Ambassador Alumni

Anya Altangerel

Anya Altangerel

Major: Clinical-Community Psychology
Post-trauma outcomes in adolescents and the role of social support in the prevention of psychopathology

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.

Charlie Cervenka 

Charlie Cervenka

Major: Social Psychology / Minor: Statistics
Ideological asymmetries and social cognition

Advice: Never be afraid to ask for things – the worst they can say is no. Opportunities come to those who seek them out, so don’t wait for one to come to you. If you’d like to talk research or psychology, feel free to reach out!

Rhea Dcosta

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!

Chloe Guo

Chloe Guo

Major: Psychology / Minor: Statistics
Parent-child interactions, Clinical Psychology, and ECG-IBI

Advice: Research has been an amazing part of my life, I hope more undergraduate students can experience it too! My advice: stay curious, take the first step, and enjoy the process. Research  is an exciting (and sometimes challenging) journey, but you are never alone in it!

Aryaman Murdeshwar

Aryaman Murdeshwar

Major: Biochemistry / Minor: Chemistry
Structure and function of proteins

Advice: Getting involved in research is not as difficult as it may seem. All you need to do is take the first step. Go to an OUR session, email a professor, or reach out to one of the IURA members. Anyone can do research as long as you are willing to give it a shot!

Sam Naatz

Sam Naatz

Majors: Psychology & Statistics
Effects of Social Context on Alcohol Addiction

Advice: Research is a fulfilling experience that expands your knowledge and helps you build meaningful connections. Stay curious, and don’t hesitate to ask questions because it’s the best way to learn and grow.

Arshiya Shah

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!

Office of Undergraduate Research
Armory Building, Suite 359
505 E. Armory Avenue
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 300-5453