Deb Phillis
Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research And Studies (OURS)
I am the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research And Studies. I have had many memorable experiences and met many amazing students along the way. I meet with students from all majors and levels of experience and I hear about their interests, goals, and stories. With that information, I help them find research or academic experiences in their field of interest. If you are looking for on-campus, off-campus or summer experiences, I am here to help you find opportunities.
If you are not sure if research is for you, or even exactly what research looks like in your area of interest, set up a meeting with OURS and we will help to answer those questions. I hope to meet with you and look forward to providing whatever help you may need.
If you are not sure if research is for you, or even exactly what research looks like in your area of interest, set up a meeting with OURS and we will help to answer those questions. I hope to meet with you and look forward to providing whatever help you may need.
Weiai Fang, PhD.
Assistant Director of Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS)
I am the Assistant Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies. With a PhD in Sociology, I bring years of experience teaching research to students and conducting my own projects, giving me a deep understanding of both the challenges and rewards of scholarly inquiry.
In my role, I work with students from all majors and backgrounds to help them explore and identify their research interests, search for relevant research or academic experiences, and strengthen their research skills.
If you’re curious about research, wondering how to get started, or looking for ways to develop your academic passions, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to provide the support, resources, and encouragement you need to achieve your goals. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the next step in your journey.
In my role, I work with students from all majors and backgrounds to help them explore and identify their research interests, search for relevant research or academic experiences, and strengthen their research skills.
If you’re curious about research, wondering how to get started, or looking for ways to develop your academic passions, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to provide the support, resources, and encouragement you need to achieve your goals. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the next step in your journey.
Jamie
Neuroscience, Psychology, and Computer Science
Hi! I’m Jamie, a senior neuroscience track student planning to dual degree in computer science. I knew I wanted to be involved in research early on in my university career. Through the Biology Undergraduate Apprenticeships (BUA), I joined Normark Lab in my first semester as a research assistant. With my love of genetics and computer science, I began work on an independent bioinformatics research project there that I continued over the summer as part of the CAFE Summer Scholars program.
Now, I am also part of CoDe Neuro, the Cognitive and Developmental Neuroscience Lab. In the lab, I will be working to find the neurological basis for how we begin to process the abstract concept of numbers.
As an OURS Research Mentor, I hope to help students discover research areas they are passionate about and find labs that explore those interests. I understand both the desire to do research and the uncertainty around how to begin that process. Together, I am sure we can get you headed in the right direction!
Now, I am also part of CoDe Neuro, the Cognitive and Developmental Neuroscience Lab. In the lab, I will be working to find the neurological basis for how we begin to process the abstract concept of numbers.
As an OURS Research Mentor, I hope to help students discover research areas they are passionate about and find labs that explore those interests. I understand both the desire to do research and the uncertainty around how to begin that process. Together, I am sure we can get you headed in the right direction!
Heeya
Psychology and Certification in Social Work
Hi! I am a senior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology along with a certification in Social Work under the Commonwealth Honors College. As someone deeply fascinated by and passionate about research, I am thrilled to be working as a research mentor for students at UMass. Being a student at UMass can be overwhelming at times due to the breadth of research opportunities offered in various areas of study. As a research mentor, I look forward to helping my peers navigate their journey and relationship with research based on their expectations, experience, and future aspirations. Being an avid user of the OURS myself, I recognize the importance of having support in navigating the nuances of research as an undergraduate and wish to provide the same for others.
I currently work as a research assistant in Dr. Dixon-Gordon’s Clinical Affective Science Lab which studies psychopathological domains within Borderline Personality Disorder along with examining the efficacy of mindfulness-incorporating therapy interventions, specifically Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I am primarily involved in physiological and quantitative data coding and screening, analyzing questionnaire batteries, and conducting literature reviews for our upcoming projects and grants. I received the opportunity to join the lab via the Research Assistant Mentoring Program (RAMP) under the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department. Additionally, I also worked as a student visitor at the Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth at McLean Hospital, where I engaged in vital quantitative and qualitative research aimed at incorporating resilience and socio-developmental learning within STEM curricula for middle school students.
As an OURS research mentor, I look forward to helping students find similar on and off-campus research experiences and simplify their journey within research!
I currently work as a research assistant in Dr. Dixon-Gordon’s Clinical Affective Science Lab which studies psychopathological domains within Borderline Personality Disorder along with examining the efficacy of mindfulness-incorporating therapy interventions, specifically Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I am primarily involved in physiological and quantitative data coding and screening, analyzing questionnaire batteries, and conducting literature reviews for our upcoming projects and grants. I received the opportunity to join the lab via the Research Assistant Mentoring Program (RAMP) under the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department. Additionally, I also worked as a student visitor at the Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth at McLean Hospital, where I engaged in vital quantitative and qualitative research aimed at incorporating resilience and socio-developmental learning within STEM curricula for middle school students.
As an OURS research mentor, I look forward to helping students find similar on and off-campus research experiences and simplify their journey within research!
Neharika
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Psychology
Hi! My name is Neharika, and I'm a sophomore studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as well as Psychology. Getting involved in research has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience at UMass because it gave me a way to explore my curiosity outside the classroom. I am currently conducting research in Dr. Linda Isbell’s lab, where I've explored the connection between emotions and medical decision making in the ED, especially on vulnerable patient populations. Gaining this experience has allowed me to critically ask questions about how research can inform patient-centered care especially under the healthcare system.
