Illinois Undergraduate
Research Ambassadors
About IURA:
Illinois Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (IURAs) are a collaborative cohort of accomplished and experienced students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
IURAs help to promote undergraduate research at the U of I and help the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) develop and maintain student-focused programs that represent the U of I’s diverse array of disciplines. As representatives of OUR, IURAs will be responsible for promoting undergraduate research to peers by holding informational workshops on undergraduate research, serving as a liaison between OUR and academic departments, and being knowledgeable about the resources that the U of I offers its undergraduate students interested in research and creative inquiry.
How to schedule:
On the Ambassadors Meeting Portal, choose a discussion topic to be paired with a knowledgeable ambassador. Alternatively, you can select a specific ambassador using the "Select Staff" option.
Anya Altangerel
Major: Clinical-Community Psychology
Risk assessments, suicide prevention, complex etiology for psychopathology, EEG
Advice: I had a rocky start in getting involved in research as an undeclared freshman. Reflecting on my own experience, I am very eager to help other undergrads with navigating through their research journeys and finding many amazing opportunities on and off-campus.
Curtis Althaus
Major: Chemistry and Astrophysics
Experimental Battery Research through Electroanalytical Chemistry
Advice: Open your field of vision when it comes to looking for opportunities! I didn’t start out my search knowing I wanted to do work with batteries and I had no idea what electrochemistry was when I joined my lab. Embrace the unexpected, be open to new ideas, and go with the flow!
Saiesha Bollapragada
Major: Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
Biochemistry and Public Health Preparedness in Extreme Heat
Advice: Research helped me figure out where my passions are outside of the traditional classroom! It may seem overwhelming to get involved in research on-campus, but it is definitely a rewarding and valuable experience for you to explore your interests.
Rhea Dcosta
Major: Finance + Data Science
Variations in democracy conceptions among the American public
Advice: To me, research means thinking deeply about simple things. Research is interesting, exciting, and meaningful! Research doesn’t always have to be something you do to supplement your coursework, but it could just simply be something you do because you are passionately curious!
Sai Smriti Gogineni
Major: Molecular & Cellular Biology / Minor: Statistics
Auditory neuroscience, complex sound processing
Advice: Research has helped me grow and learn about myself in ways that I never thought possible! I encourage you to be open and reach out, ask questions, and don't be afraid to try new experiences because you may find your passion.
Meesha Patel
Major: Integrative Biology / Minor: Child Health and Well-being
Variations in democracy conceptions among the American public
Advice: Don't be afraid of research; there are plenty of opportunities and we are here to help you get those opportunities. Research can be fun also, letting you explore and learn things you may have never gotten to before.
Arshiya Shah
Major: Political Science / Minor: Business & Public Relations
International Organizations, International Order and Political Science
Advice: Research can seem daunting at first, but it has truly shaped my mindset about learning and opened doors to opportunities I never imagined. Don't hesitate to reach out to me or my fellow ambassadors if you have any questions—OUR is here to guide and support you every step!
Vani Sharma
Major: Molecular & Cellular Biology / Minor: Public Health
Women’s health, metabolism, and lung cancer
Advice: Engaging in research can be a fruitful yet daunting opportunity whether you have a lot or no experience. Take advantage of the research opportunities to find an area that you are passionate. OUR is here to help you find those connections.
Cliff Sun
Majors: Physics & Mathematics / Minor: Computer Science
Superconducting semi-classical/quantum behavior
Advice: Research has helped shape my mindset about learning and unlocked opportunities that I otherwise would never have come across! Please don't hesitate to contact either me or my colleagues if you have any questions about research. OUR is here to help you!
Ashley Tran
Major: Bioengineering
Designing analytical models to assess student performance in STEM curricula
Advice: Undergraduate research can seem scary at first, but it is a great opportunity to gain new and valuable knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and keep an open mind!