At ScholarBridge we know the power of undergraduate research on shaping our world. We want to highlight some of the incredible individuals involved with research. This week's subject is Neveda Murugesan, a senior at Washington University in St. Louis from Dallas, Texas. Neveda is part of the WUSTL Emergency Support Team and majors in Biology. Read on to find out more about her research and for some advice on how you can get involved in research!
1. Tell us about your research!
I’ve been working in Dr. Steven Brody’s lab in the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Wash.U. Med school for about a year and a half now. My project currently involves using synthetic particles to track and image lung inflammation. This is especially important in pediatric patients, where too much lung inflammation can actually harm the child and cause respiratory issues.
2. How did you get involved with your research initially?
I actually asked my major advisor if he knew of any physicians that wanted undergraduates working in their lab. He told me a few names, I emailed them, and Dr. Brody was the first one to get back to me.
3. What advice would you give a student trying to get involved in undergraduate research?
If you are interested in research, ask around! Your advisors and professors may know someone who likes teaching undergrads. Try online resources and check with the office on your campus that promotes undergraduate research projects.
4. What has been the most rewarding thing about your research?
I loved getting to know the people in my lab. Everyone comes from different places in life and it is always interesting to hear their stories and of course, their advice.
5. How has your research role prepared you for post-grad life?
Well, I’m currently in the middle of applying to med school right now. Research has shown me how difficult, but also how important it is to continue to improve on the current knowledge out there.
6. What is the hardest thing about being involved in research?
Basic science research is difficult in the sense that many of your experiments just don’t work. It’s frustrating at times when you feel like you’ve lost months of time, effort and money. But I suppose that’s also why when an experiment does work, it’s a very rewarding feeling- to know that you were there from the beginning to the end.
Think research is for you but don't know where to start? Check out ScholarBridge and sign up for free today!
1. Tell us about your research!
I’ve been working in Dr. Steven Brody’s lab in the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Wash.U. Med school for about a year and a half now. My project currently involves using synthetic particles to track and image lung inflammation. This is especially important in pediatric patients, where too much lung inflammation can actually harm the child and cause respiratory issues.
2. How did you get involved with your research initially?
I actually asked my major advisor if he knew of any physicians that wanted undergraduates working in their lab. He told me a few names, I emailed them, and Dr. Brody was the first one to get back to me.
3. What advice would you give a student trying to get involved in undergraduate research?
If you are interested in research, ask around! Your advisors and professors may know someone who likes teaching undergrads. Try online resources and check with the office on your campus that promotes undergraduate research projects.
4. What has been the most rewarding thing about your research?
I loved getting to know the people in my lab. Everyone comes from different places in life and it is always interesting to hear their stories and of course, their advice.
5. How has your research role prepared you for post-grad life?
Well, I’m currently in the middle of applying to med school right now. Research has shown me how difficult, but also how important it is to continue to improve on the current knowledge out there.
6. What is the hardest thing about being involved in research?
Basic science research is difficult in the sense that many of your experiments just don’t work. It’s frustrating at times when you feel like you’ve lost months of time, effort and money. But I suppose that’s also why when an experiment does work, it’s a very rewarding feeling- to know that you were there from the beginning to the end.
Think research is for you but don't know where to start? Check out ScholarBridge and sign up for free today!