Mentorship Matters: A Summer of Research and Growth

This image shows a lab technician pipetting a clear solution into an another orange-colored solution inside a fume hood in a lab
Photo of a chem-bioengineering lab, photo credit to Iris Rubinstein.

When I first walked into the lab this summer, I thought research was all about running experiments and gathering data. What I didn’t expect was how much the people around me—the mentorship and the shared triumphs and failures—would shape so much of my learning and how I view scientific research. 

Starting a research position at a bioengineering lab over the summer was really intimidating for me, especially as an undergraduate. At the start, I felt like the most inexperienced person in a room full of graduate students, postdocs, and faculty who seem to have it all figured out. Although I’ve learned or at least seen a lot of the quantitative and qualitative components in my Chemical and Biological Engineering course, I did not have much hands-on experience and critical thinking that comes with actually doing experiments. That’s when I realized how big of a role a mentor plays.

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My Go To Study Break

Photograph depicts the university side of Nassau Street adjacent to the library. Alongside the sidewalk to the left is a row ow trees turning golden orange on a clear autumn day.
A walk along Nassau Street

Princeton moves fast. The semester is short, the classes are dense, and before you know it, you’re taking midterms and turning in papers for your writing sem. At least, that was my experience as a first year. Even now as a sophomore, it can feel hard trying to keep up with the pace of the orange bubble. Balancing the demands of coursework alongside the demands of work for research teams and professional clubs can limit how productive I feel at any given moment. Those moments, when I feel I’ve done all the readings I can do and written everything I can think about, are so challenging because it feels like I’ve hit an academic wall. That’s when I find ways to shake things up with a study break. For me, that looks like taking a walk. I know it sounds cliche, but taking a walk can be one of the best solutions because it’s so simple.

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Bridging Research and Political Change

Spotlight on the Summer Internship Project of Princeton Politics Junior Mai Kasemsawade

Mai standing in front of a stage in the Malaysian parliament.
Mai Kasemsawade at the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia for Political Financing meeting at the Malaysian Parliament, which she helped to host with The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs.

Many students walk into Princeton intending to change the world, Mai Kasemsawade ’26 is an extraordinary example of how one’s summer research can kickstart global political change. This past summer, Mai worked within the The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as an intern in the Princeton International Internship Program. She connected her interests in political science research and data science to pursue an ambitious project in advancing Malaysia’s laws on funding for political parties in order to encourage a more democratic political scene. Her experience meeting with Malaysian government leaders, hosting a political engagement workshop, writing articles on critical policy, and conducting interdisciplinary research exemplifies the multitude of eye-opening opportunities that a research experience can offer!

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Welcome to the 2024-2025 Academic Year!

PCUR is back! We hope everyone had a great summer and is excited for the upcoming year. Posts are starting back this week on Wednesday, October 9, written by both returning and new correspondents, so check your email on Wednesday and get excited!

Group photo of 2024-2025 PCURs; caption lists names
Bottom row (left to right): Alexis Wu, Rebecca Cho, Yubi Mamiya, Angel Toasakul, Stanley Stoutamire. Middle row: Virginia Cobbs, Nathan Nguyen. Top row: Gabriel Ascoli, Advik Eswaran, Ignacio Arias Philippi. Not pictured: our most recently joined correspondent, Haya Elamir. Photo credit: Nicole Tacconi.

Welcome back to our returning PCURs, Alexis Wu ’25, Rebecca Cho ’26, and Yubi Mamiya ’27! In addition, Virginia Cobbs ’25 is returning as Chief Correspondent. We are excited to welcome our new correspondents Angel Toasakul ’27, Stanley Stoutamire ’27, Nathan Nguyen ’27, Advik Eswaran ’27, and Ignacio Arias Philippi ’25. Take a look below to find out more about each of our correspondents, their experiences, and what they bring to PCUR.

Virginia Cobbs ’25

Chief Correspondent

Headshot of Virginia Cobbx

Concentration: African American Studies

Degree: A.B.

