Undergraduate Research

Research is on her Plate

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:38:20 +0000

Research is on her Plate BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 09/04/2025 - 08:38

Chemistry student studies ancient food artifacts

September 4, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Mackenzie Cobb, ’26, is using modern scientific techniques to gain insights into how people lived thousands of years ago.

The West Bridgewater resident is studying pieces of pottery with the goal of determining what these ancient people ate. Along the way, she’s gaining new perspectives on her own future.

“I don’t think I would be able to explore this potential avenue for a career if I didn’t have the ability to research and experiment,” she said. “It gives me insight into what it is like to do this work fulltime.”

With a major in chemistry and minor in anthropology, Mackenzie is pursuing the right degree to continue conducting this type of research. Her current project, supported by ��’s Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work, involves pottery used by Pocomtuc indigenous people 500-2,000 years ago in what is today western Massachusetts.

Working under the mentorship of chemistry Professor Sarah Soltau and anthropology Associate Professor Michael Zimmerman, Mackenzie extracts lipids from the pottery samples. She conducts chemical analyses on these lipid residue deposits with the goal of determining if the vessels once contained animal fats or plant fats. While her work cannot be generalized to the entire Pocomtuc people, Massachusetts Archaeological Society officials hope it will provide lifestyle clues and lay the groundwork for using this methodology to conduct additional research.

“We hope Mackenzie is able to learn more about this past population and their daily lives,” said Jessica Munkittrick, a society board member. “It’s a collection that might not otherwise be looked at in-depth.”

Munkittrick and society President John Campbell, ’11, identified the pottery as ideal material for an undergraduate researcher, and Dr. Zimmerman connected them to Mackenzie.

Campbell, who completed undergraduate research when he was a Bridgewater anthropology major, is impressed with Mackenzie’s dedication.

“What stands out about Mackenzie in this research is her drive to try to find out how the methodology will work and the results themselves,” he said. “She is a student who is clearly not afraid of rolling up her sleeves to get the job done.”

Mackenzie, who is also minoring in Irish studies, said she is driven by a desire to learn new things about the past and showcase how chemistry is important in humanities research.

“I’ve met a lot of different people,” she said of the project. “It’s really helped me grow. Going into Bridgewater, I really had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Now I have more answers than I did before.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Going into Bridgewater, I really had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Now I have more answers than I did before.

Mackenzie Cobb, ’26

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Undergraduate Research

Student Spotlight

Soaring to New Heights

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:44:22 +0000

Soaring to New Heights BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 08/20/2025 - 15:44

Math major earns NASA grant, aims to break new ground in photonics

August 21, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Evaneida Fortes, ’26, G’27, has always enjoyed math because it allows her to flex her brainpower. As a �� student, she realized how far her love of numbers could actually take her.

This summer, Evaneida is contributing to the development of devices that could one day be used by astronauts in space.

“This is an opportunity that I’m very grateful for,” said the first-generation math major who grew up in Cabo Verde and Fall River. “�� has allowed me to go for it and achieve things I never thought I would have achieved.”

With funding from the NASA Space Grant program, Evaneida is applying mathematical optimization and data analysis skills from her undergraduate courses to the design of integrated photonic devices. The devices would utilize particles of light called photons to help monitor astronaut health and study exoplanets, which are planets located outside our solar system.

Evaneida collaborates with Dr. Samuel Serna, an assistant professor of physics, photonics and optical engineering, and his students to understand how her computer-based modeling could play out in the real world. As she refines design algorithms to develop feasible concepts, Evaneida works with MIT material scientists to understand the extreme environments in which these devices must operate.

“I like problem solving and I like to be challenged,” she said. “Math can be applied in many different fields. I’m having so much fun doing that in this research.”

While Evaneida’s project is confined to a computer, she hopes to see the designs eventually built, potentially in collaboration with MIT scientists. The research also improves her coding and troubleshooting abilities, skills that will be invaluable as she eyes a career in data analysis.

Evaneida is also taking part in ��’s 4+1 program, through which she can complete her bachelor’s degree while beginning her master’s degree in math. This allows students to count some courses toward both degrees and save time and money.

Outside of the classroom, Evaneida is a resident assistant for the honors living learning community, a position through which she mentors fellow honors students and introduces them to opportunities at �� that she has found so valuable.

