Research Ambassadors
Bianca Begun ‘26
Email me at: bbegun@u.rochester.edu
Discipline(s) of Research
- Life sciences
Major(s) and Minor(s)
- BS in Microbiology
- BA in Psychology
Areas of Interest/Research Focus
My area of interest in research is microbiology, and my current research project at the Meyer Lab (Department of Biology) uses Adaptive Laboratory Evolution (ALE) to increase the acid production of Lactococcus Lactis. My previous research project at the Meyer Lab was on using bacterial cocultures to produce renewable energy more efficiently.
Some other labs I have previously worked at include the Nudler Lab (Department of Microbiology/Immunology) at NYU and Reckitt Benckiser's microbiology department.
Areas where I may be particularly helpful
- Getting started with finding labs/reaching out to PIs
- Applying to the Schwartz Discover Grant and other research grants/programs
- Conducting research at a company (industry) vs conducting research in a university lab
- Making research posters & practicing for poster presentations
What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?
Don't be afraid to cold email labs that you are interested in! While many PIs may not respond at first, don't be discouraged; some labs may just not be looking for undergraduate researchers at the time.
Between River Campus and the Med Center, there are plenty of labs for those interested in research and there will definitely be someone looking for an undergrad researcher. Even if you are just starting out and do not have any experience, you just need to demonstrate that you have read about their research and show genuine interest/commitment!