Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Transcript

Okay, everyone next let’s meet, Erin. Erin is a junior majoring in Human Biology with minors in Health Science and Chemistry. She’s gonna talk about the opportunities for undergraduate research and the awesome pre-professional programs here at SDSU. Erin, the floor is all yours.

– Hi, Alex. I fell in love with South Dakota State University for a couple reasons. With my parents both being alumni, and my older brother attending at the time, campus was familiar to me. I wasn’t exactly sure what to make during coming out of high school, mathematics or biology, and SDSU has great programs for both. As a freshman I got involved in intermurals to meet people with the same interest, which ended up being a fun study break hobby. I’m also an Admissions Ambassador, and off campus, I spend my time as a Brookings Youth Mentor. Making my way through more challenging classes, I leaned on school clubs and tutoring for support. Preprofessional Club and American Medical Students Association are clubs I’ve joined that have helped me solidify that I want to go into medicine. There are so many possibilities to be learn hands-on at SDSU, but my personal favorite is our anatomy program. From being a student to an intern, to now being a teaching team member with my own students, I’ve been able to spend three semesters in the lab working with our cadavers. Another thing that sets South Dakota State University apart from its peers is that you don’t have to be a graduate student to be a part of important research opportunities. Undergraduate students are involved in research through the Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Creative Activities Day Program, the South Dakota Legislative Poster Session, and through the Journal of Undergraduate Research. It’s easy to get involved and we’re super lucky to have faculty on campus that want us gaining experience from day one. SDSU has not only the resources, but also faculty, willing to take the time to mentor undergraduate researchers. As I’m at the end of my time at SDSU, I had no idea coming into college how much I would grow. The welcoming attitude of all staff, faculty, and other students have enriched my time here more than I would’ve ever hoped for. SDSU is inclusive enough to where I feel confident becoming my future self, but diverse to where I don’t feel any limitations. I hope I was able to share why I love SDSU and I hope you do too. Back to you, Alex.

– Erin, it was great to hear about your college journey and how South Dakota State University has allowed you to explore different paths and grow, both academically and personally. You have such a great story. Thank you for sharing it with us today. Take care.