Comments from past Summer Undergraduate Research Program participants

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!

Zandra Ruiz, Oglethorpe University (SURP '98)

I had a wonderful time at CMU this summer and received some very valuable research experience. I learned so much in Dr. Ettensohn's lab. The techniques that I learned also helped me this past semester in the Embryology course that I was enrolled in.

Lisa Glass, Trinity University (SURP '97)

I really enjoyed the program this summer! I had originally been considering only graduate programs here in Texas, but I decided after this summer that I will look preferably outside of Texas. I think it was a great learning experience. Not only did I get to see a whole new part of the country, but I got to do a whole different area of work. Whereas all of my work until then was gene based, I got a lot of experience in protein chemistry and a lot of basic science techniques that will help me wherever I go.

Jane Kenney, Alma College (SURP '97)

I enjoyed CMU a lot and my (post-graduation) future plans are to go to grad school; right now I think in genetics and evolution. The program this summer was good because it gave us all a taste of what grad school and research will be like. It was also lots of fun, meeting other people with similar interests and from other parts of the country.

Please send inquiries about our summer undergraduate research program to vestark@andrew.cmu.edu

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