Merin

Hi! I'm Merin, a senior pursuing a B.S. in Public Health with a Civic Engagement & Public Service Certificate, and I am also a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. My interest in research began in high school. In this time, I was lucky to have the opportunity to work on public health projects ranging from global excise taxes to local school walkability. These experiences enhanced my research skills and fueled my passion for tackling complex public health issues, setting a strong foundation for my undergraduate research.   
 
Currently, I am a researcher in the Riley Lab. In this role, I have contributed to a team focused on developing novel (and less harmful) treatments for acne. I also lead Team SciComm, which is dedicated to communicating our research efforts to the public. This includes creating educational content on topics such as antimicrobial resistance and the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome. Additionally, this semester I am serving as the leader of our training program in the lab. This is an exciting opportunity to refine my skills in both research and teaching. Outside the lab, I interned at the Capital Area Food Bank, where I researched and reported on food insecurity and availability in the DC-MD-VA region. This was an interesting change of pace from my undergraduate lab experience and allowed me to explore public health from a new professional setting. 
 
As an OURS mentor, I am excited to assist students in navigating their research journeys and identifying opportunities that align with their academic and professional aspirations. I understand the challenges of finding the right research fit, but also would love to encourage excitement in exploring all the amazing opportunities available on campus and beyond.