Enhancing Undergraduate Research

A research-based undergraduate college experience has proven to be a platform that expands students’ opportunities to fulfill larger educational and career-driven goals. That’s why Rice University stands out amongst its peers for its robust offerings.

While graduate programs have the propensity to claim a large part of the research pie, Rice undergraduates are given ample choices to expand their research acumen. Seventy-three percent of undergraduate students reported engaging in inquiry-based programs before they walk across the graduation stage.

Rice is uniquely situated to provide these opportunities for students, and it offers them both in the classroom and throughout the city. In addition to the high caliber professors who guide students into inquiry, the institution’s proximity to the world’s largest medical center allows for a plethora of partnerships for advanced academics. Further, Rice places an emphasis on community-engaged partnerships, which allows students to focus on real-life scenarios.

Research is a priority

Rice aggressively addresses equity and disparities in making research accessible. One new program, the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), is geared toward undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in pursuing supervised research with a Rice faculty member during the summer. No prior research experience is required and preference is given to first- and second-year students without previous experience.

SURF participant, Pamela Duarte, a pre-med student majoring in biosciences, with a concentration is cell biology and genetics, said, “I loved my experience in research not only because it helped me figure out my future but also it sparked my interest in completing research for the rest of my life. Participating in research taught me interpersonal skills, technical skills and how to question the paradigm.”

Victoria Zabarte, another exceptional undergraduate researcher and a Mellon Mays Fellow, holds a dual title of Shapiro Showcase Excellence in Undergraduate Research presenter. Zabarte was hand selected by the dean of her college as an extraordinary scholar to speak about her research. A recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in history, Zabarte holds future ambitions to earn a doctoral degree in history. “The opportunities that Rice provided me to participate in research are something that I cannot overstate. The university is a welcoming environment, and Rice makes research available to all students,” she said.

Joseph Asfouri, an electrical engineering and neuroscience student, mirrored his colleagues’ sentiments. The Churchill Scholar credited his professors and lab mentors who inspired him to study ethically grounded bioengineering research that could potentially change the world.

“Despite COVID…despite every challenge throughout the past four years…I still felt the passion that my professors have for the subjects they teach, what they are advising or what they are giving feedback on in the lab,” Asfouri said. “The way I am able to engage with them is extremely valuable to me, not just to soak up knowledge — I could do that with a textbook — but to become so excited by the material and its powerful applications.”

This content is sponsored and provided by Rice University. The editorial staff of Inside Higher Ed had no role in its preparation.