Bell, Rachel (Dance, Lit. Journalism)

I am a double major in Dance and English. My first research experience was as a SURP Fellow in 2005 for a collaborative project titled “Empty Sky, The Rising” under the direction of Professor Robert Boross. This project had pre-professional and professional dancers from California and New York work together to put on a “dance-theater” experience on the East coast remembering the 9/11 tragedies. I continued my research with another project “Gravity” under Professor El Gabriel. I became a SURP fellow for my project “Mondern Jazz Dance Across Europe: An investigation of Cultural and Geographical Influence” working again with Professor Bob Boross as my mentor. I was able to do comparisons of current style and culture of dance taking place in Florence Italy, Paris France and London, England. I am also involved as the Co-Chair of Internal Affairs for BareBones Dance Theater, Vice President of the Order of Omega, Undergraduate Student Council for the Dance Department member, Vice President of Intellectual Development for Alpha Chi Omega, and Housing Assistant for the Freshmen Humanities house in Arroyo Vista. I am honored to be a part of UROP’s Ambassadors and contribute to the research opportunities here at UCI.

Blaik, Rita (Materials Science Engineering)

I am a fourth year Material Science Engineering major. When I started at UCI I did not feel I was qualified or good enough to do any undergraduate research. Being in a small department, my current faculty mentor approached me and asked why I wasn’t doing research. In the fall of 2005, under the direction of Professor Farghalli A. Mohamed (FAM), I began to do research. In the spring of 2006, I became a UROP grant recipient and I was awarded a SURP grant for summer 2006. My project is titled “Investigation of the Microstructure after Creep Deformation of Metals at Very Low Stresses” with Dr. Mohamed as my faculty mentor. I will be presenting my work at national conferences this year. I am also a UC LEADS scholar. I am actively involved in bringing together the material science students, faculty and industry through my work with UCI MatSci, a student chapter of the nationally recognized Material Advantage. Just one year ago, I would never have thought this was possible. I would like to encourage undergrads to look at all the possibilities. My goal is to get more students aware of the many opportunities there are for doing research at UCI, regardless of major and experience. 

Ivengar, Aditi (Biological Sciences)

During my freshman year, a lecture in one of my Genetics classes struck a cord with me to pursue research. I am currently a third year Biological Sciences major and have been involved with research for about a year. For the past year I have been working in Dr. Marsh’s lab drug testing different Drosophila models in effect to find a possible cure for Huntington’s disease. In addition, I am involved in volunteering with different organizations such as Pratam, an organization dedicated to providing education to children from low incomes homes, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the American Heart Association. I also love going to comedy shows, concerts, and eating Mexican food. Researching has made my learning experience here at UCI more dynamic and I hope that other students will be encouraged to get into research and try it for themselves.

Ardy Rahman (Biological Sciences)

Born on a musty April night in the middle of June, I came into the world with an insatiable curiosity, rugged good looks, and a pack of Mentos. Fast-forward 20 years and I'm still the same curious kid I was back then, but the only difference is now I'm getting funded to ask questions and, hopefully, find answers. I remember the day when I decided to go into research very clearly. I was sitting in Aldrich, when this sagacious looking man sat next to me and said, "Son, life is what you make it. This is the land of opportunity, it's about time you seize it." Before I realized he wasn’t talking to himself, he disappeared, as if becoming one with the world. I'd later pursue my interests in the field of neurobiology and ditch my fledgling hip-hop career. Under the guidance of Dr. Jorge Busciglio and Dr. Pablo Helguera, I've been conducting research in neurodegeneration for almost three years. With the continued support from UROP, I've taken my research to unimaginable levels. As a third year bio major, I realize the importance of good research. Believe me, the experience you gain conducting research can never be taught in a class. It’s never too early to take the plunge, but it can be too late. So my advice: seize the opportunity now and get involved, you can’t go wrong.

Sevan Torossian (Public Health)

I will be a Public Health B.S. major in the near future. I have been a UROP Fellow have also extended my research beyond the academic year and into the summer through a SURP Fellowship. Through the financial and moral guidance provided by UROP I was able to conduct research on a project titled "Regulation of CNS Autoimmunity Through Beta1,6GlcNAc Branched N-glycans Alterations by 1Alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1Alpha,25-Vitamin D3)," which I presented during the annual UCI Symposium and the off-campus Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research. My mentor is Dr. Michael Demetriou M.D. Ph.D., and in our lab we conduct research on Autoimmunity, specifically Multiple Sclerosis.I truly enjoy my time in the lab and interaction that takes place between my lab mates. As an undergraduate I think it is critically important to develop and refine our skills both in the laboratory and out of because it is an extremely important time in our lives. It is the transition between the academic environment to the professional one and I am very appreciative of the UROP team and their dedication to help students at such a important time.