Undergraduate research provides hands-on learning with real-world impact

Are you well-versed in polylactic acid, regolith composites and viscoelastic materials? Neither was Auburn student Addisyn Kriger. But now, she’s an undergraduate research fellow with an independent project studying materials science. 

“I was intimidated coming in my first year,” Kriger said. “I didn’t know a lot about the topics my lab works on, but they were willing to teach and mentor me. I’ve learned so much since I first came in.” 

Kriger, a junior majoring in aerospace engineering, is one of the 21% of undergraduate students involved with research on Auburn’s campus. When she began research as a first-year student, Kriger had no prior experience with these topics, but now, she’s singing the praises of her research experience and recruiting other students to get involved. 

Participating in undergraduate research not only provides a leg up for those interested in graduate school or a career in research, but also those looking to bring innovative new practices to their careers outside of academia. 

Transformative experience 

While most people imagine research to be lab-focused, there are plenty of opportunities beyond scientific disciplines. 

Chris Khalaf, a Public and One Health (PAOH) major and economics minor, and Sydney Rookes, a PAOH major with a minor in hunger studies, both found their research home in the College of Human Sciences’ Hunger Solutions Institute. 

“I’m really grateful for being involved with this project, as I get to study the impacts of economic policy on public health,” Khalaf said. “It gives me a deeper understanding of the real-world implications of concepts I study in class.” 

Both Khalaf and Rookes intend to pursue a dual juris doctor/Master of Public Health degree after graduation, citing their experience researching public policy and its impacts on public health as the impetus for their career plans. 

“My work has allowed me to see the widespread impacts a single policy can have,” Rookes said. “When you want to make changes to an issue as large as food insecurity, you really need to look at the systemic level. My research experience and One Health background allows me to consider which policies will ultimately be most effective in making widespread positive changes.” 

On the hunt for opportunities? 

Many students get into research through the Undergraduate Research Faculty Showcase, an event that connects interested students with faculty looking to mentor undergraduate researchers.  

Faculty present summaries of their research and discuss potential opportunities. Many faculty members’ labs don’t require prior experience and are looking to take on students who are eager to learn. 

“Having undergraduate researchers is important to me because it’s how you attract the next generation of researchers,” said Shabarinath Srikumar, a professor whose Department of Poultry Science lab focuses on food safety. “Researchers don’t have to be in our field; they just have to have a passion for microbiology.” 

William Anspach, a senior majoring in biomedical sciences, will be attending medical school following graduation. Despite his interest in practicing human medicine, Anspach credits his time in Srikumar’s lab with preparing him for his continued education. 

“It’s fascinating to start studying illness at one of the potential sources: our food supply,” Anspach said. “I’ve gained insight into how what people eat and how it processes through their system can contribute to the spread of disease. That experience may not seem directly relevant to medical school, but it has taught me a lot about health.” 

Additionally, students are also encouraged to reach out to professors whose research areas align with their interests. 

“No matter what your major or background is, there will be a place for you,” Rookes said. “Just bring your passions and experience to your work, and you will be an asset — even if you aren’t studying something that is necessarily related to your research interests.”