Biology Research Ambassador Program

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Undergraduate Research Coordinator Tony Smith

Meet the inaugural student ambassadors for the Biology Research Ambassador Program (BRAP), a student-centered group launched in late 2023 that works to inspire and promote undergraduate research in the biological sciences throughout the campus community. “BRAPers” advocate for the following goals:

  • to inspire and facilitate greater engagement and participation among undergraduate students in the field of biological research.
  • to foster a vibrant community where students are empowered to explore their scientific curiosity, develop valuable research skills, and contribute meaningfully to advancements in biological sciences.
  • to cultivate a new generation of innovative researchers who will tackle pressing challenges and make significant contributions to the scientific community and beyond.

WHAT DO BIOLOGY RESEARCH AMBASSADORS DO?

  • promote undergraduate biological research involvement and opportunities
  • contribute to biology-sponsored events (ex: Minor/Major Welcome, Orientation)
  • assist with student-focused outreach and programming, such as tabling (ex: Activities Fair), information sessions, and student workshops (ex: “So, you got a lab position. Now what?”)
  • participate in speaking engagements to increase awareness and access
  • to biological research    
  • serve as mentors and advocates for the undergraduate biological research community
  • attend bi-monthly advisory meetings to provide critical and constructive feedback for the direction of current and future programming

MEET OUR BIOLOGY RESEARCH AMBASSADORS

BRAP launched in late 2023 with an introductory cohort of 7 Ambassadors:   

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Andy Huang
Year: Rising Sophomore
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Current Area of Research: Endogenous opioids in pancreatic physiology  
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Bryn Bahnks
Year: Rising Sophomore
Major: Biology
Hometown: Bettendorf, IA
Future Research Interests: Prevalence of Genetic Mutations in the Human Genome
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Yoon Shin
Year: Rising Junior
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Current Area of Research: DNA Methylation Patterns in Cancer
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Vinayak Nair
Year: Rising Senior
Major: Computational Biology and Genomics
Hometown: Princeton Junction, NJ
Current Area of Research: Transmission of Anxiety from Parents to Children
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Angel Lu
                Year: Rising Senior
Major: Biology
Hometown: Toronto, CA
Current Area of Research:  Immune System in the Lung
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Amanda Yang
Year: Rising Senior
Major: Computational Biology and Genomics
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Current Area of Research: Aging-related Diseases, Embryogenesis
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Julia Trost
Year: Rising Junior
Major: Biology
Hometown: Columbia, MD
Current Area of Research: Biochemistry of DNA Repair Pathways