Testimonials

Julia Gaunthier

URP benefited me by allowing me to have one-on-one learning experiences with a professor in my field, served as a great introduction to the research process and working in research with human subjects, as well as allowed me to practice academic writing and formal oral presentation skills.

I was given the opportunity to present my research at the school's UGRD and prior to starting the research I completed a course to become CITI certified. I was able to include my research experience on my graduate school applications, and I was able to ask (and receive) a letter of recommendation for graduate school from the professor I worked under.

I would highly recommend URP to any student who is continuing their education after their undergraduate experience. The professors understand you are a student first and (in my experience) don't overwhelm you with work. You are able to plan an individualized schedule of working on URP, and while it is extra work it doesn't feel overwhelming combined with normal schoolwork.

Halle Boldt

I gained tons of experience in completing and presenting research, as well as an increased passion for research and outreach.

I was able to improve upon my confidence in presenting. The more I presented my research, the more I was able to improve upon my ability to communicate complex scientific information to a wide variety of audiences as well.

Spencer Cooper

Research as a whole has increased my experience with laboratory techniques, which are necessary for grad school and the job market. Additionally, it has allowed me to connect with many other fantastic young scientists to share ideas and learn about their studies.

I was able to gain valuable experience presenting my research and perfecting my communication skills. By becoming comfortable presenting in front of my peers, I became much more confident when presenting at larger venues such as NCUR and especially the American Chemical Society Conference.

I believe undergraduate research is a crucial experience in the STEM field and has valuable applications in the humanities sector as well.

Eris Maag

It assisted me in learning how to conduct and present research. It allowed me to demonstrate on my resume and in my personal statement to a graduate school admissions committee that I have the skills and knowledge needed to go straight into a Ph.D. program straight out of undergrad.

I got to work alongside multiple faculty members, both in and out of my field. This allowed me to expand my understanding of research in various fields and how to create and present that research as well as the process that goes into conducting it.

I would not have gotten as far as I have in my academic journey if it was not for my experience in URP.

Alexandra Kiesler

It benefitted me because it helped me figure out what I wanted to focus on after college. Having the time to build my own project and figure out what was happening really helped me understand the path I want to take later in my career.

It helped me with public speaking, data analysis, having a deeper understanding to explain it to other people, and working together as a team.

I would definitely recommend it.

Cody Bunch

It improved my team and communication skills.

It provided me experience in sampling for different water quality metrics, analyzing data, and presenting information.

Salaar Akbar

URP allowed me to apply the concepts I was actively learning from my coursework as a Biology Major to the research our lab was doing, and this reinforced my learning and made it all the more engaging.

In addition to becoming very comfortable with laboratory practices such as performing calculations, scientific writing, making solutions, pipetting, microinjecting, and others, I became skilled in communicating difficult concepts in the field of developmental biology to people of all backgrounds -- not just other biologists -- making our research accessible to everyone.

I could not recommend participating in URP enough.

Iliana Aviles

It gave me a new experience. I was able to travel to share my work. I met new people, and the experience will look great on my resume.

This is something I would only have the opportunity doing in college and since I'm about to graduate I don't think I would have another chance to find a specific real life example of questions I may have.

Abby Panier

Not only do I feel more confident about myself and the work I'm doing, but I was lucky enough to receive funding from the URP as well. I learned how to write grant proposals, and advocate for myself and my project. Before I started my own project, I was part of the RAP, which helped me enter the world of undergrad research.

By hosting events like URD in the fall and spring, the URP gives students the opportunity to gain experience presenting research. It builds people skills, something that isn't focused on in science-based learning but is just as important if you want to succeed in a science-related field. You learn how to make your own poster and present to both peers and faculty on something you're passionate about.

I would 100% recommend the URP. I think it's essential for students to gain research experience, as well as doing presentations and going to conferences. The URP provides those opportunities.

Kiara Lynn Rios

The undergraduate research experience has been more than I could have ever asked for! Being a first-generation Hispanic American student, undergraduate research has allowed me to break barriers, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and pursue things I thought were just distant dreams. Additionally, I am hopeful and optimistic about pursuing a doctorate in my desired field of interest. This is just one example of how undergraduate research has pushed me to excel beyond what I thought was possible. Lastly, the confidence and new skills I gained are incomparable, and I have so much gratitude for the program that has helped me become who I am today as an individual and student.

I have gained experience in many ways! The most profound experience is networking and conference etiquette. I have been given the tools to connect with others who are like-minded or can educate me further. Conference etiquette has helped me show up to the best of my ability for classes, as well as giving me the confidence to show up for myself in spaces that were not originally designed for me.

Undergraduate research has given me a foundation that I would not have if I had not joined this program. I feel more than ready to apply for a graduate program, and I even mentor freshman students in their research through the K/C Scholars Program. This program is incomparable, and I am grateful for the faith bestowed upon me and the confidence that has been instilled in me by my mentor and peers.

James Theodore Anderson

The undergraduate research program has allowed me to truly experience what the research environment is like. Working on my Volatile analysis project gave me valuable experience with researching, utilizing chemistry equipment, and gave me unparalleled presentation skills.

Before I started my undergraduate research I was afraid of my career path and where my career direction was going. Through the program I was given the confidence and the experience needed to pursue my aspirations as a chemist. Along with the experience it also gave me grant writing experience and looks fantastic on a resume. This program gave me a huge boost when applying to any position and I am grateful to it.

I would recommend any student who has even the slightest though of applying for the Undergraduate Research Program to jump right into it. It is a fun experience that buildings skills. Along with skill building, it connects you with a mentor who will guide you through the process and will be a lasting connection for you career search. Overall, I recommend any interested student to apply and pursue their research!!

Cole Lindwall

My involvement in undergraduate research has benefited me in many ways, and I picked up a lot of skills that are attractive to employers. As a part of the undergraduate research program, I developed my problem-solving skills, my confidence with public speaking, and the ability to manage a project. As I prepared to enter the workforce, I interviewed with multiple companies and all of them were impressed with my experiences as a part of the undergraduate research program here at UW-Whitewater (even though the companies weren't even in the same field/industry). I ended up with multiple attractive offers and ended up accepting a job as a technical solutions engineer at Epic Systems in Verona, WI.

Robin Witt

I joined the URP program during my freshman year. The experiences that I have built up in this program are second-to-none. I have aided in my first publication and I am working on my second. During interviews for graduate school and prestigious internships, a recurring topic is my involvement in undergraduate research. I believe this program has aided in my ability to compete for positions within industry and academia.

Jake Minx

Joining Undergraduate Research was the best decision that I have made. The procedures that are performed in Undergraduate Research enforce material covered in classes and it is a good way to get involved on campus. Additionally, many jobs will require experience as an entry level position - Undergraduate Research allows students to gain that experience while under the supervision of a professor. Many skills are learned in Undergraduate Research such as learning to be independent in a research type setting, grant writing, presenting, and the list goes on. I have learned a lot from Undergraduate Research.

Henry Rohde

As a result of my undergraduate research into quiver representations, Lie theory, and cluster algebras, I have some idea of what studying mathematics in graduate school may be like. I also got to see the parallels between theorems in my math research and my previous coursework, which was amazing to see. I would highly recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research to do so.