Undergraduate Researchers

Click on a researcher to learn more about his or her undergraduate research experience. Visit the student success page for stories from all Undergraduate Studies programs.

Alexis McDonald
Major: Psychology
BDP Certificate:
Graduation Year: Spring 2020

I think it’s important as we provide a voice for student experiences and provide support for UT students that we don’t forget to acknowledge the additional barriers that might affect traditionally marginalized groups of students. We must be intentional about our modes of support and continue to listen to the unheard.

Major: Mechanical Engineering
BDP Certificate:
Graduation Year: Spring 2021

Andres Najera is a 2019-2020 Undergraduate Research Ambassador and member of the Academy of Undergraduate Researchers Across Texas.

Andres Najera is a 2019-2020 Undergraduate Research Ambassador and member of the Academy of Undergraduate Researchers Across Texas.

Zaria El-Fil
Major: Psychology
BDP Certificate:
Graduation Year: Spring 2020

Zaria is a 2019-2020 Undergraduate Research Ambassador and member of the Academy of Undergraduate Researchers Across Texas, was the second-place winner of the 2019 Longhorn Research Poster Session and a recipient of an Undergraduate Research Fellowship.

Zaria was the second-place winner of the 2019 Longhorn Research Poster Session, and is a 2019-2020 Undergraduate Research Ambassador and member of the Academy of Undergraduate Researchers Across Texas.

Ishaana Talesara
Major: Economics and Mathematics
BDP Certificate:
Graduation Year: Spring 2020

Ishaana Talesara is the winner of the 2019 Student Research Award

Chris Apgar
Major: Neuroscience
BDP Certificate:
Graduation Year: 2020

Chris is a Student Ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research as well as a UT Austin representative for The Academy of Undergraduate Researchers Across Texas (AURA-Texas).

Erin Choi
Major: Biochemistry
BDP Certificate:
Graduation Year: 2019

Erin is a Student Ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research as well as a UT Austin representative for The Academy of Undergraduate Researchers Across Texas (AURA-Texas).

Justin has participated in the Bridging Disciplines Program: Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship.

Ziyue Dong
Major: Chemical Engineering
BDP Certificate:
Graduation Year: 2019

Major: Nursing
BDP Certificate:
Graduation Year: Spring 2019

“Research is important because, in medicine, we’re trying to improve patient outcomes. As nurses, it is incredibly important that we understand the reasons we’re giving them the care they need.”

Photo of Mitch Webb
Major: Music
BDP Certificate:
Graduation Year: Fall 2017

"The process itself was incredible, but the final performance was something I’ll remember for the rest of my life."