University of Waterloo researchers and graduate students strive to uncover new solutions to today's complex challenges. But for some undergraduates, there was a gap in opportunities for additional real-world research experience outside their lab courses. Not anymore.
Waterloo alum Ria Menon (BSc '24), is helping fill that gap with Real Research, a venture connecting undergraduate students with mentors to gain hands-on research and lab experience.
"Working in research requires a lot of creativity and innovation because when you're working in a lab, you have to often think of new solutions to persevere around problems that you're facing," says Menon, who majored in biomedical sciences.
"Creativity and innovation sprout out new ideas which can lead to new discoveries. I believe that's a crucial part of research that a lot of researchers love."
Getting involved in research often requires undergraduate students to take 400-level classes, also known as senior thesis courses, or to have connections that can help them access research opportunities earlier. Now, lower-year students can apply to be in the Real Research program and complete it as part of the University's EDGE certificate, a unique experiential education program that lets students who aren't enrolled in co-op gain professional skills and explore career options.
Co-founded with Waterloo alumni Tiffany Tchigio (BSc '24) and Nicole Soja (BSc '23), Real Research also offers information sessions to deepen students' research knowledge beyond the classroom. These sessions will feature insights from professors and graduate students and provide information about scholarships for further opportunities.
"Since spring 2023, Real Research has helped more than 50 undergraduate students get involved with research it's a forward cycle where we're helping other people realize their passions in research as well," Menon says. Her undergraduate lab experience played a large role in her decision to pursue a career in research.
Menon plans to continue advocating for research opportunities as a crucial part of a student's educational experience and to foster the next generation of researchers.