“Bridgewater State has helped me grow as a person,” she said. “It has helped me grow academically. It has made me feel a sense of belonging and that I can do anything I desire to do.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

This is an opportunity that I’m very grateful for. �� has allowed me to go for it and achieve things I never thought I would have achieved.

Evaneida Fortes, ’26, G’27

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Photonics

Honors Program

Student Spotlight

Graphic by Charlie Peters, G'20

Through Her Lens

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:14:27 +0000

Through Her Lens HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 08/18/2025 - 15:14

�� senior uses photography to reveal the ways people impact the environment

August 19, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Meagan Stebbins, ’26, has always been drawn to photography, partly because the medium allows her to tell a story without using words.

“I think a lot of people sometimes feel they don’t have a voice; I feel that way at certain times. With photography, it gives me a way to show things in an artistic way, to show how I see life,” she said. “I really like being able to show things from my perspective.”

This summer, Meagan participated in ��’s Adrian Tinsley Program. The program provides students with the opportunity to conduct research or creative work under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Under the mentorship of Professor Amy Lovera, Meagan performed research in Japan, England and locations throughout New England for her project titled, “Where Nature Thrives: A Visual Journey.”

At each location, Meagan used her camera to capture different ways humans are both hurting and helping the environment.

“I wanted to learn how different countries are protecting their environments or not protecting them. What are people in the world doing to help wildlife, nature,” she wondered.

Meagan did not pre-plan what she wanted to shoot; rather she kept an open mind in her quest to discover evidence of people’s impact.

“You never know what you will stumble upon,” she said.

Her images included trees that had been clear cut or were exposed with chains on them. Alternately, she found newly planted trees surrounded by supports to help them grow.

Other objects included man-made trails with markers that designated what type of trail it was.

“I really was trying to find examples of the ways humans positively are impacting the environment as well as negatively,” Meagan said.

Her work caught the attention of local galleries, including Taunton’s Trescott Street Gallery where her photos are on display from Aug. 27 through Aug. 30. Visitors can view the exhibit from 12-5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday. An opening night reception will be held on Friday, August 29 from 6-8p.m.

Each photograph was taken with 35mm film and digital formats paired with information cards detailing local laws and the background of each site. Meagan hopes those who view her work are inspired.

“I really hope people make an emotional connection with what they are seeing. I hope they look and ask, how can we do things better,” Meagan said. “I want people to think.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I really hope people make an emotional connection with what they are seeing. I hope they look and ask, how can we do things better.

Meagan Stebbins, '26

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Art

Photography

Novel Research

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:55:37 +0000

Novel Research HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 06/09/2025 - 10:55

Undergraduates present their work at national English conference

August 12, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Rising �� seniors Anna Connor and Haiden Powers traveled to Philadelphia last semester to present their undergraduate research at the College English Association Conference. According to Ann Brunjes, professor of English and department chairperson, this was sort of a unique situation.

“It’s unusual for undergrads to present at professional conferences in our field,” Brunjes said.

Encouraged by English Professor Benjamin Carson, Anna and Haiden decided to participate and found it to be less intimidating than they initially worried.

“This was my first time presenting at a conference. I thought it was going to be terrifying…I didn’t have fears that people would be mean, but was worried about our depth,” Haiden said. “But what we found were people were unpretentious; everyone was normal and nice.”

Anna appreciated the experience and the knowledge gained from the conference panels.

“I think I asked a question at every single one, I was more comfortable asking questions than I thought I would be. It was a really great environment,” she said.

For Anna’s presentation, her love of Edith Wharton led her to discover the author’s The Glimpses of the Moon.

“I read it on a whim over winter break and fell in love with it and started doing my own research,” she said.

That led to Anna’s paper, “The Possibility of Happiness,” that explores the contradictions, difficulties, and imperfections of happiness and romance.

For his presentation, Haiden chose to do a detailed analysis of a passage of Season of Migration to the North written by Tayeb Salih.

“It’s a novel about post-colonialism in Africa,” Haiden said. “For the most part it criticizes white modern liberals. While advocating for the right thing, it’s rooted in bad logic and comes across as condescending, like a pat on the head.”

Both agree that having these opportunities through ��, especially as English majors, is important.

