Getting Your Foot in the Door with Research at Drexel

The process of getting involved in research at a university is often intimidating. As a biology major, I found it overwhelming to navigate how and where to start looking for opportunities. But taking part in research early in my Drexel career has changed the way I approach my academic and professional endeavors! Drexel offers an abundance of introductory programs to encourage first-year students to get involved socially, civically, and academically. These organizations build community and guide students to take advantage of what Drexel has to offer.

Coming to Drexel, I knew research was something I immediately wanted to pursue. Because the College of Arts and Sciences is so large, building a network was overwhelming. Luckily, I was a member of the Build Relationships in Diverse Group Experiences (BRIDGE) program as a mentee. BRIDGE fosters a community of underrepresented first-generation and minority students and supports their transition to college. The mentorship I received from this program encouraged me to explore outside of my comfort zone, and I was given the opportunity to be in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Support (ASURS) Fund! This program built my confidence to actively engage with professors and other researchers. It also opened doors to other research opportunities and allowed me to present my work, which helped me find belonging within the academia space. I knew I wanted to further pursue research, which led me to participate in the Students Tackling Advanced Research (STAR) Scholars program.

This journey has made me realize that research is not just reserved for experts in white lab coats; it's an open invitation to anyone passionate about discovering the unknown.

The STAR Scholars program was very formative for me, as well as so many other students at Drexel. This research experience has made me less afraid to ask questions, take risks, and problem solve. More importantly, it reinforced my love for microbiology. Before working on this project, I viewed scientists as a precise caricature. After participating in research, I didn't just learn new biology concepts; I also left with a new definition of being a scientist.

When I was surrounded by the lab atmosphere, it became so much more apparent that scientists are ordinary people with motivation to learn, ask questions, and seek answers — no matter the caliber or gravity of their inquiries. This value of our lab translates into the accessibility of our findings to our local community; anyone is capable of scientific discovery, and recognition of our work will help us raise awareness for our project and encourage young people to explore the realm of scientific research while breaking down stereotypes of who can and can't be a scientist.

Of course, there will always be the challenge of initially getting your foot in the door, but there are a variety of student organizations throughout Drexel that foster connections and research. Programs like STAR Scholars, BRIDGE and the ASURS Fund are just a few examples of how Drexel provides the resources and mentorship necessary for students to overcome those initial challenges. These experiences have shown me that building relationships, seeking support, and being inquisitive are key to success in both research and scholarship.

Getting involved in research early refined my technical skills and shaped my mindset — teaching me that science isn’t about having all the answers, but about being unafraid to ask questions, pursue knowledge, and embrace uncertainty. This journey has made me realize that research is not just reserved for experts in white lab coats; it's an open invitation to anyone passionate about discovering the unknown. Drexel's supportive community and innovative programs have been pivotal in helping me grow both as a student and a scientist, reinforcing that learning is a continuous process fueled by curiosity and collaboration.