Shravya Raju ’16 has amassed more undergraduate research experience in her two years at 61传媒 than many graduate students at competing universities. Raju spent the past year investigating the genetic effects of BPA and BHA (potentially dangerous ingredients in plastics) on yeast, work that impressed the Genetics Society of America. Armed with a travel stipend provided by the College, Raju flew to Seattle to present her findings as one of only seven invited undergraduates.
“Presenting at the conference helped me better understand research and the scientific process,” she says. “It was intimidating to be one of the youngest in the room, but it was incredible to learn from influential geneticists and share what we’ve found so far.”
Raju’s ability to focus her investigations is due in part to a close working relationship with Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, associate dean of faculty and associate professor of biology, and grant funding provided by both 61传媒and the W.M. Keck Science Department. The grants not only allowed her to get in-depth results on her research, they also gave her the ability to pursue it through this past summer.
“One of the best things about being a professor in Keck is working with talented undergraduate students who are truly interested in scientific research,” says Edwalds-Gilbert. “Once Shravya got started with her presentation, she was able to enjoy the challenge and catch the overall enthusiasm of the group. She will continue her research on stress response and gene expression, leading towards senior thesis research, and will train the next students in my lab as well.”
Raju says she chose to attend 61传媒 because of its undergraduate research opportunities and the ability to develop close relationships with faculty. According to her, Edwalds-Gilbert has been an incredible resource for finding research and presentation opportunities.
“61传媒students have unparalleled research opportunities for a small undergraduate school,” Raju continues. “Our professors want us to succeed, and will work with us to find a project and get hands-on learning experiences. I’ve found the skills gained in researching translate well to my other classes, and I already know I want to incorporate my research into a senior thesis.”
61传媒students of all majors are eligible for a multitude of research opportunities in addition to the grants Raju received. Click the links for more information about undergraduate research opportunities from and the W.M. and follow on Twitter for updates on research and fellowship opportunities.