PharmSci Students Explore the Undergraduate Biology Research Program
Pharmaceutical Sciences students are highly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research. Whether they are pursuing a career in research, pharmacy, clinical healthcare, or something completely different, the best way to learn science is by gaining hands-on experience. Opportunities vary widely and include traditional lab research, clinical/patient care-related projects, community outreach, and more.
One of many established research programs available to undergraduate students is the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP). Offered as an avenue for self-directed research under the guidance of experienced mentors, this program was created to aid students in scientific inquiry and professional development, allowing students to conduct research, improve communication skills, and explore diverse biological topics.
UBRP begins with a comprehensive 12-week paid summer internship, where students work alongside faculty mentors to conduct laboratory research. Summer participants may also continue their research part-time during the academic year, facilitating continuous learning and skill development. Over the past two years, multiple Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) students have been accepted into this program, gaining hands-on experience that connects the fields of biology and pharmaceutical sciences.
Truc Le
Leyla Cordova, Katrina Vollmer, Truc Le, and Aruna Sreenivasan are among the students currently involved in UBRP. Sharing their perspectives, these PharmSci seniors provide insights into their experiences and how the program has shaped their academic careers.
Aruna Sreenivasan
Le emphasizes the importance of teamwork and mentorship, stating, "The best advice I received from my mentor is that being friends with the people you work with is essential to having fun at work." She noted, "It’s incredibly satisfying to see significant improvement in my research techniques over a short period of time."
Sreenivasan reflects on her research firsts, from creating her first poster to presenting at her first out-of-state conference. "Even if these opportunities seem intimidating at first, they always prove incredibly rewarding and help build confidence in my scientific skill set," she explained. The UBRP program combines her passion for travel with research, as conferences create opportunities to explore new cities and connect with like-minded scientists.
UBRP affords the students ample networking opportunities and practical skills. "I’ve learned how to present, network, and master basic techniques that I’ll use for the rest of my career,” Cordova notes. Her involvement in the Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention subgroup offered by UBRP demonstrates her commitment to addressing health disparities in her community.
Katrina Vollmer
Vollmer’s inspiration to join UBRP came from the excitement of discovery. "The concept of research, particularly in drug discovery, excited me as it moved beyond academic textbooks into the realm of new knowledge," she said, emphasizing that "Progress takes patience. True success lies in the resilience of the scientist."
The UBRP experience has a lasting impact on its members, establishing a foundation of crucial skills and the confidence needed for future pursuits. As these PharmSci seniors approach graduation, their experiences underscore the significant role of undergraduate research programs in shaping the next generation of scientists.
Visit our undergraduate research page to learn more.