CURIOUS Scientists 🧪

Experts Discuss 9 CRUCIAL Questions to Succeed in Undergraduate Research

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How can we help our undergraduates receive UREs (Undergraduate Research Experiences) across the U.S. and ensure they submit competitive applications?


🤔 Who is this for?

Undergraduate Students and their mentors.


📋 What is it about?

In this episode, we:

  1. Explore the key differences and unique benefits of REUs, including hands-on mentorship from professors, the thrill of discovering the unknown, and the joy of applying classroom knowledge to real-world research.
  2. Learn practical tips on enhancing your REU applications, understand eligibility criteria, and discover the importance of personalized applications.
  3. Find out how REUs can pave your way to graduate school and provide a well-rounded research experience, including funded travel and housing. Don't miss this opportunity to explore different paths and hear real-life experiences from our panelists!


    4. ⌚️ Helpful Time Stamps

    00:00 Nine Ways to Succeed In Undergraduate Research

    01:32 REUs v. Internships

    03:39 Can Seniors Apply?

    04:52 Previous experience required?

    06:56 Time Commitment

    07:59 Compensation and Benefits

    09:08 Selecting Opportunities

    11:26 Common Application Questions

    13:22 A Competitive Application

    17:09 The Strongest Applications

    22:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


    📣 Speakers

    1. Kylia Butler | GMU Public Health Junior and Student Host
    2. Xia Parkes | GMU Biology Junior and Student Host
    3. Brandon Speed | Doctoral Candidate and President of GMU NOBCChE
    4. Marissa E. Yáñez, Ph.D. | Chief Diversity Officer, UC Berkeley College of Chemistry
    5. Ashley Wallace, Ph.D. | Associate Director of Diversity and Student Engagement, University of Pennsylvania Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter
    6. Jennifer Poo, M.A. | Education, Outreach, and Diversity Manager, NSF Center for Chemical Innovation (CCI): Genetically Encoded Materials
    7. Mike Schwartz, Ph.D. | Managing Director, NSF Center for Chemical Innovation (CCI): Sustainable Nanotechnology
    8. Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D. | Director of Broader Impacts, NSF Center for Chemical Innovation (CCI): The Chemistry of Molecularly Optimized Networks


      9. 📄 Helpful Resources

      👩🏽‍💻 Blog post: https://www.cuvettecollective.org/ure

      • NOBCChE
      • Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) | GMU
      • Inaugural SURD fellows
      • Summer Undergraduate Research Diversity Program (SURD)
      • Summer Research Programs & Scholarships in STEM
      • Search REU Sites
      • Summer Research Early Identification Program
      • Penn VPSE
      • Applying to Summer Undergraduate Research Programs: Why, How, and More!, Center for Genetically Encoded Materials
      • Undergrad — NSF CCI
      • Raychelle - BurksNSF Center for Computer Assisted Synthesis
      • Cuvette Collective
      • CURIOUS Scientists 🎙️


        • 🎙️ Who is the host?

        Dr. Rosa promotes equity in science education, challenging traditional norms and oppressive systems. She aims to foster a community of supportive educators who will transform science education and research.

        • Professional Network: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessarosaphd/
        • Personal Content: https://www.tiktok.com/@vanessalearns


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              CURIOUS Scientists 🧪By Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D.