Meet Bradley.

He is a Computer Engineering major and a URA Scholar. His research will study the development of a unique underwater signal reflection-enabled, acoustic-based localization scheme that employs both a line-of-sight and surface-reflected non-line-of-sight ranging information to locate undefined reference points.

How did you find your mentor for your research project?
My mentor Dr. Mohammed Younis was originally my professor for CMPE 212: Principles of Digital Design, the first Computer Engineering class I took at UMBC. I ended up establishing a relationship with him and talked to him about various topics ranging from summer internships and REU Programs to classes. At the start of my junior year, I was invited for a lab tour and was able to meet the graduate students as well as see some of the research projects that were going on in his lab. After that visit, I knew that I wanted to do research in Dr. Younis’ lab.

Is this your first independent research project?
No, however it is my first at UMBC. As a member of the Meyerhoff Scholarship program, I have been encouraged to do research each year. I have been fortunate enough to participate in summer REU (Research Experience for Undergraduate) programs at West Virginia University and Texas A&M University along with an Internship at the White House. These experiences allowed me to learn more about the Computer Engineering field and research process. However, a benefit of conducting research at UMBC is that I have had the opportunity to conduct research over a full academic year in sustained length, allowing me to take a project from beginning to end.

How much time do you put into it?
It’s hard to say exactly how much time I put into my research project, as time commitments vary significantly based on a number of factors. I would say however, that I spend about an average of 10 hours a week working on research.

How did you hear about the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) program?
I have a twin brother who did research last year at UMBC and received the award. Also, I have friends who are in the program and my mentor Dr. Younis talked about the opportunity to apply this year. I felt this was a good opportunity and decided to apply.

Was the application difficult to do?
No, it was pretty straightforward. I had help from my mentor and graduate students that made the process easier. It also gave me the opportunity to summarize my research in order to prepare for a publication that my lab was starting on at the time.

What has been the hardest part about your research? 
The hardest part of doing research in general is being able to set personal boundaries. This research was no exception. As a student, it is important to remember that your academic classes are your priority. Sometimes when you are doing research and stuck on a problem, you constantly think about that problem until you can find the answer, and sitting through a lecture where the professor is talking about a topic completely different can become a challenge. However, time management skills can help in dealing with this challenge.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research? 
One piece of advice that I would give is that you should never be afraid to try something new. This is especially true in research. You may never know that you like a particular research topic unless you try doing research in that area. Having many different experiences will allow you to get a breadth of knowledge and allow you to find out what you are interested in.

What are your career goals?
In May 2014, I will graduate with a degree in Computer Engineering. After I graduate, I am planning on going to graduate school to get a Ph.D. in either Computer or Electrical Engineering. After graduate school, I feel like I would want to work in research in the defense industry and eventually work in technological leadership in the federal government or as a CTO of a company.

Read his abstract here...

He is a Biochemistry major currently research the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV). He is also involved with SGA and the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS). He hopes to pursue a degree in Medicine.

What research have you been doing this summer?
I have been working on transcription of the 5’ untranslated region of the Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV) genome in the structural biology lab of Dr. Michael F. Summers.

How did you find out about this opportunity?
I got this opportunity by emailing Dr. Summers and asking for a position in his lab and I was interviewed by him. There was no formal application process.

Who did you work with on this project?
I work with Dr. Summers, Deborah Girma (my grad student mentor), and Alex Emmanuelli, a biochemistry senior.

Was this your first independent research project?
No it’s my second involvement in research.

Do you get course credit for this work or get paid? How much time do you put into it?
During the summer I put in 40 hours a week but during the school year I will be working 8-10 hours weekly. This was a paid position.

What academic background did you have before you started?
I had finished two years of general and organic chemistry as well as three of the four biology courses required for biochemistry majors.

How did you learn what you needed to know to be successful in this summer project?
The project involved a lot of hands-on learning. I received on-the-job training from my graduate student.

What has been the hardest part about your work this summer?
The initial learning curve period; the time it took for me to get used to working in this lab.

What was the most unexpected thing?
The coolest thing about my lab is the willingness to teach and be taught displayed by everyone. We have a great working environment.

How does this research experience relate to your course work?
It is a biochemistry lab and I am a biochemistry major so there is perfect correlation between research and coursework.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
Apply quickly and apply early. Email professors asking about positions in their labs, talk to friends who are currently in labs asking if there are openings. Read up on the work done by the researchers at UMBC and apply to whatever interest you. If you have the chance to interview, prepare for it and be confident.

What are your career goals?
I plan to go to medical school and get an MD/PhD after my time at UMBC

What else are you involved in on campus?
I work with the SGA, I’m a member of UMBC National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), I’m a member of Minority Association of Premedical Students, (MAPS), and I’m involved with Bethel Campus Fellowship.

Read his abstract here..

The Amgen Scholars Program is a national program to increase research opportunities for students committed to pursuing careers in the sciences. This program provides outstanding science undergraduates with research experience and increases participants’ competitiveness as candidates for admission to prestigious graduate and professional institutions. Additionally, this program encourages participants to pursue a Ph.D. or the joint M.D./Ph.D. degree and research careers in the sciences and biotechnology. Applicants from diverse populations and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Program Dates: June 2 - August 8, 2014

Meet Kelsey.

