Event Date
Thinking about presenting at the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (URSCA) Conference? Curious about where research can take you?
This panel features UC Davis alumni and current graduate students who have successfully navigated undergraduate research, presented at major conferences, and translated those experiences into academic and professional opportunities. Panelists will discuss how they prepared for conferences like URSCA, applied to graduate programs, and leveraged research to shape their future paths. Whether you're just getting started or planning your next steps, this session offers practical advice and inspiration from those who’ve been in your shoes.
Panelists include:
Halley Cuellar – A fourth-year Entomology major who has participated in four research projects, including work on Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome. She has presented at multiple conferences, including the NSF CAMP Symposium.
Mikaila Hishaw – A third-year student in the MARC and NSF-CAMP Scholars programs conducting aquatic animal welfare research. Her presentations span URSCA, ABRCMS, and international conferences like the World Aquaculture Society Triennial.
Elias Bunting – A PhD candidate in Plant Pathology and former McNair Scholar who was accepted into all seven PhD programs he applied to. He blends research with public science communication and now mentors undergraduates at UC Davis.
Jasmine Esparza – A PhD candidate in Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, whose research explores epigenetics and paternal diet. As an undergrad at UCLA, she secured fellowships, conducted research, and built a strong foundation in science communication.
Aish Bhusal – A PhD student in Pharmacology and Toxicology studying how air pollution contributes to Alzheimer’s disease. Her research journey began at community college and includes award-winning presentations at national toxicology conferences.
This is your chance to hear how others turned undergraduate research into meaningful opportunities—and how you can do the same. Registration is encouraged: RSVP here!