school when my biology professor brought homemade kombucha to class and mentioned the numerous fun and innovative studies on the properties of the SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). I remember him bringing up how it was being used as a resistant fabric, tested for anti-bacterial properties, etc–everything sounded so exciting and ignited my desire to be involved in research at university, in some shape or form

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
Under Stephanie’s valuable mentorship, I was able to conduct extensive literature reviews independently, be actively involved in all big steps of research (poster and slide designing for conventions, aiding in the writing of grant proposals, learning to use specific research tools and R as a tool of data analysis etc) and how to efficiently to work as a team in a big multi-task project. I learnt numerous technical skills as a researcher and teamworker, but perhaps even more crucially, I learnt to be more confident in the work I poured my time and effort into delivering, which helped me tremendously in my path as a beginner researcher

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Be confident in your potential and ability as a researcher, even if you had 0 experience before pursuing undergraduate research!! I was initially very insecure about my work. Even though Stephanie gave me autonomy from the start and trusted my abilities, I couldn’t help but constantly question and underestimate the quality of the work I was producing. Stephanie, as a great mentor, reassured me that I should be confident about my work and that regardless of prior experience, I had what it took to contribute meaningfully to the team. What I mean with all of this is: I know it can be intimidating and the imposter syndrome might creep up at times, but remember you absolutely have what it takes to become a great researcher 🙂 Don’t be scared, it’s really rewarding, I promise!

What was a memorable interaction that you had on campus this week?
The lady in the kitchen of the Sargent dining hall complimented my shirt and asked for my name, saying it was such a pretty name. It made my entire day 🙂 Shoutout to all the amazing sweet staff and faculty of our beautiful Northwestern community!!