Lara
Biomedical Engineering, with a concentration in Gen. Study & Multi Disc.
Hi! I’m Lara, a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering within the Commonwealth Honors College. I’ve always been interested in research and knew that getting involved in a lab would be an important part of my undergraduate experience. I wanted to explore my major beyond the classroom and gain hands-on experience while learning more about my interests.
With the help of OURS resources, I was able to secure a position as a research assistant in the Kearney Lab, where I work in tissue engineering, cell aging, and regeneration.
As someone who is still early in my undergraduate research journey, I understand how exciting but also intimidating it can be to figure out where to start. By being an OURS Research Mentor, I hope to help students navigate this process and feel more confident reaching out to faculty and pursuing those opportunities. I look forward to helping other students discover their research interests and experience how rewarding undergraduate research can be!
With the help of OURS resources, I was able to secure a position as a research assistant in the Kearney Lab, where I work in tissue engineering, cell aging, and regeneration.
As someone who is still early in my undergraduate research journey, I understand how exciting but also intimidating it can be to figure out where to start. By being an OURS Research Mentor, I hope to help students navigate this process and feel more confident reaching out to faculty and pursuing those opportunities. I look forward to helping other students discover their research interests and experience how rewarding undergraduate research can be!
Sam
Pre-Veterinary Science
Hey! I'm Sam, a senior on the pre veterinary track with the College of Natural Sciences. I have been involved in research since my first semester freshman year and have continued to engage in research all throughout my college career. My focus is primarily on in vivo research working with mouse KO variants. In the past I have worked on studies involving breast cancer, GVHD, and most recently psoriasis. I love my work and am very excited to be able to help you get into research yourself! I am also going to be attending veterinary school in the fall of 2027 so I am happy to speak on that process as well.
Outside of my academics I spend a lot of my time outside playing with my friends. I swim, sail, surf, and just in general love the ocean. You can often find me at the Ascend climbing wall, or the Northeast volleyball courts, or playing spikeball in a green space.
I am so excited to work with OURS. I came here as a freshman looking for research and I just can't wait to give back.
Outside of my academics I spend a lot of my time outside playing with my friends. I swim, sail, surf, and just in general love the ocean. You can often find me at the Ascend climbing wall, or the Northeast volleyball courts, or playing spikeball in a green space.
I am so excited to work with OURS. I came here as a freshman looking for research and I just can't wait to give back.
Neha
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hi! My name is Neha, and I'm a sophomore studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 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.
Mia
Comparative Literature and Public Health
Hi! I’m Mia, a senior Comparative Literature and Public Health dual degree. My academic and research journey have been largely cross-disciplinary, and advising from OURS played a huge role in getting started with my research experience at UMass. I started my research journey as a science outreach student in the Pallas lab and organized specialized evolutionary biology materials for local high schools. I have most recently been studying mycobacterial antimicrobial resistance in the Morita lab. Mycobacteria are responsible for several critical public health threats including tuberculosis and Hansen’s disease, and I am dedicating my honors thesis on my research project. OURS helped me turn my research pipe dreams into reality; because UMass has so many diverse research opportunities, getting started can be tricky. With OURS, I was able to get assistance with everything from finding opportunities that fit my research interests, to resume reviews and cold email guidance. I’m super excited to help other students get connected with their own research journey!
Kathleen
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Math, Neuroscience, Statistics/Data Science and Biology
Hi! I’m Kathleen, and I’m a senior in the Honors College majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Math, Neuroscience, Statistics/Data Science and Biology. I am extremely passionate about research, and during the school year, I primarily conduct research in Dr. Changhui Pak’s lab investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders using various stem cell models.
During my summer and winter breaks, I also work at various research institutions across the Boston area such as Boston Children’s Hospital (in the department of Neurosurgery) and Boston University Medical School (in the department of Vascular Biology). Previously, I have also worked at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at the Physiological NMR Core. In addition, I also have some experience with research in statistics, here at UMass!
As an OURS mentor, I’m looking forward to helping students find research opportunities of all types and discover what types of research they are interested in! I have personally utilized many opportunities on campus, such as the PROPEL website, to get involved in the positions that I work at on campus today. I am eager to share these experiences, as well as resources, with others as a peer mentor. UMass is such a great place for research and I am excited to work to increase the accessibility of research at our school!
During my summer and winter breaks, I also work at various research institutions across the Boston area such as Boston Children’s Hospital (in the department of Neurosurgery) and Boston University Medical School (in the department of Vascular Biology). Previously, I have also worked at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at the Physiological NMR Core. In addition, I also have some experience with research in statistics, here at UMass!
As an OURS mentor, I’m looking forward to helping students find research opportunities of all types and discover what types of research they are interested in! I have personally utilized many opportunities on campus, such as the PROPEL website, to get involved in the positions that I work at on campus today. I am eager to share these experiences, as well as resources, with others as a peer mentor. UMass is such a great place for research and I am excited to work to increase the accessibility of research at our school!
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.