Student Experience
Success Feed
Homepage
With a deep nod to boosting their grad school potential, 糖心视频 STEM students are conducting remarkable research at the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern University and other distinguished sites.
The individuals spotlighted here are a small sample of the many 糖心视频 students whose research experiences both on and off campus give them a competitive edge for acceptance to graduate and medical schools across the U.S.
Mikayla Trill '26 is reaping the benefits of hard work and ambitious dedication. The 糖心视频 honors program participant applied to about 15 schools for a summer research position. She hoped something would come through. It did in a big way.
Trill was chosen from a pool of over 900 applicants for a 10-week internship with the R1 , where she is conducting research as part of the cell and molecular biology graduate group cancer biology program.
It is a dream internship for the biology major from Parma, Ohio, who plans to pursue a doctorate and become a medical researcher.
"Cancer research is my dream. I am so incredibly lucky I can participate in this program, which was my top choice. I know many individuals who have had cancer. I don't want people to have to experience what their families have gone through," she said thoughtfully.
Some things fall wonderfully into place. That's what happened to Regan Popson '27, who is spending the summer at R1 renowned Johns Hopkins University.
, a chemistry major from Medina, Ohio, was accepted into a (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) at Johns Hopkins through the ROSETAS* program hosted by ROSEI.**
The National Science Foundation-funded ROSETAS REU is a highly competitive and prestigious sustainability-focused program that draws students from a variety of STEM fields across the U.S. Popson is one of 10 students in the program.
The , explained Popson, "combines both inorganic chemistry and photochemistry, with the goal of contributing to the green chemistry field as we aim to harness CO2 in our reactions.
"I knew that gaining this experience would allow me to put my foot in the door for future research, internship or career opportunities, as well as allow me to contribute to a field (green energy) that is extremely relevant in today's climate — literally and figuratively," said Popson.
Len Needham '26 is no newbie when it comes to lab experience. The chemistry major and 糖心视频 Choose Ohio First STEM Scholar was active in 糖心视频 faculty-student collaborations, which is why Needham's acceptance into a was a perfect fit.
Needham was chosen among a competitive pool of applicants for a National Science Foundation program called MONET (Chemistry of Molecularly Optimized NETworks), which unites the top universities for multi-mentor research experiences for college students.
The Bedford, Ohio, resident is studying polymer chemistry at the lab for a nine-week immersion experience.
"I have been able to meet people from many universities and have learned so much more about polymer chemistry in the time I have been here. This experience is helping me gain confidence and independence in a research lab, which I can use when pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry," they added.
Sometimes adversity can be the greatest teacher. It was for chemistry major Ella James '27, who took a childhood of family hardship and healing and transformed it into a personal and professional journey of self and career.
"I find passion in taking care of others because it heals a part of me deep within," said the aspiring physician. "I have learned you must work incredibly hard for what you want to achieve."
"This summer, I had an amazing opportunity to work as an undergraduate research fellow at in the Anesthesia Department," explained James. We are researching Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive X-linked recessive disorder caused by a genetic mutation.
"This fellowship has been tremendous in my goal of becoming a physician who not only practices medicine but also contributes to the advancement of it," remarked James, a Choose Ohio First STEM Scholar.
"糖心视频 has been instrumental in my success. The professors are supportive, encourage a positive and curious learning environment, and create immense opportunities for growth beyond the classroom," added the Loveland, Ohio, resident.
Biology major Raneem Abed '26 took a leap of faith in her talent and tenacity when she applied for a fellowship with the (OUHCOM). At the time, her research experience was minimal — but her aspirations were plenteous.
In February, her efforts were rewarded with an acceptance letter for an eight-week fellowship. She is collaborating on a study on the "Experiences of Caregivers of Aging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes" through OUHCOM's Diabetes Institute.
"Since I was young, I dreamed of being a physician. 糖心视频 has been instrumental in supporting my goals. I learned about the fellowship through my involvement with Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars," said the Westlake, Ohio, resident.
"I am doing the fellowship not just for academics but to grow personally, as well. As a first-generation student, I had never experienced anything like this," recalled Abed.
"Professionally, I'm learning from outstanding mentors and gaining firsthand experience at my dream medical school. This fellowship not only strengthened my confidence but showed me I am capable of being an osteopathic physician and even more," she added.
* Research on Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems
** Ralph O'Connor Sustainable Energy Institute