Research Interests: Racism in healthcare, Tech mediated bias in criminal justice, bumble bee social behavior, Parkinson’s Disease

Bio: My name is Virginia and I am a senior in the African American Studies department. I grew up in Birmingham,  AL (roll tide!) and as someone pursuing a career in healthcare, my research interests are often at the intersection of race and medicine. I spent a gap year before Princeton studying Parkinson’s Disease, and a summer after freshman year researching bumble bees. I also worked with with Prof. Fuentes studying racial bias in medical algorithms, and Prof. Benjamin’s Just Data Lab studying how technology mediates bias and racism in the criminal justice system. When not in the lab, you can find me either competitively sailing or volunteering as an EMT with the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad.

Recent posts by Virginia Cobbs

Ignacio Arias Philippi ’25

Humanities Correspondent

Ignacio Arias Philippi headshot

Concentration: History

Certificate Programs: Medieval Studies, Roman Language and Culture

Degree Program: A.B.

Research Interests: Legal history, German language and culture, Polyliteracy, Paleography

Bio: My name is Ignacio Arias and I am a senior from Puerto Rico. My research in the History department has focused on legal history of various kinds, especially canon law, from Late Antiquity to Early Modern times. Other interests include Austrian history and classical music. Outside of academic research, I am also involved with the Aquinas Institute, the Princeton Tower Club, and Sinfonia. 

Posts by Ignacio Arias Philippi coming soon

Gabriel Ascoli ’27

Humanities Correspondent

Headshot of Gabriel Ascoli holding snake

Concentration: Classics, Molecular Biology

Degree Program: A.B.

Research Interests: Ancient Greek and Roman Literature, History, Philosophy, Oncology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences

Bio: My name is Gabriel, and I’m a sophomore from Northern Virginia. As a pre-health student studying classics and biology, I’m interested in ancient Greek and Roman literature and philosophy, particularly when it comes to treating the sick, their ideology towards the values of other lives, and other humanistic and philosophical questions (think famous physicians such as Hippocrates or Galen, as well as philosophers and poets!). I’m currently a part of the Kang lab at Princeton, investigating how we can harness the human immune system and bolster it to attack early-stage breast tumors before they metastasize to other parts of the body. I’ve also conducted research in microbiology (developing a solution to antibiotic-resistant bacteria), and classics (exploring the connection between ancient Roman history and literature and modern-day white supremacy). At Princeton, you’ll find me taking excessively long walks, or taking advantage of free coffee somewhere.

Posts by Gabriel Ascoli coming soon

Rebecca Cho ’26

Natural Sciences Correspondent

Headshot of Rebecca Cho

Concentration: Geosciences

Degree Program: A.B.

Certificate Programs: Environmental Studies

Research Interests: Biogeochemistry, Climate Science, Reconstruction Modeling, Environmental Science

Bio: I am a sophomore from Long Island, NY, looking to concentrate in Geosciences! My research interests include the exploration of past climate-tectonic interactions and the past marine environment to understand how different aspects of the physical planet are responding to rapid climate change. I am also interested in the influence of these physical changes on public health and society. Outside of research, I love listening to music and reading. On campus, you can find me dancing or performing the cello and piano. 

Recent posts by Rebecca Cho

Haya Elamir ’27

Natural Sciences Correspondent

Headshot of Haya Elamir

Concentration: Molecular Biology

Degree Program: A.B.

Research Interests: Cellular function and microbiology

Bio: My name is Haya, and I am a part of the Class of 2027. I’m from Buffalo, NY with an unfortunate dislike for the winter. I’m majoring in molecular biology because the intricacy of cells and the details you find in this subject are fascinating to me. My research has always been geared towards immunology, whether cancer or the disease of the gut microbiome. Knowing I can contribute in some small way to the health of others means a lot to me. When I’m not in the lab, I’m usually in and out of coffee shops (my favorite places to study!) or hanging out with my friends.

Posts by Haya Elamir coming soon

Advik Eswaran ’27

Natural Sciences Correspondent

Headshot of Advik Eswaran

Concentration: Geosciences

Degree Program: A.B.

Research Interests: Glaciology, Paleoclimate, Climate Science, Machine Learning, Earth History

Bio: My name is Advik, and I’m a sophomore from the Seattle area. I’m interested in researching how Earth’s climate has changed in the past, so that we can better understand how it might change in the future. Currently, I’m part of the Maloof Research Group, where I work on developing machine learning methods to reconstruct ancient fossils; I’ve also been involved with research at the University of Washington on reconstructing Antarctic snowfall trends since the onset of anthropogenic climate change. Outside of research, you can find me competitively sailing, wandering around the outdoors, or reading. 