“So many times I have friends ask, what are you doing your research on? What does that mean? They think it’s about reading books, and don’t realize it’s important work,” Anna said.

Haiden often experiences similar curiosities, peers questioning the value of a humanities degree.

Reading is one thing, he said, “But you have to be able to think critically about what they are looking at and how it’s being presented.”

“I think people underestimate how much an English degree builds empathy,” Anna added. “There are so many lessons I’ve learned from reading novels, like how to interact in a relationship and how different actions affect other people.”

Anna admits she initially came to �� because it was affordable, but is now grateful for the many opportunities the university offers.

“At Bridgewater, everybody (who wants to) can do important work and contribute to their field” Anna said. “I’ve done so much more at Bridgewater than I thought I could do when I first chose to come here. I get to explore something I’m passionate about.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I’ve done so much more at Bridgewater than I thought I could do when I first chose to come here. I get to explore something I’m passionate about.

Anna Connor, '26

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Undergraduate Research

Student Spotlight

Jury Deliberations

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:44:28 +0000

Jury Deliberations BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 04/16/2025 - 16:44

Psychology majors research potential jurors' biases

April 17, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Sarah Coelho, ’26, once felt intimidated about tackling college-level research. But Sarah used that trepidation as motivation to step outside her comfort zone by joining a psychology research lab at Bridgewater State.

The experience turned out to be transformative.

“I feel very welcome here,” said Sarah, a �� psychology major and social work minor from Berkley who is on track to finish her degree in December. “I got a lot of help from everyone in the lab. Now I feel a lot more comfortable.”

Under the mentorship of Dr. Nesa Wasarhaley, Sarah and her three lab mates study how extralegal factors (such as someone’s demeanor, race or gender) affect mock jurors’ perceptions. While juries are instructed to decide cases solely based on facts presented at a trial, other factors can play a role – especially when the facts are ambiguous.

The researchers write fictional cases and intentionally modify specific details. Study participants are randomly assigned a version of the case and asked to render a verdict and answer questions about their thinking.

Wasarhaley, an associate professor of psychology, focuses on stalking, rape, intimate partner violence, sex trafficking and other cases where women and people from marginalized identities tend to be disproportionally victimized. These cases also often have ambiguous facts.

“We’re interested in trying to understand what kinds of attributes or behaviors are viewed as more credible or blameworthy to tip the scale,” Wasarhaley said. “We’re examining individual behaviors on average and not trying to make predictions about how one type of jury might decide a case.”

Wasarhaley’s students complete all aspects of research including reading relevant academic literature, designing and executing studies, analyzing data, and presenting findings. The group recently traveled to Puerto Rico for the American Psychology-Law Society’s annual conference.

“It’s rewarding to put in all this work and share it. I’m really grateful to have had this opportunity,” said Kristina Lambert, ’25, a psychology and criminal justice major from Norton. “The connections you have with people in your lab extend outside of it. These aren’t just my classmates. They’re my friends.”

In addition to forming a tight-knit community, the students shine a light on topics such as sex trafficking that are not often studied. They also aim to bring evidence from psychology into the legal realm.

“The two systems have to interact, but they don’t always understand each other,” said Alex Ray, ’25, a psychology major from Norton. “Our research is almost like a translator between the two fields.”

All of the students working in Wasarhaley’s lab aim to further their education in graduate school. Undergraduate research provides a critical foundation for pursuing advanced degrees, said Cassandra Santos, ’26, a psychology major from East Providence, Rhode Island, who expects to finish her undergraduate degree in December.

“PhD programs are very research heavy,” said Cassandra, who hopes to study social psychology in graduate school. “This will definitely help me with my future plans.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I feel very welcome here. I got a lot of help from everyone in the lab. Now I feel a lot more comfortable.

Sarah Coelho, ’26

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Research to Dig

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 21:48:16 +0000

Research to Dig BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 02/12/2025 - 16:48

Faculty and students study worm species to learn about aging

February 13, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

The focus of Deborah Ashiedu’s undergraduate research is so small that she cannot see it with her own eyes. But Deborah hopes her work contributes to greater understanding of a big issue: human aging.

Inspired by her grandfather’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Deborah is studying tiny worms called C. elegans with the goal of gaining new insights into the aging process.

