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If you think every researcher starts knowing exactly what they are doing – think again. My research started with a lot of confusion and a little bit of courage.

Before I applied to the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), I was unsure where to begin. I knew that research experience would be an invaluable skill to gain, especially as a pre-medical student, but it was also a concept unfamiliar and intimidating to me. In a conversation with the University’s Pre-Medical Advisor, Ashish Upadhyaya, MBA, he mentioned the SURF program as a possible starting point and mentioned that I could work with a mentor from my major (Forensic Science).

At this suggestion, I reached out to one of my previous forensics professors, Alyssa Marsico, Ph.D., and asked her if she had any research projects that I could participate in as part of SURF.

To my surprise and pleasure, Dr. Marsico presented me with an extremely interesting project: “Investigating the Use of Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) as a Color Test Reagent for TNT.” After a few weeks of working out a budget, proposal, and timeline with Dr. Marsico, I crossed my fingers and submitted my application to SURF. Receiving my acceptance into the program was one of the most exciting moments of my college career.

I was still pretty nervous. As an undergraduate student whose only experience in a laboratory came from class, going into the lab alone was very daunting. I had never been inside a lab where the materials were not already provided and pre-mixed. I was used to reviewing a procedure and following it when I came to class. Storing my own chemicals, diluting them, and creating my own procedure was entirely new to me.

Thankfully, I quickly learned that I was capable of doing all of this, and more. While I had many questions along the way, my mentor was able to guide me in the right direction. By the third week of the program, I had a system devised of the days that I would go into the lab, the days I would use to analyze my data, which cabinets I would store my chemicals, and the ways in which I would collect and store my data.

I worked on the forensics floor of Dodds Hall, where the lab manager Belen Lemieux, the other lab students, and the rest of the professors were all extremely helpful while I was learning my way around. I got to see the lab from an entirely new perspective and learn the “behind the scenes” of the standard procedures.

At the end of the ten-week SURF program, I had created something I was extremely proud of. I was able to present my research to my fellow SURF students and their mentors, as well as show off my research poster to the University at the recent SURF showcase. I was eager to talk about my research with anyone who would listen. Knowing this, Dr. Marsico had an idea. She suggested that I apply to present my research at the Annual Meeting.

So once again, I compiled an application, crossed my fingers, and a few days later, rejoiced at my acceptance. I was elated at the opportunity to present my research to industry professionals and to network throughout the conference. My NEAFS experience is one that I will cherish for a lifetime, especially the personal and professional connections that I made, the confidence that I gained in speaking publicly, and the grit it took to get there. I am also eternally grateful to the Forensic Science Student Association for covering the cost of my travel and lodging for the conference, as well as for supporting me during my presentation. It was wonderful to look into the audience and see familiar faces.

If this experience has taught me one thing, it is that I am capable of anything that I put my mind to – no matter how difficult it may seem. This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am proud to have taken, despite feeling intimidated at the start. Fear is not an enemy, it is a motivator. As Carrie Fisher once said, “Stay afraid and do it anyway.”