Undergraduate College's Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) has received a generous $20,000 donation from the Tyler Center for Global Studies, an organization dedicated to encouraging undergraduate students to pursue international research. This funding has been allocated to support six students who are conducting research abroad, with awards ranging from $3,000 to $3,500. The awards are aimed at furthering the students' research projects, which seek to address pressing global issues.
William Merlini, a biomedical engineering student and recipient of one of the awards, described his research:
“I will be working alongside a research group in Heidelberg, Germany, who engage in the study of the genetic evolution of stem cells from their benign state to their malignant state due to gene alterations and oncogenic drivers. We will apply this research to cancer types such as leukemia, neuroblastoma, and lung and breast cancer.”
Yves Santoy, an anthropology student, had this to say about the impact of the fellowship:
"My research focuses on exploring the cultural and economic exchanges through trade routes between the ancient Maya civilization and the Teotihuacan. The Tyler Fellowship will significantly impact my research by providing the resources needed to travel and conduct targeted excavations and artifact analysis."
From cutting edge medical research to environmental sustainability practices, the six award recipients from UT represent a wide range of topics that span across different countries and industries. This year’s recipients are:
Carolina Ponce, Mechanical Engineering
Location: Peru
Research Project: “Evaluating the Feasibility of Biodegradable/Sustainable Textiles for Rural Economic Empowerment Through a Circular Economy Approach while Investigating the Role of Textiles in Reducing Gender Inequality and Empowering Women.”
Yves Santoy, Anthropology
Location: Guatemala
Research Project: “Ancient Trade Routes: Teotihuacan and The Maya at Rio Seco.”
Ashley Mascorro, Public Health
Location: Guatemala
Research Project: “H. pylori in Children in Middle- and Low-Income Countries.”
Laasya Khandavalli, Environmental Science
Location: India
Research Project: “Evaluating Heat Wave Effects on Small Businesses in India.”
Eva Asfahani, Environmental Science
Location: Portugal
Research Project: “How Sustainable Development in Lisbon Will Regenerate Its Communities and Water Sources.”
William Merlini, Biomedical Engineering
Location: Germany
Research Project: “Investigating Somatic Evolution of Cancer Cells Through a Systems Biology Perspective.”
These research projects reflect a commitment to addressing global issues. The funding will not only enhance the students' academic and professional growth, but it will also allow them to contribute meaningful solutions to the global community.