She is a Biology major and McNair Scholar. Her research studies the effectiveness of community gardening in urban settings. In the spring of 2012, she studied abroad in New Delhi, India where she completed field studies in adolescent anemia. She hopes to pursue a graduate degree in Public Health or Nutrition Biology.

How did you find out about McNair?
During the fall of 2012 I saw various advertisements around campus that just said, “McNair Scholars Program.” Upon looking up the program, I realized it was just the program for me as a first generation and low income college student. The process of applying mirrors graduate school, which taught me a few important lessons.

What have you gained from being a McNair scholar?
Growing up with parents that struggled not having a college degree pushed me to work hard and earn a bachelor’s degree. The McNair scholars program opened my eyes to graduate school for the first time. College is not only about expanding one’s knowledge, but about learning the art of networking and following directions.

What is your most recent (or most interesting) independent research project?
I am currently working on a project in Baltimore City regarding community gardens and urban farms. The research is an exploratory study focusing on what factors contribute to adolescent girls’ eating habits. I conducted structured interviews with adolescent girls and community leaders, compared self-reported vegetable and fruit intake values to the Center for Disease Control and Preventions’ (CDC) recommended values, and merged statistics collected in the 2009-10 CDC’s National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES).

How did you find your mentor for this project?
Most scholars do their research within their department, which focuses the search for a mentor. I, on the other hand, am doing research outside of my department. I looked at various faculty websites in Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, and Sociology and Anthropology. With the help of Dr. Davis, McNair’s mentor lesion, I sent emails to the faculty doing similar research asking them to by my mentor. I had an in-person meeting with three of the faculty members, and one has been my faulty mentor and one has been a source of support along the way.

How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?
Spring of 2012 I studied abroad in New Delhi, India. During my time there I completed field studies on adolescent anemia, which fueled my passion for adolescent health. I knew I wanted to complete a similar project in the United States, but adolescent anemia is not as much of a problem here. Childhood obesity is of major concern the United States. As I read more research journals, the information lead me to the lack of services available for adolescent girls to prevent childhood obesity.

How much time do you put into it?
All McNair scholars must enroll in a research methodologies course with three components (lecture, library, and mentor). During the semester I spent to 10-hours per week outside of class preparing my proposal, reading journals, and increasing my methodologies foundation. Now in the summer, I spend 30- to 40-hours per week on my research project and preparing for graduate school.

What academic background did you have before you started?
Methodologies and field studies in India prepared me for some of the challenges related to field research. AFST 495, the McNair research methodologies course honed my skills for research in the United States. Various Biology and Chemistry courses prepared me for understanding the research articles, and being able to explain how nutrition plays a role in childhood obesity. English classes helped improve my writing, making me a competitive applicant for research opportunities.

How much did your mentor help you with your research?
Dr. Pinet-Peralta in the Sociology & Anthropology Department, associate director of HAPP, signed on as my mentor with the understanding we would apply to publish. Our research relationship is unique, because the project is my independent research. Dr. Pinet-Peralta has coached me through how to write literature reviews, explaining methodology, and has given me links to numerous research tools. He has not only been helpful in my project, but also in talking through graduate school.

What has been the hardest part about your research?
IRB approval, budget changes due to sequestration, and getting participants. Working with adolescent girls forced me to file for expedited review, which means they are considered a vulnerable population. The first proposal took a total of 7-weeks to get approved. Sequestration limited some of my research, which added additional time for approval of modifications. After one month into research I met with my first participant.

What was the most unexpected thing?
Research is unexpected. We spend hours putting together the ideal proposal with well-thought out methodologies, but it never works out just how you planned. There are small to large obstacles every day. My supportive mentor, the always patient McNair staff, and my previous field studies have helped guide me through the ups-and-downs of this research project.

How does your research relate to your work in other classes?
My research does not directly relate to my current classwork, but does translate into the work I plan to do in graduate school and in my career.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
Take advantage of undergraduate research opportunities at UMBC. Talk with your professors and fellow classmates about their experiences. Go to the Shiver Center and Career Services Center today to get help finding a research position or internship!

What are your career goals?
I will go on to get my PhD in either Public Health or Nutrition Biology. In Public Health I plan to focus on community health or maternal and children’s health. One day I hope to work with the United States Department of Agriculture, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, or a related agency. Ideally I will be able to focus on nutrition, whether preventative or couple with curative medicine.

Read her abstract here...

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships (includes internships) to college sophomore students majoring in STEM disciplines related to oceanic and atmospheric science, research, or technology, and supportive of the purposes of NOAA's programs and mission, e.g., biological, social and physical sciences; mathematics; engineering; and computer and information sciences. 

NOAA is accepting applications from students who will have Official Junior status in Fall 2014.

Summer Research Opportunities Program-
SROP UW-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a number of Summer Research Opportunities to undergraduate students. It is a unique chance for undergraduates to work closely with faculty mentors and graduate students in their major discipline. Students accepted into research programs are matched with faculty whose expertise and interests match the student’s research interest. Students gain valuable skills for success in post-graduate studies and careers in their chosen field. Upon completing their summer research, students have the opportunity to present and receive reviews of their individual work.