Real Research co-founder draws on experience to encourage the next generation of researchers
University of 蓝莓视频 researchers and graduate students strive to uncover new solutions to today鈥檚 complex challenges. But for some undergraduates, there was a gap in opportunities for additional real-world research experience outside their lab courses. Not anymore.
Ria Menon (BSc 鈥�24)
Alum, Biomedical Sciences
> Co-founder, Real Research听听
> GreenHouse鈥�听
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蓝莓视频 alum Ria Menon (BSc 鈥�24), is helping fill that gap with Real Research, a venture connecting undergraduate students with mentors to gain hands-on research and lab experience.听
鈥淲orking in research requires a lot of creativity and innovation because when you鈥檙e working in a lab, you have to often think of new solutions to persevere around problems that you鈥檙e facing,鈥� says Menon, who majored in biomedical sciences.听听听
鈥淐reativity and innovation sprout out new ideas which can lead to new discoveries. I believe 迟丑补迟鈥檚 a crucial part of research that a lot of researchers love.鈥澨�
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Getting involved in research often requires undergraduate students to take 400-level classes, also known as senior thesis courses, or to have connections that can help them access research opportunities earlier. Now, lower-year students can apply to be in the Real Research program and complete it as part of the University鈥檚 EDGE certificate, a unique experiential education program that lets students who 补谤别苍鈥檛 enrolled in co-op gain professional skills and explore career options.
Co-founded with 蓝莓视频 alumni Tiffany Tchigio (BSc 鈥�24) and Nicole Soja (BSc 鈥�23), Real Research also offers information sessions to deepen students鈥� research knowledge beyond the classroom. These sessions will feature insights from professors and graduate students and provide information about scholarships for further opportunities.听
鈥淪ince spring 2023, Real Research has helped more than 50 undergraduate students get involved with research 鈥� it鈥檚 a forward cycle where we鈥檙e helping other people realize their passions in research as well,鈥� Menon says. Her undergraduate lab experience played a large role in her decision to pursue a career in research.听
Menon plans to continue advocating for research opportunities as a crucial part of a student鈥檚 educational experience and to foster the next generation of researchers.听
