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Participating in undergraduate research has been a priceless experience. Not only did I gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful graduate student and eventually an influential scientist, but I received one-on-one mentorship from faculty and graduate students, traveled for conferences, and even obtained an internship in my field! - Alena Rodriguez, Biology

Student Spotlight

Alena Rodriguez, Biology
Mentor: Dr. Frank Mari, Chemistry and Biochemistry "Participating in undergraduate research has been a priceless experience. Not only did I gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful graduate student and eventually an influential scientist, but I received one-on-one mentorship from faculty and graduate students, traveled for conferences, and even obtained an internship in my field."
Alexandra Kaye, Psychobiology
Mentor: Dr. Julie Earles, Psychology, Wilkes Honors College "My FAU Internship in the neuroscience lab at Scripps Research Institute allows me to pursue my dream of helping find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. It is exciting to apply classroom knowledge to real-life scientific issues. Brilliant scientists and my faculty advisor provide me with invaluable experience with critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration on cutting-edge scientific discoveries."
April Ballard, Biology
Mentor: Dr. Daniel T. de Lill, Chemistry "Through collaboration I was able to learn that science is not only about research, but it’s also a community. Not only was I able to participate in a new and exciting research project, but we obtained some unexpected results that is pushing my project forward into the unknown. I am looking forward to publishing and presenting my findings."
Ashley Torrez, Chemistry
Mentor: Dr. Andrew Terentis, Chemistry "As a transfer student from Broward College I did not have the same foundation as other students on the Chemistry track. This research inquiry has helped me put what I have learned throughout my chemistry courses into action."
Dan Duarte, Graphic Design
Mentor: Dr. Stephanie Cunningham, Graphic Design "In 2010 I joined the graphic design student organization of FAU, where we created Universities first visual arts publication titled Remarque . The magazine would feature student work including photography, art, graphic design, architecture, and 3D animation. 2 years later we are proud to say students now have a publication to not only showcase their work but provide a legacy for art and design students to carry on for generations to come."
Daniel Zengotita, History/Law & Society
Mentor: Dr. Chris Ely, History and Dr. Mark Tunick, Political Science "The Ability to conduct research alongside my professors has been a priceless experience. Working with veteran researchers from various disciplines has helped me develop a multidimensional understanding of the world. Not only have I developed an enlightened perspective on academia, but I have also gained invaluable research skills that are imperative for success in the rigorous world of scholarly research."
David Cowan, Civil Engineering
Mentor: Dr. Daniel Meeroff, Environmental Engineering "The opportunity to work with graduate students has allowed me to reach a new level of achievement in my major, and I have had a great experience in improving my communications skills during my undergraduate research project."
Jennifer Stengel, Elementary Education
Mentor: Dr. Angela Rhone, Elementary Education "Experiencing undergraduate research at FAU has provided me with the amazing opportunity of working one-on-one with Dr. Angela Rhone, in order to get a better idea of what is involved in the process of conducting research. Most importantly, with the knowledge and skills I gained, this research process has helped to prepare me for a successful career in education."
Students in RED 4750 Classes
Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Bird "Coming together enriches the experience. Research and discussion bring us together as a class community."
—Students in Dr. Jennifer Bird's RED 4750 Classes
Johnathan Johnston, Urban and Regional Planning
Mentor: Sherryl Muriente, Urban and Regional Planning "Discovering new ways of designing the city through the use of technology and research has helped me understand that the theories we learn in the classroom can be applied in reality. The fact that we can imagine and realize innovative methods of urban planning through participatory research has been a breakthrough for me. Through research, I feel excited to study and learn how we can revolutionize the future of planning cities."
Joseph Karram, Biology
Mentor: Dr. Daniel T. de Lill, Chemistry "My research experience has allowed me to expand my knowledge beyond the classroom experience. I have worked directly with professors, graduate students, and other undergraduate students to complete my research goals. Along the way, I encountered problems that required me to use the critical thinking skills I have developed here at FAU."
Kyle Mechmet, Music Performance
Mentor: Dr. Kyle Prescott, Music "Performing in different venues as a part of a saxophone quartet while simultaneously representing my school and expressing myself through my art form and major has been a unique experience. We play many different styles of music and it is a wonderful experience to introduce audiences that the saxophone is not just for jazz."
Marcela Aguilar, Linguistics
Mentor: Dr. Justin P. White, Languages, Linguistics,
and Comparative Literature "Learning through my participation with linguists in Second Language Acquisition research at FAU has been a rewarding experience by shaping my current academic goals and my future professional goals. This research is paramount for understanding how the mind processes language. This cutting edge research is used to design the curriculum for the Spanish language program!"
Mauricio Feldsberg, Architecture
Mentor: Dr. Mate Thitisawat, Architecture "Designing solar panels that react to the intensity of the sun have opened my eyes to the technologies available to us that will design future systems. The opportunity to work in partnership with a firm has given me the necessary skills to compete in the field."
Nicole Wengert, Hospitality Management
Mentor: Dr. Melih Madanoglu, Hospitality Management "Participating in undergraduate research allowed me to discover my interest for marketing within the Hospitality industry. It was interesting to learn about a unique subject within my field that I might not have learned had I not done this research project.

By collaborating with my Professor, I feel more connected to my major and I am looking forward to more opportunities like this."
Robert Modys, Urban and Regional Planning
Mentor: Sherryl Muriente, Urban and Regional Planning "Research has opened a new way to uncover what I truly feel is important to me as a future urban planner. I realized that I am interested in working with downtown redevelopment through the application of sustainable practices. The research project has helped me not only understand how to apply my acquired skills, but has also helped me discover what I am truly passionate about."
Stacey Rodriguez, Elementary Education
Mentor: Dr. David Kumar, Education "Participating in undergraduate research will give me the unique opportunity to determine the importance of science literacy strategies in computer-assisted problem based learning under the mentorship of Professor Kumar. Understanding the connection between literacy strategies and science standards will help me and other educators create more effective teaching and learning strategies."
Stephanie Marie Lopez, International Studies/ Spanish Literature
Mentor: Dr. Carmen Cañete-Quesada,
Foreign Languages and Literature "Studying and traveling to the Caribbean to investigate my research allowed me to include a first-hand account and personal experience into my study . As I participated in activities with the Japanese community in the Dominican Republic, I became aware of the cultural integration that these two distinct cultures have in a society on personal and professional levels."
Tara Wengert, Hospitality Management
Mentor: Dr. Melih Madanoglu, Hospitality Management "Engaging in undergraduate research about gender and entrepreneurship in hospitality management has been a very rewarding experience. Being able to work with my professor and learning about a topic that is very relevant to me gives me the knowledge and skills that will set me apart from other candidates in my field!"
Christine Lyons, Civil Engineering
Mentor: Dr. Daniel Meeroff, Environmental Engineering "What's great about undergraduate research is that it's not about grades or laboratory experiments with predetermined outcomes, but instead about being a part of real research. It's an amazing learning experience!"
Danielle Chiles, Accounting
Mentor: Dr. Ravi Behara, Accounting "Conducting undergraduate research at the College of Business at FAU was a great opportunity to learn more about Project Management, an important field that adds value to my Accounting degree and expand my research capabilities. I received exceptional one-on-one guidance from my faculty advisor Dr. Ravi Behara, and was successful in getting a full-time job in my field of study with his support."