Through my own journey into research, I’ve learned that finding opportunities can feel very intimidating and overwhelming at first, especially when you’re unsure where to start or how to reach out to faculty. Though, I believe that with the help of faculty, peers and mentors, I was able to better navigate this process and truly understand where my research interests were. I’m excited to work with OURS to help other students discover their research interests and make research seem more accessible on campus.
Through my own journey into research, I’ve learned that finding opportunities can feel very intimidating and overwhelming at first, especially when you’re unsure where to start or how to reach out to faculty. Though, I believe that with the help of faculty, peers and mentors, I was able to better navigate this process and truly understand where my research interests were. I’m excited to work with OURS to help other students discover their research interests and make research seem more accessible on campus.
Janelle
Neuroscience, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hi! I’m Janelle, a third year Neuroscience and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major in the Commonwealth Honors College. Coming into college I knew I wanted to take advantage of the research opportunities offered at UMass, which initiated my interest in developmental and neurological studies.
I became involved with research during my first year in the Hormones & Cognition Lab under Dr. Lacreuse, where I had a transformative experience working with an animal model for behavioral research. Over the past two years, these experiences helped deepen my understanding of the research process and my interest in progressive studies, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and women's health.
Following my first year, I had the opportunity to work alongside professionals at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, where I contributed to research projects in rehabilitation medicine, specifically for stroke recovery and rehab for Parkinson's. This experience allowed me to gain both clinical and technical skills in data analysis, study development, and execution, while providing a broader perspective on research. I am now working as a research assistant in the Cui Lab of the Department of Animal Sciences, studying germ cell development using a knockout model.
Having kickstarted my own research journey with the help of OURS, I am thrilled to help other students navigate the extensive research opportunities available as an OURS research mentor. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for research and the rewarding experience it offers.
I became involved with research during my first year in the Hormones & Cognition Lab under Dr. Lacreuse, where I had a transformative experience working with an animal model for behavioral research. Over the past two years, these experiences helped deepen my understanding of the research process and my interest in progressive studies, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and women's health.
Following my first year, I had the opportunity to work alongside professionals at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, where I contributed to research projects in rehabilitation medicine, specifically for stroke recovery and rehab for Parkinson's. This experience allowed me to gain both clinical and technical skills in data analysis, study development, and execution, while providing a broader perspective on research. I am now working as a research assistant in the Cui Lab of the Department of Animal Sciences, studying germ cell development using a knockout model.
Having kickstarted my own research journey with the help of OURS, I am thrilled to help other students navigate the extensive research opportunities available as an OURS research mentor. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for research and the rewarding experience it offers.
Anna
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hi! My name is Anna, I'm a senior majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Getting involved in research has been a priority of mine since starting college. I've interned at New England Biolabs the past two summers, working on enzyme engineering projects. I went through the whole workflow of assembling vectors, cloning, expression, purification and designing assays throughout my time at NEB. By the end of each summer, I presented my work to a seminar room full of scientists! This experience is what solidified my plan on pursuing a career in research and continuing onto graduate school upon graduating UMass. I am also a member of Dr. Rauch's lab here on campus, where we study the aggregation and spread of Tau, which is a leading cause of dementia such as Alzheimer's Disease. I have learned many techniques ranging from making a lentivirus to mammalian cell culture.
I wouldn't have been able to secure these opportunities without all the help from OURS, who not only helped me search for labs that fit my interests, but also helped craft my resume, reviewed my application, and was there to help whenever I needed it! OURS was a fantastic resource in my research career, and I hope new students are able to make good use of it too. I am excited to help students in their search for research.
I wouldn't have been able to secure these opportunities without all the help from OURS, who not only helped me search for labs that fit my interests, but also helped craft my resume, reviewed my application, and was there to help whenever I needed it! OURS was a fantastic resource in my research career, and I hope new students are able to make good use of it too. I am excited to help students in their search for research.
Yarah
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Psychology (Neuroscience track)
Hi! My name is Yarah, and I am a senior double majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as well as Psychology on the neuroscience track, in the Commonwealth Honors College. My curiosity and passion for science have driven me to engage in research since my freshman year. I have spent most of my undergraduate research career in the Pak Lab, studying neurobiological mechanisms, and have been a part of the Integrated Concentration in STEM (iCons). Additionally, I serve as a science coordinator for a non-profit organization dedicated to translate the science into digestible tips on chemicals to avoid in everyday products that contribute to breast cancer.
This past summer, I interned at Novartis, where I characterized a cancer-dependent protein and presented my findings to scientists across diverse fields. Through my experiences in both industry and academia, I have deepened my love for research and aspire to pursue a career in molecular biology after graduation.
As an OURS mentor, I am excited to help students navigate research opportunities tailored to their academic and career goals. I look forward to supporting and guiding students as they take the next steps in their academic journeys.
This past summer, I interned at Novartis, where I characterized a cancer-dependent protein and presented my findings to scientists across diverse fields. Through my experiences in both industry and academia, I have deepened my love for research and aspire to pursue a career in molecular biology after graduation.
As an OURS mentor, I am excited to help students navigate research opportunities tailored to their academic and career goals. I look forward to supporting and guiding students as they take the next steps in their academic journeys.