|
Lindsay McCullough, Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
(NSF-REU '09)
|
The REU program at Carnegie Mellon University far surpassed any expectations I previously had of the program. I gained valuable experience not only in the research lab, but also in public speaking from presenting my work in front of a professional audience. This experience has played a tremendous role in my professional development as a college student planning on furthering my education after an undergraduate degree.
|
|
Richard Decal, New College of Florida
(NSF-REU '09)
|
Carnegie Mellon's SURP is a chance for you to stand on the shoulders of giants. You meet like-minded individuals participating in summer research, as well as incredibly intelligent and talented CMU faculty members. For those focusing on graduate school as the next step, having the experience of working on a large project with CMU resources is an invaluable experience. |
|
James Hopkins, Wells College
(NSF-REU '09)
|
After having studied in Copenhagen, Denmark the semester prior to coming to work at CMU, I could not accurately describe myself as the most motivated person to be working long hours in a lab. But lucky for me CMU gradually introduced me back into lab work. The boot camp class is well taught and a fun way to practice or in some cases learn new skills required for my summer work. Unfortunately the honeymoon period could not last forever and we all eventually went our separate ways. My PI was understanding and knew that I had not had an exorbitant amount of lab experience. We worked slowly in the beginning, learning the flow of the lab and finding where everything was hidden, but after a week or two my work load picked up significantly and I was working mostly independently except for a meeting or two with my PI every week. My main hope with coming to CMU was to gain insight into what graduate school would feel like and to further my experience in a lab setting. I accomplished both of my goals with a renewed sense of direction towards graduate education in the sciences.
|
|
Karen Kormuth, Washington & Jefferson
(NSF-REU '09)
|
My experience at Carnegie Mellon was a wonderful journey and a terrific way to spend my summer. I learned more here than I would ever learn sitting in a classroom. Every student thinking about pursuing a career in science should have an experience like I did. The REU program gave me a chance to explore a profession intimately and meet other students who were interested in science as well.
|
|
Kevin Watkins, Mount Union College
(NSF-REU '09)
|
Through the research program this summer, I have learned quite a lot. I knew that research takes more time than most people anticipate, but I have come to appreciate exactly how much it takes. Through this process, I learned about problem solving and thinking about your results. It is also a unique experience as it gives perspective into what graduate school might be like. Looking back on this experience, I know I am coming out better equipped to participate in the scientific world beyond this point.
|
|
Alex Ellison, Connecticut College
(NSF-REU '09)
|
Carnegie Mellon exposed me to an undergraduate experience that enabled me to gain honest and robust insight into what graduate school would be like. My lab was welcoming, helpful, and supportive, but the vast majority of my work was independent. I was constantly challenged, both in terms of critical thinking and sheer will power, to achieve the highest standard of work I was capable of. I have a much better understanding of what I am capable of and where my skills need to improve. I also have a much better understanding of what I can do with the skills I have acquired throughout my undergraduate career, and where those skills and my personal interests align in terms of post-graduation options.
|
|
Kathryn Caperna, St. Mary's College of Maryland
(REU '06)
|
I have no doubt that my experiences at Carnegie Mellon last summer helped me tremendously as a graduate school candidate. I hope this year's REUs enjoy their time at CMU just as much as I did! |
|
Ashley Hurt, Washington and Lee University
(REU '06)
|
I do believe that Carnegie Mellon was a good, eye-opening experience for me. I would recommend any person interested in pursuing research as a career to apply to (Carnegie Mellon's) program because I honestly believe that I had a true research
experience at CMU. |
|
Ed Briercheck, University of Toledo
(REU '05)
|
... it was my summer spent in Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program that truly ignited my passion for scientific research. During these ten weeks I was immersed in a novel project under the direction of mentors Dr. Brooke McCartney and Dr. Bruce Armitage. Furthermore, I had the experience of living and learning with other many other students. Dr. McCartney not only gave me the opportunity to explore an independent project in the lab, but have the ever important experience of working in a collaboration. Throughout this time I learned various techniques from PCR to capillary electrophoresis. Along with time in the lab we also had the opportunity to hear a series of lectures from primary investigators working in various areas throughout the department. Many nights a group of fellow students and I would share ideas, frustrations and successes from the day in the laboratory intermixed with laughter during dinner. I would later be reunited with one of my fellow SURP students at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in Asheville, North Carolina where were each accepted to present our work. It was this aspect of the program that made the CMU program different to many other undergraduate research experiences. It was a total immersion in the research environment, giving students a chance to learn from everyone - from the primary investigator to fellow students. |
|
Bevlynn Joseph, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
(SURP '02)
|
I had a wonderful experience participating in the SURP program at Carnegie Mellon University. Although I participated in a summer undergraduate research program in 2001, I never really enjoyed research the way some of my classmates did. Now, after SURP, I can honestly say that research is not only interesting and enjoyable, but also immensely rewarding. I woke each morning anxious to continue my research. In Dr. Jonathan Minden's lab, I was not treated like just another summer student, but instead I was made to feel like an important member of the "Minden Lab." This program opened my eyes to the vast research possibilities that I may have in the future. |
|
Gregory Porreca, The College of New Jersey (SURP '01)
|
My experience this summer at CMU couldn't have been more ideal. I was able to do meaningful, significant work that really helped me reaffirm my desire to pursue an advanced degree and a career in research. The professors all took a sincere interest in us, by not only pushing us to excel in our individual projects, but also providing invaluable guidance refining our career goals. Definitely a top-notch program that opened up opportunities for me I would never have otherwise had! |
