Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Undergraduate Research Ambassadors (URAs) are a multidisciplinary team of passionate, experienced researchers who support the Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning (OSEEL) in promoting a culture of research across all colleges on campus. URAs mentor fellow undergraduates who are new to research, develop, participate and engage in undergraduate research outreach efforts, assist OSEEL with developing and implementing student-focused workshops that represent NIU's diverse array of disciplines and serve as undergraduate research liaisons.

Meet the 2022-2023 Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

Reach out to a URA today to learn more about getting involved with undergraduate research at NIU.

Diana Alvarez

Diana AlvarezMajor: Health Science (Pre-nursing) with a minor in Computer Science

Research Interests: In the past, I worked on a research project on child development with Dr Melissa Walter. In the future, I hope to continue conducting research in health care and would like to work with cells and medications.

Career goal: I want to become a nurse practitioner

Interesting fact about me: I was born on the Fourth of July

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Do not be afraid to try it. Starting research can seem very difficult and intimidating but there are so many resources and professors who would be willing to guide and mentor you to success.

Favorite thing about NIU: My favorite thing about NIU is its diversity. NIU is filled with people from all different kinds of backgrounds and cultures. This is a great thing because you are able to learn about different cultures and gain new perspectives.

Emily Camposeo

Emily CamposeoMajor: Biology and Chemistry

Research Interests: Psychology, mechanical engineering, medical laboratory science

Career goal: genetic research

Interesting fact about me: I am a junior, I have a three-year-old Russian Blue cat named Ripley, and I enjoy reading books

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Do research. Even if it is not in your field or your interest, research is a great way to expand your knowledge and experience.

Favorite thing about NIU: The lagoon and the library

Teva Crandall

Teva CrandallMajor: Psychology with minors in Biology and Chemistry

Research interests: I am currently working with Dr. Angela Grippo in her neuropsychology lab where we look at the effects of social stress on a prairie vole model. I eventually want to get into research on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and ADHD.

Career goal: I want to become a neuropsychologist

Interest fact about me: I have collected Hot Wheels since I was a freshman in high school. Some of my favorites include one that is shaped like a toaster, and another is one that you can use as a bubble wand.

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Go into research with an open mind and do not expect to know everything. Everyone in your lab just wants to see you succeed, but they do allow you to have a learning curve. So just be a sponge and soak up all the knowledge you can not because it'll help you a ton in future research endeavors.

Favorite thing about NIU: I really enjoy all of the different organizations that NIU has. I am a part of several organizations on campus and they are all very different, but each of them contains a different interest of mine.

Cristian Gonzalez

Cristian GonzalezMajor: Mechanical Engineering

Research interests: I have been researching the design of an automatic sampling system that can be operated at shallow water depths.

Career goal: I am currently looking at career pathways into aerospace engineering

Interesting fact about me: I love plants and I am currently getting more into whittling

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Take care of your mental health! Research is an amazing addition to your college experience but don't let it overtake your studies. Make sure to be constantly communicating with your mentor and I promise they'll be very accommodating.

Favorite thing about NIU: The deli station at New Hall dining is phenomenal.

Kae Heroldt

Kae HeroldtMajor: Psychology with a minor in Counseling

Research interests: I have participated in research related to: PTSD, self-compassion, climate change attitudes, identification with humanity, cognitive priming, and victim/aggressor recount of events. I am in interested in research on eating disorders, influence of social media on body image and identity, personality disorders, and sexual abuse prevention.

Career goal: My career goal is to be a clinical psychologist. I want to specialize in working with adults in either forensic settings or eating disorder-centric settings.

Interesting fact about me: I enjoy sewing and creating jewelry in my free time.

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Seek out professors who are doing work that interests you – they might be willing to take you on as a research assistant or provide you with an extra project to help you practice your research skills.

Favorite thing about NIU: I like bumping into Mission on Mission Mondays. Mission’s little puppy face is a bright start to the week.

Makayla Hurd

Makayla HurdMajor: Health and Human Services and Nursing

Research interests: Previously I facilitated with The Investigation of The Sled-Push Exercise in Older Adults, a study investigating to find a safe, effective exercise for older adults to complete. Some other research interests I have are in Sport’s Medicine, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Career goal: to achieve my doctor in nurse practitioner and open my own private practice

Interesting fact about me: I got to study abroad in Ireland this past summer. I am also a cheerleader here at NIU

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Pay close attention and ask for as much help as needed. Your mentor is there to help and guide you so utilize them as much as possible. For the CURE presentation try to go to the workshops and practice. Remember to have fun and you’re just talking about what you know!

Favorite thing about NIU: the many extracurricular activities available to be involved in!

Merveille Muyizere

Merveille MuyizereMajor: Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and French

Research interests: My favorite thing about NIU is its diversity. NIU is filled with people from all different kinds of backgrounds and cultures. This is a great thing because you are able to learn about different cultures and gain new perspectives.

Career goal: Medical school after completing undergrad and becoming a doctor after.

Interesting fact about me: I am part of the Capoeira club (Brazilian dance mixed with martial arts)

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: "Do not be afraid to explore, and challenge yourself"

Favorite thing about NIU: All the different involvement opportunities for students.

Amarachi Nwawueze

Amarachi NwawuezeMajor: Biology with a chemistry minor

Research interests: I am mainly interested in genetics, psychology, sociology, and neurology. I've done past research in marine biology and psychology. I am currently researching entomology.

Career goal: Interested in continuing research

Interesting fact about me: I recently started boxing and step aerobics

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Don’t be afraid to try something new. It’s the only way to figure out your likes and dislikes.

Favorite thing about NIU: the people!

Will Parker

Will ParkerMajor: Electrical Engineering

Research interests: Psychiatric research concerning anxiety disorders. Electrical engineering research focused on embedded systems, biomedical instrumentation, and nanotechnology.

Career goal: Professional Engineer; Doctor of Medicine

Interesting fact about me: I am a teaching assistant for PHYS 273

Advice for fellow undergrad researchers: Research can seem confusing and intimidating, but it is straightforward, and you have many resources with your mentor, research ambassadors, and other faculty in Research Rookies that can help you succeed.

Favorite thing about NIU: I really enjoy the community at NIU and making friends with different types of people.

Want to Become an Undergraduate Research Ambassador?

Learn more about being an Undergraduate Research Ambassadorincluding duties, requirements, benefits and timeline to apply.

Diana Alvarez
Do not be afraid to try it. Starting research can seem very difficult and intimidating but there are so many resources and professors who would be willing to guide and mentor you to success.
Diana Alvarez, 2022-23 URA,
Health sciences (pre-nursing) with a minor in computer science

Contact Us

Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning
Holmes Student Center 264-266
engage@niu.edu
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