Research Ambassadors
Aarya Agarwal '28
Email me at: aagarw27@u.rochester.edu
Discipline(s) of Research
- Life Sciences
Major(s) and Minor(s)
- B.S. in Neuroscience
- Minor in Psychology
Areas of Interest/Research Focus
My research interests center on neuroscience, neuroplasticity, brain injury, motor systems, and brain imaging. I am particularly interested in how the brain adapts following brain tumors and how undamaged motor networks may compensate for injury and preserve movement and strength. Also, I am interested in the neural mechanisms underlying motor function, recovery, and neurological disorders. My research experience includes brain lesion mapping and drawing, neuroimaging, functional connectivity, coding, literature review, and experimental data analysis.
Areas where I may be particularly helpful
Finding undergraduate research opportunities, reaching out to faculty and labs, and navigating the process of joining a research group. I can help with cold email strategies, Schwartz Discover Grant applications, research proposals, resumes, and interview preparation. I can share advice on neuroscience and neuroimaging research, literature reviews, brain lesion mapping, coding, data analysis, research posters, and communicating research findings. I can help students navigate their first research experience and identify opportunities aligned with their interests.
What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?
When I began my research journey, I wish I had understood that research is something you need to explore openly, without limiting yourself by expectations of what you think you are supposed to do. I initially believed finding research meant sending as many cold emails as possible, but I learned that conversations, research events, relationships, and knowing how to use available resources are just as important as the opportunities themselves. Failure is inevitable, and learning to fail, fail again, and fail better is essential because each setback helps you adapt, grow, and understand your next steps, while guidance from mentors can help you recognize opportunities you may not see on your own.
Most importantly, research is vast and constantly evolving, so give yourself permission to explore different fields, identify which opportunities fit your strengths and interests best, follow what genuinely fascinates you, and develop a vision for your own path.