“When I came in as a freshman, I didn’t know what research was,” said the senior biology major from Brockton, who plans to pursue a master’s degree at �� before attending physician-assistant school. “Now I’ve been able to present (my research) in front of people. ... It’s just so nice to put your work out there and convey to other people what you’ve done.”

C. elegans are ideal for research because they live for just a few weeks, allowing students to study their entire lifespan within a typical semester. While they look nothing like humans, the worms share enough similarities that this research can set the foundation for other scientists to study the same processes in mice and, eventually, humans.

“Using our model, we investigate the basic biology of what happens in the cells that would cause them to age,” said Dr. Joslyn Mills, an assistant professor of biological sciences who mentors six undergraduates and one graduate student in the research.

Students are completing a variety of projects with C. elegans, including studying different genes. Some projects focus on better understanding Huntington’s disease, a progressive, inherited neurodegenerative disorder.

��’s Undergraduate Research Program helps fund supplies as well as travel to the International Worm Meeting, which will bring C. elegans researchers together in California this summer.

Mills, who came to �� from Wheaton College, focuses on this area of biology because it is a good way to introduce students to research.

“The experience of doing research is one of the most important things they can do at school,” she said. “It’s something they can apply to everyday life.”

Matthew Hull, ’25, first worked with Mills and C. elegans at Wheaton. He followed her to �� (through an agreement between the two institutions) in order to continue his research.

“She has a very good way of teaching and conveying information, and the techniques are easy to follow,” said Matthew, who is from Monroe, Connecticut. “I was able to learn a lot along the way.”

Callie Millette, ’25, of Bridgewater, sees �� research as good preparation for veterinarian school. She aims to become a neurologist, a career aspiration that solidified after she lost her cat to kidney disease.

“As a biology major, we are provided with so many external and internal opportunities,” Callie said. “At ��, the world is yours and they give you every opportunity to do what you want to do.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

As a biology major, we are provided with so many external and internal opportunities. At ��, the world is yours and they give you every opportunity to do what you want to do.

Callie Millette, ’25

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Photos by Carly McMahon, ’24, G’26

Research for All

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 18:22:15 +0000

Research for All HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Thu, 10/10/2024 - 14:22

New program shifts focus to interdisciplinary research

October 15, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

Over the summer a group of �� students discovered that research doesn’t necessarily have to performed in a lab.

Funded by an innovation grant through the Provost Office, with additional funding coming from the Undergraduate Research budget, �� students last spring were invited to apply and participate in an undergraduate research program intended to broaden participation.

“We wanted to reach a broad swath of students from minoritized groups, whether that meant race, ethnicity, social economic status, family situations, married students, students with kids, those who are caretakers...it was important for us to engage these students,” said political science Associate Professor Inkyoung Kim, one of the mentors and creators of the program.

Assistant Professor of Elementary and Childhood Education Jackie Boivin and Associate Professor of STEM Heather Pacheco-Guffrey are also mentors and co-creators.

“It was important to not only target minoritized students, but also students who are early on in their careers at ��,” Pacheco-Guffrey said. “We wanted to provide steppingstones for students to succeed and reach higher levels in their education.”

One of the students accepted to the program, Henry James, ’27, a management major and cybersecurity minor, said the experience was eye opening.

“My biggest takeaway is learning how many different aspects and methods there are that can be used for research,” he said.

Henry and the other students’ summer research project focused on the Sustainable Action 17 Goals , put out by the United Nations Department of Economic Social Affairs. One of which focuses on climate action. The group performed a case study on the smog and chemicals that exist in the air within the Los Angeles area, the emissions-controls California has in place to address the pollution, and the impact it has on the people who live there.

Instead of meeting in a traditional classroom, team members were able to log on and meet virtually for weekly meetings. Students across all disciplines participated, which, they said, opened up diverse conversations throughout the process.

The online format proved to be a huge benefit for students, as many have busy schedules with work, families and other obligations.

This was especially true for philosophy and English major Madyson Esquivel, ’26, who was living back at home in Texas over the summer.

“I appreciate it was offered online because it gives out-of-state students who leave Massachusetts a chance to participate,” Madyson said. “It also gives students the chance to make their own schedules outside of the weekly meetings.”

According to Boivin, students will be given the opportunity to present their research at ��’s mid-year symposium or at the campus event known as STARS, the Student Arts & Research Symposium, something Henry plans on doing.

