Here's what MRC sophomores say about the MRC:
Theron O'Halloran
Peer Mentor
Kalamazoo, Michigan
The MRC really allowed me to create friendships fast because I had so many like-minded individuals surrounding me. I was able to do well in all of my classes since the mentors and research instructors went through or were going through the classes that I was taking and they could offer advice as well as help on all of the problems that I faced. Overall, the MRC really helped me to transition smoothly into college life with as few problems as possible.
Seth Wolin
Peer Advisor
Maplewood, New Jersey
Last year I was a research assistant to Dr. Anna Grzymala-Busse. We studied the influence of religions on policy. It was a great project to work on as a first-year research assistant because I was not just doing data entry or coding. This project pushed me to apply high-level analytical thinking to a broad set of data and compile a report on specific issues for my research sponsor each month. Not only did I learn about the interplay of religions and politics in the modern world, but I also learned about time management, self-discipline, and general research methods in the social sciences. The highlight of the experience was definitely presenting the research at the MRC symposium in April.
Kalyn Harbin
Peer Mentor
North Branch, Michigan
The MRC had a tremendous impact during my first year. I am from a small town that doesn't even have a traffic light and I was extremely nervous about attending such a large university. MRC provided a small, tight-knit community that helped me meet wonderful new people and allowed me to adjust to the large university without becoming overwhelmed. Through MRC I was also provided with an excellent research opportunity in which I was able to meet and interact with surgeons and surgical residents, which allowed me to solidify my plans of entering the medical field.
Kaitlyn Davis
Peer Mentor
St. Clair, Michigan
I am very glad that I was a part of the MRC my first year. Coming from a small town, the MRC provided me with a close-knit community, which made me feel more at home. I also liked the fact that it was very diverse, although most of the students had similar interests. Being a part of the MRC not only allowed me to have a wonderful group of people to live with, but also provided me with a great experience doing research my first year. I am extremely glad that I was able to be a part of the MRC as it made a very positive impact on my first year at the university.
Melissa Liu
Peer Mentor
Battle Creek, Michigan
Without MRC I don't think I would have created such a strong network with not only friends, but also faculty. As a first year student, it is hard to start connections at such a large university, but MRC definitely provided me with those benefits. MRC also allowed me to open up to other students and create strong friendships that I wouldn't have had without this program.
Kyle Wozniak
Peer Mentor
Northville, Michigan
For my MRC research project, I worked at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute programming a driving simulator. I learned how to work independently and take responsibility for my work. I also learned how to interact on a professional team and the amount of work that goes into creating a good project.
Angela Brazil
Peer Advisor
Canton, Michigan
The hands-on experience that I got through my research position helped me think about what I might want to do with a major in Biochemistry.
Cori Cramer
Peer Mentor
Troy, Michigan
The Michigan Research Community made sure I always had a community and people around me that shared the same interests, providing me with friends I never would have found on my own. It also provided me with groups of people who had different interests that I probably wouldn't have interacted with as much if I were on my own. I got to meet some spectacular people that I'm extremely happy to call my friends and I can't imagine not having them around!
David Fontenot
Peer Mentor
Hollywood, Florida
The MRC brought together such a diverse group of ambitious people that shared the "go-getter" attitude. My peers in the MRC were grabbing life by the horns, and this pushed me to work harder and achieve more in my first year. Not only is the MRC a solid group of individuals looking to make their mark on the world, but it also provides a great group of people who will support you in your ups and downs during your first year.
Anicia Mirchandani
Peer Advisor
Grand Blanc, Michigan
What I learned in the MRC wasn't only specific to my project; I learned a lot about how research works in general and even some things about myself. For example, I learned what aspect of lab work most interests me. My favorite experience, in fact, was when I got to isolate the aorta from several mice which were needed for another project. After accomplishing this, I was able to coordinate with my supervisor about which jobs I would be most interested in doing!
