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Sarah Nealy, IRES'19 participant, Chemistry
When I first began nanomaterials research last year, I was not sure of the direction my project would assume. I was just beginning the major courses in my chemistry degree track and lacked the confidence to excel in my own research project. In addition, I initially needed more guidance from others on the research team, being that my previous chemistry courses gave me limited knowledge in the engineering and physical aspects of the project. As the project moved along, however, not only did I become less reliant on other's expertise, but I also began to expand my own understanding of the applications of chemistry. During our 2-month IRES trip in Europe, my comprehension of nanomaterials and its respective disciplines were put to test. I learned to expand the limits of my own project, while also working in tandem with others to improve the overall success of the project. This foundation of teamwork within our own research unit at UAB gave me the assurance and determination I needed to build meaningful partnerships while studying abroad. Beyond my research endeavors, I was able to fully immerse myself in cultures where soft skills are imperative. I took home impactful experiences that will continue to strengthen my academic and non-academic growth for years to come. Being part of the IRES experience gave me a comprehensive overview of how to correctly conduct research, while also using global networking and communication to advance a project. Above all, I proved to myself that science can go beyond a textbook and have groundbreaking applications.
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Courtney Severino, IRES'18 participant, Materials Science and Engineering
When I started looking for undergraduate research opportunities, I was only looking into research in my specific major's department. I did not really find a lab that fit me until I came across Dr. Stanishevsky's lab that he had told me about one day during his office hours for Physics class. Research in AC electrospinning nanofibers really interested me and seemed like a great fit for my major, Materials Engineering. I was able to train in lab, read literature on other nanofiber related projects, and start a project of my own. I was selected to go on the IRES trip and I could not have imagined a better opportunity for an undergraduate researcher. This experience allowed me to work independently in lab, make international connections, gain experience working different machines used for testing our materials, and learn how AC electrospinning works from researchers from the Czech Republic and Poland. The projects that I have been working on in lab and the experience I have gained helped me decide what career I want in the future. I decided that I want to continue doing research in advanced ceramics and hopefully get a job with NASA after graduation. This IRES experience has put me ahead of my peers by giving me research experience, travel skills, lasting friendships with my research peers and confidence needed to further my professional development.
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Anna Krum, IRES'18 team leader, Biomedical Engineering
Looking back now at my undergraduate career, the IRES program was one of my favorite experiences and had a huge impact on my future. Being a biomedical engineering major, I was looking for research that involved my interests in biology and medical applications. Through the IRES program, I was able to do this, while also exploring fields of research and science that I had little experience with. AC electrospinning and nanofibrous materials were not something I had much knowledge on before joining the lab. As time went on and I delved deeper into my projects, I was able to greatly expand my knowledge through testing, literature review, and collaboration. I was also given the opportunity to travel and continue my research in the Czech Republic on two occasions. This experience to travel and collaborate was invaluable. I was able to build partnerships with my fellow teammates, work together and combine our research, and learn about various different cultures. Going on these trips was a huge growth opportunity, both personally and academically. It allowed me the opportunity to work with and learn from researchers and academics from another country, with so much new knowledge to share. I was given the opportunity to present my own work and discuss the work of my colleagues. Being a part of IRES also gave me more confidence in leadership and drive in work ethic. Overall, IRES taught me how to conduct research, network extensively, contribute to a team, and be open to new experiences. It pushed me to further my education after my time at UAB, and played a large role in the career path I am pursuing today.
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Riley Yager, IRES'17 participant, Physics/Environmental Engineering
Initially, I had no idea what I was getting into when I applied for the IRES program. I saw the opportunity to travel the world and I decided I would try my luck. My interest in physics was only barely blooming at the time and I had very little knowledge of the research I would be doing. As my research progressed, my love for physics grew and I soon decided to pursue a second degree in physics alongside my environmental engineering degree. At first, I had no idea how my work with IRES and Dr. Stanishevsky could ever apply to what I wanted to do in life, but as learned more and more about the fundamentals of what I was researching it became very clear. My research included the fabrication, analysis of the composition, and mechanical properties study of zirconia nanofibers. The research of this material not only applies to my physics degree, but also has the potential to be applied environmentally which can play hand in hand with my engineering interest. All these amazing opportunities sprouted from participating in this wonderful program and I haven't even included my magical experience overseas. I had the chance to work in the labs of two European universities and work side-by-side with people pursuing various goals. The experiences I had overseas were absolutely amazing and now I have friends and colleagues across the world and a new interest in foreign languages. I would recommend pursuing international studies to anyone in any field and I can promise it will be lifechanging.
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Justin Tchernov, IRES'17 participant, Physics/Chemistry
Beginning university as a chemistry major, I realized how the benefits of performing undergraduate research is imperative to gaining experience with a science background, along with securing any potential career-paths. As a first-generation immigrant of Russian and Ukrainian parents, having the opportunity to collaborate with Czech and Polish researchers in chemical physics sounded experiential to both my educational and cultural skills. My project is developing and electrospinning silica nanofibers, and my international research focused on using state-of-the-art analytical tools for characterization, along with application in catalysis. I have learned a great deal of techniques: using relatively simple equipment, like a refractometer and conductivity meter, engaging with more complicated machines, like an X-ray diffractometer, FTIR, TGA, rotational rheometer, and high-performance liquid-chromatography. Mixing solutions and electrospinning them into nanofibers is obviously fun to me as a chemistry major, but gaining hands-on experience with characterization made me realize how much more fun it is to understand what is happening and why. Working with our Czech and Polish partners and learning their diversity in both science and culture pushes me to continue my work in chemical physics, as it all seems beneficial towards a career involved in academic research.
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Ashlen Kurre, IRES'16 participant, Physics
Upon looking back at my undergraduate career, I can truly say that the IRES program was my favorite thing I participated in. During the summer of 2016, I had the opportunity to travel to the Czech Republic and perform research on AC electrospinning of nanofibers. I was granted plenty of independence in my research, which allowed me to develop important problem-solving skills necessary for my graduate school career and beyond. It was through the IRES that I solidified my goal for continuing my studies abroad, and I am now working towards my masters in physics in Berlin, Germany. Besides all the practical scientific knowledge I gained from the program, I also acquired priceless worldly awareness through being exposed to such a different culture, which I am endlessly thankful for; this cultural exposure made my transition to a new country much more familiar and enjoyable. Plus, the colleagues that attended the program with me became some of my best friends, and I know I will be able to count on them for the rest of my life. Overall, I am very appreciative to Dr. Stanishevsky and everyone involved with the IRES program for all that they have done for me.
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