“I want to get the most out of my college experience as I can, that means doing things I may not always have the opportunity to do,” he said. “�� offers a lot of different opportunities, and research is one of them. Learning how to research effectively is a really good skill to have, not only for college but in real life.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

�� offers a lot of different opportunities, and research is one of them. Learning how to research effectively is a really good skill to have, not only for college but in real life.

Henry James, '27

Tags

Undergraduate Research

He's Diggin' It

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 14:57:11 +0000

He's Diggin' It HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 09/20/2024 - 10:57

Junior recounts summer spent uncovering regional artifacts

September 24, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

Growing up in southwestern New Hampshire, Elliot Darowski, ’26, spent his days dreaming about becoming a paleontologist; he wanted to travel the world to unearth dinosaurs.

Things shifted in middle school when Elliot began to gravitate toward history. Soon he discovered a new passion, archaeology.

“History and culture...dinosaurs don’t have culture, but humans do,” he said. “That’s ultimately what drove me toward the field. I love digging up history, I love trying to figure out what something means, solving the mystery.”

Elliot, an archeology and anthropology major recently had the opportunity to dig up some local history when he participated in a research program offered through ��’s anthropology department.

The five-week program, led by Professor Dr. Michael Zimmerman, met over the summer to perform field work at the James and Sarah Arnold Mansion and Grounds in New Bedford.

James Arnold, a successful businessman and one of the founders of the New Bedford Horticultural Society, and his wife Sarah lived in the mansion in the early 1800s.

The property is currently a contributing property to two separate National Register districts, and in 2016 James Arnold Mansion Inc. was formed to preserve the historic significance of property.

During the dig this summer, students uncovered a variety of interesting items, including an engraved coat button and pieces of smoking pipes dating back to the 1800’s.

After carefully collecting the items, students conducted research to determine what each item was before cataloging it and sending it all off to the Massachusetts’ Historical Commission.

“It was a very rewarding summer,” Zimmerman said.

Nearly 20 students traveled to the New Bedford site as part of a community outreach initiative.

Administrators at the James and Sarah Arnold Mansion and Grounds are planning to create green spaces, but first needed to make sure they weren’t damaging any important historic artifacts that may be hiding underneath.

“Our work is similar to environmental engineers, it’s in the same vein,” Zimmerman said. “With projects like this, you have to comply with environmental laws and cultural research.”

Since the bi-partisan Infrastructure Act passed in 2021, that provided federal funding for infrastructure jobs across the country, jobs in this field are in high demand.

“This type of field work is valuable in a rapidly growing field,” Zimmerman said. “I expect it to grow exponentially within the next 10 years.”

For students to get hands-on experience puts them ahead of their peers pursuing similar positions post-graduation.

“Not only does it give them an edge but is required for these types of jobs,” Zimmerman said. “You have to have experience in field work and field research. We want to provide our students with as many skills for their future careers as we can.”

The hands-on experience helped solidify for Elliot that he is on the right track in terms of a career. After Bridgewater, he hopes to travel to Canada, where global warming is melting ice in some areas and revealing pieces of forgotten history, therefore providing even newer mysteries to solve.

“I knew I wanted some hands-on experience before officially working in the field,” he said. “I like how this showed me that I do love the actual digging part of archeology. The experience really solidified it for me.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I knew I wanted some hands-on experience before officially working in the field. I like how this showed me that I do love the actual digging part of archeology. The experience really solidified it for me.

Elliot Darowski, ’26

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Undergraduate Research

Lab Lessons

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 20:33:14 +0000

Lab Lessons BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 06/11/2024 - 16:33

Large NSF grant funds undergraduate research and outreach programs

June 13, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

With a mixture of patience, encouragement and a little hands-on demonstration, Wafic Ellakis, ’25, discovered the ideal formula to guide curious high schoolers in building solar cells.

Under the watchful eyes of Wafic and his Bridgewater peers, the AP environmental science students from Fall River’s Durfee High School constructed the cells during a special visit to ��.

“It gives me a perspective on whether I like teaching,” said Wafic, a chemistry major who appreciates opportunities at �� to explore careers. “I think it’s great to give back to the community. This is part of the reason why I choose to go to ��.”

