Undergraduate Research Fellows

Major: Theatre Performance and Political Science

Activities: Clarke Honors College, Honors Ambassador, NRHC Research Conference, Bobbi Biron Theatre Program, Sophanes Theatre Club (President), Saunterer Writer, SGA, Library Circulation Desk Assistant

Office Hours: Mondays 10:45 a.m.-12:45 a.m.

I have always been interested in research, but coming into college with a major in the humanities I wasn't sure it would be possible for me. I think many freshmen coming into the humanities feel like research is not meant for them or doesn't fit into their fields. Through the Clarke Honors College I was able to start conducting and presenting my own research as a freshman. Research allows students to not only study their field, but to become a part of it. This was an incredible thing to experience as a freshman, and only increased my drive to continue to look for research opportunities. As a URF I hope to be able to help and encourage other students to jump into the world of research as early into their college careers as possible, specifically those students who come from more artistic and social science backgrounds who may not know all of the possibilities out there for research in their field.

Major: Biotechnology

Minor: Chemistry

Honors and Activities: Henson Research Grant, Henson Summer Research, Dr. Sokoloski lab, Statistics, Calculus and College Algebra tutor at SU Maths Emporium. 

Office Hours: Mondays: 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

As an international transfer student, I realize that the majority of my peers and other international students are not aware of the opportunities they could get here at SU. I got in contact with Dr. Sokoloski and he is mentoring me while we research on targeting cancer-associated proteins for tumor imaging, and we are working on this Biochem research since 2022. This project has taught me all about the lab etiquettes, socializing with peers, the importance of safety and much more finer details in biochem. It has benefited me greatly in my classes as well as an encouraging factor to continue on my path. I believe that we just need exposure to opportunities. This is not an experience every undergraduate could get at other universities. So, by spreading awareness and guiding people on how to make use of the opportunities helpful for them, they would also grow more and thrive.  

Major: Biology – Biomedical Science Track

Minors: Chemistry & Cognitive Science

Honors and activities: Clarke Honors College, Honors Ambassador, Clark Lab, Henson Summer Research Fellow, Henson Student Leadership Advisory Council, Global Issues Fellow, Human Anatomy & Physiology and Cell Biology Tutor, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Phi Etma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Beta Beta

Office Hours: Thursdays: 12:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

Engaging in undergraduate research at SU has truly enriched my college experience. I became aware of the possibility of conducting research through the Clarke Honors College during my first year at SU. Soon after, I was accepted into the lab of Dr. Jessica Clark, where I continue to study how hyperglycemia impacts the integrity of the optic nerve using a zebrafish model. This project has deepened my understanding of neuroscience as well as allowed me to engage with techniques that are not traditionally offered to undergraduates, such as zebrafish husbandry, cryosectioning, and live imaging. In addition, this project and its associated experiences, such as presenting at SUSRC, or participating as a Summer Research Fellow, has had a significant impact on my future plans. I now aspire to attend graduate school to further my studies in neuroscience. I became an Undergraduate Research Fellow to help other students understand the value of conducting undergraduate research, and how to get involved.

Major: Biology Pre-Medicine Concentration

Minor: Chemistry

Honors and Activities: 2022 NIH Summer Intern, 2023 Research Fulbright Semi-Finalist, Dean’s List, Omicron Delta Kappa, President for the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Angela Freeman Lab

Office Hours: Wednesdays: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

My first year at Salisbury University made me realize that I quickly had to adapt to numerous changes. I thought that in my first year in college, I would be able to connect with a research professor and engage in hands-on lab work, however COVID delayed my ability to start working in a lab and pushed back my plan to participate in research by a year. However, in summer 2021 when restrictions had lessened, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to shadow a doctor whose interests aligned with mine. In Fall 2021, in-person instruction resumed fully, which was a relief for me since I am more of a traditional and hands-on learner. Also, clubs started meeting in person, which prompted me to ask a Medical Careers Society club member what research was available. They directed me to Dr. Freeman, which marked the start of my research experience. I became an undergraduate research fellow so that I could help be a student ambassador and role model who connects students to faculty and mentors that implement their research of interest. My biggest goal is to help push students towards developing creative projects that will help grow and support undergraduate research at our institute.

Major: Exercise Science – Premed Track

Minor: Chemistry

Honors and Activities: Honors Student Association President, General and Organic Chemistry Tutor, Lab of Human Performance Undergraduate Research Assistant

Office Hours: Fridays – 8 a.m.-10 a.m.

Life is full of opportunity – school helps to develop that crucial foundation for all of us. While classes and professors are invaluable to one's college experience, involvement elsewhere turns into something undeniably just as important. Through participation in several Honors and Major-specific activities and events, I have learned how much more I can gain from school besides that found in a textbook. The Lab of Human Performance is one place that has helped me develop my love for research – I have freedom to explore the more physiological and biomechanical benefits of exercise. Various leadership roles I’ve taken as an Honors student have also propelled me to find confidence in myself and my ability to support those I work alongside. With an ultimate goal of helping others – just as they have helped me – I hope to be someone who you can come to with anything ranging from research advice to school life. I’ll do my best to provide the guidance and support you need to achieve the greatest version of you!

Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1:p.m.-4 p.m. and Wednesday- 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.