UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #228

Please answer the question you selected above in the area provided. As a UROP leader, I hope to create the same welcoming, supportive, and encouraging environment that my own UROP leaders gave me. They played such an important role in making me feel comfortable, heard, and confident as I navigated research for the first time, and that experience shaped how I want to mentor others. I want my students to feel like they can come to me with questions, concerns, or even just to talk through what they’re learning, without any pressure or judgment. For many of them, this will likely be their first time doing research, and I understand how intimidating and overwhelming that can be. I remember feeling unsure of myself at times, but having leaders who were patient, approachable, and genuinely invested in my success made all the difference. I want to be that person for my students and help them through the ups and downs, celebrate the small wins, and remind them that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. I also did research in a field outside of my intended career path, so I understand what it’s like to step into unfamiliar territory. That experience taught me how to adapt, learn on the go, and appreciate research from different perspectives. It also helps me relate to students who might not feel completely connected to their project at first or who are unsure how it fits into their broader goals. I want to show them that every research experience, even if it seems unrelated at first, has value and can teach them skills that will help them in the long run, both academically and personally.