Approximately 30 high schoolers assembled cells from scratch using frozen blackberries as a key ingredient. Blackberries have a dark pigment that is good for absorbing sunlight. Students also toured �� labs and ate lunch on campus.

The event was part of an approximately $350,000, three-year grant that Dr. Sarah Soltau received from the National Science Foundation. The award supports research at predominately undergraduate institutions and helps build the scientists of tomorrow.

“Most of the funding is to pay students to do research,” said Soltau, an associate professor of chemical sciences. Rather than work a job outside of their academic interests, “they can spend that time on something more related to their degree or future goals.”

Using a protein from algae and molecules synthesized in the lab, Soltau and her students study how to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and create products useful in the alternative fuel and plastics industries. They aspire to do this with solar energy to avoid emitting more carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Jolie Casali, ’25, learned to use a variety of advanced scientific devices, including a fast protein liquid chromatography machine that helps researchers analyze proteins. She enjoys working collaboratively with her peers and taking ownership of sections of the overall project.

“Being in the research lab is something that will prepare me for my future goals,” said Jolie, a chemistry major (biochemistry concentration) who aspires to work in a laboratory. “Bridgewater really does have something for everybody, whether an outreach event or research itself.”

The visiting Durfee students got a taste of those opportunities through the solar cells project, which complements lessons on renewable energy.

“I feel more engaged and more into it,” said Durfee junior Calfeny Moreira, who is considering attending Bridgewater State. “I met new people and got to see how the school actually is. All of the staff are wonderful.”

For Wafic, the day was especially meaningful because he is a Durfee graduate.

“I loved giving back to a school that gave a lot to me,” he said. “It really helps students’ development and love of science. We always need more chemists in the world.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Being in the research lab is something that will prepare me for my future goals. Bridgewater really does have something for everybody, whether an outreach event or research itself.

Jolie Casali, ’25

Tags

Undergraduate Research

The Big Discovery

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:52:27 +0000

The Big Discovery HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 10/16/2023 - 09:52

Recent alumna’s ATP research lit a passion that’s led to a great career

October 17, 2023

Heather Harris Michonski

From Brazil to Bridgewater and now onto Harvard, the past five years have been both transitional and exciting for Fernanda Mederios Contini, ’23.

When she first arrived at ��, Contini’s goal was to earn a degree in biology and minor in biochemistry, then move onto medical school.

Instead, she developed a passion for research which led to her current position as a research assistant in Harvard University’s neuroscience post-baccalaureate (PiNBAC) program, where she is studying the sensory mechanisms of the brain.

“The one thing I really appreciate about Bridgewater State is how my research experience led me to where I am right now,” Contini said.

In the summer of 2022, she was awarded funding from ��’s Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work Summer Grants. Under the guidance of Professor Joseph Seggio, Contini researched estrogen and the ways in which it influenced the circadian rhythms in young versus middle-aged mice.

“I spent the entire summer doing research and found I really enjoyed it and switched from going to medical school to a more academic route and researched-focused path,” she said.

Throughout her �� experience, she also received support from the school’s International Student and Scholar Services.

Not only did Contini start her �� journey coming from another country, but it was also during the height of the COVID crisis.

“There was not a lot of in-person interaction, but the international team really checked in to make sure I was okay,” she said. “They were always there to offer support. It was nice to know that someone cared about how things were going.”

Now at Harvard, she’s getting hands-on training through the PiNBAC program, which will help her in applying to PhD programs in the neurosciences.

“Harvard has been a great experience,” she said. “At first it was intimidating, not on a personal level, but on a knowledge level. But I’m learning the ins and outs and finding my footing.”

If she hadn’t stepped outside her comfort zone, taken a chance, and tried something new, this pathway might not have been revealed.

“I think it’s important to be open to all opportunities, if you have things available, just do it,” she said. “Take a class, try something different, don’t be afraid to try.”

“I already miss Bridgewater, I really liked my experience there,” she said. “The environment was good, the involvement with international students was good, the students were nice, and having mentors and professors who are interested in getting you where you want to go, the overall experience is supportive.”

Do you have a �� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

The one thing I really appreciate about Bridgewater State is how my research experience led me to where I am right now.

Fernanda Mederios Contini, '23

Tags

Alumni Profile

Undergraduate Research