CUR Ambassadors

Aziba Ajmal

"Characterizing Serum and Iron regulation of the Pseudomonas Aeruginosa gene PA2383"

My Name is Aziba Ajmal and I'm a senior Chemistry and Sociology Major.  I work with Dr. Abdul Hamood in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

I really enjoy the work I do because I get to experience first hand how integral research is in modern and developing science and medical practices. Some general advice, it's important to plan ahead and try your best to stick with a general outline of that plan.  It definitely makes life easier. The Center for Undergraduate Research is a great way to get exposed to research in all fields.  CUR provides a diverse group of researchers an opportunity to interact with one another and develop a greater appreciation for varied research.

Katy Brizendine

"Universal Military Training: The Invisible History"

As a double major in History and English with an emphasis in Creative Writing, I have been a part of the Center for Undergraduate research for the past three semesters as a scholar and as an ambassador for the program.

In conjunction with my faculty mentor Dr. Justin Hart, my research expands on the importance of the topic of Universal Military Training and its congressional propositions that were proposed and re-proposed in the 1940's 50's and 60's with an elaborated focus on their political relevance and development under President Truman's administration. With the generous support of the Center for Undergraduate Research I was able to conduct my research intelligently and efficiently in an environment that was challenging, supportive and conducive to my needs as a scholar and a student.

Tory Ervin

“Longitudinal Relations between Early Attachment and Mother-Child Reminiscence in the Preschool Years”

My name is Tory Ervin and I am senior Human Development and Family Studies major. I have worked with Dr. Sarah Kulkofsky, Assistant Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the Cognition and Communication Development Lab.

Research allows you to explore your field in a way that no other class or experience can. By searching through the facts, opinions, and theories you gain a deeper understanding of what is possible and how your field fits into the broader picture. Research affords you the opportunity to make some contribution to your field and to the world.

Choose an area and a topic about which you are truly passionate. You will be spending a lot of time with books, articles, and potentially research subjects. If you love what you are doing, these tasks will be invigorating and far from arduous.

Be receptive to the guidance of your faculty mentor and be open to constructive criticism of your work. Growing as a researcher, writer, and student can be painful, but it is completely worth going through the growing pains to expand you skill set and contribute to the discussions in your field in a real and meaningful way.

The Center provides amazing resources, support, and opportunities to motivated students. The staff is committed to providing you with the tools and the freedom to build your knowledge and achieve your goals. They can be mentors, motivators, and advocates for you - often all three in the same day. Learn to utilize your resources and appreciate the opportunity that you have to work with such an amazing group of people. Not all students have the chance to be a part of a unique program that empowers and encourages students in a personal one-to-one way - make the most of that opportunity.

Alexander Bingham

“Carbon Footprint Analysis of Cotton Farm and Proposed Carbon Neutral Development”

My name is Alexander Bingham and I am a senior Architecture major.  I have worked with Associate Professor and Director of UrbanTech, David Driskill, AIA, LEED AP and the College of Architecture at Texas Tech University.

I research because I was not born with the knowledge I have today.  Learn from everyone, follow no one, look for patterns, and don’t forget to work.

Through the Center, I have had the opportunity to work with professors and students across campus from the Biology to the Agriculture Department.  Between my faculty mentor, fellow researchers and workshops put on by the Center I have developed a solid base of the research process.

Lindzi Shanks

"Lay Individual's Essentialist Beliefs Concerning Stigma of Mental Disorders"

My name is Lindzi Shanks and I am a junior Psychology major. I have worked with Dr. Jessecae Marsh and Dr. Michael Serra, Department of Psychology.

I like doing research because I enjoy taking abstract ideas such as stigma and trying to find hard evidence that measures that abstract idea. I advise you to get involved in research early in your undergraduate career. The more time you have to do research, the more opportunities you will have to present your research at conferences and perhaps even get your research published. In addition, find a faculty mentor that not only shares your interests, but also allows you to be as involved in research as you would like to be. A great way to get involved in undergraduate research is through the Center for Undergraduate Research on campus. CUR can provide valuable resources such as helping you find a mentor and providing information/funding for conferences that will be very valuable in your research experience. I highly recommend going to visit CUR to find more ways to get involved in research.