Posts by Advik Eswaran coming soon

Yubi Mamiya ’26

Engineering Correspondent

Headshot of Yubi Mamiya

Concentration: Computer Science

Certificate Program/Minor: Engineering Biology, Global Health and Health Policy

Degree Program: B.S.E.

Research interests: Artificial Intelligence, Neurotechnology, Disease and Disorders, Mental Health, Reproductive Justice, Healthcare, Educational Equity, Sustainability, Music and Art in Social Movements

Bio: I’m Yubi and I’m a sophomore from Shoreline, WA interested in computer science. I hope to develop artificial intelligence-based software that improves the effectiveness and accessibility of healthcare for underserved communities. Outside of research, I love singing at Saturday Morning Arts, running with Princeton Running Club, and reading.

Recent posts by Yubi Mamiya

Nathan Nguyen ’27

Engineering Correspondent

Headshot of Nathan Nguyen

Concentration: Chemical and Biological Engineering

Degree Program: B.S.E.

Certificate Programs: Sustainable Energy, Bioengineering

Research Interests: Bioengineering, Biomolecular Engineering, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Renewable Energy, Machine Learning and AI

Bio: Hi everyone! I’m Nathan, and I hail all the way from Hanoi, Vietnam. Before Princeton, though, I lived in the sunshine city of Brisbane, Australia. I am most interested in topics related to sustainability and renewable energy. In my free time, I sing Baritone for Princeton’s FRESHEST low-voice acapella group, the Princeton Footnotes, upcycle and thrift clothes, and hike with friends. 

Posts by Nathan Nguyen coming soon

Stanley Stoutamire ’27

Social Sciences Correspondent

Headshot of Stanley Stoutamire

Concentration: TBD

Degree Program: A.B.

Certificate Programs: TBD

Research Interests: Rural Medicine; Healthcare Equity; Neglected American History; Social Implications of Meteorology; Narrative Fantasy

Bio: My name is Stanley and I am a sophomore from the Birmingham, Alabama area. My most recent research has been focused on eliminating inequalities in health outcomes, but I have a variety of interests that I am always glad to talk about! When I’m not working on academics you can find me singing with the Glee club, spending time with the Trenton Youth Orchestra, or enjoying a good book.

Posts by Stanley Stoutamire coming soon

Angel Toasakul ’27

Natural Sciences Correspondent

Headshot of Angel Toasakul

Concentration: Neuroscience

Degree Program: A.B.

Certificate Programs: Planets and Life, Cognitive Science

Research Interests: Neuroscience, Memory, Cognitive Science, Neurochemistry, Neurobiology, Healthcare

Bio: My name is Angel, and I’m a member of the Class of 2027 from Bangkok, Thailand. As a neuroscience major with aspirations in healthcare, I am passionate about the brain and its functions, particularly in relation to memory and cognition. In high school, I conducted a behavioral and psychological study on how recalling positive memories influences creativity, sparking my interest in research. Currently, I am part of the Norman Lab, where I work on utilizing fMRI neurofeedback to understand memory pathways and induce unwanted memory suppression in PTSD patients. Outside of research, I spend my time volunteering both on and off campus and serving as an International Center Leader, organizing International Orientation for incoming students and coordinating cultural activities on campus throughout the year. In my free time, I love getting lost in a good book and discovering new favorite reading spots around campus.

Posts by Angel Toasakul coming soon

Alexis Wu ’25

Engineering Correspondent

Headshot of Alexis Wu

Concentration: Computer Science

Degree Program: B.S.E.

Research Interests: Applications of Computing, Machine Learning, Computer Systems, Public Policy, Game Theory, Ethics, Art History

Bio: My name is Alexis and I am a senior from San Diego, California. I am passionate about integrating my interests in technology and policy to tackle critical issues such as algorithmic fairness and the ethical development of technologies. This is my third year with PCUR, and the articles I’ve written over these years capture the evolution of my academic and research interests. I hope there is an article that excites you, and I would love to hear from our readers about topics they would like to see more of. On campus, I am currently the Undergraduate President of Colonial Club and a student tour guide for the Princeton University Art Museum.

Recent posts by Alexis Wu

Virginia Cobbs, Chief Correspondent

Posted in Uncategorized

The Under-the-Radar Thesis Topic: A Retrospective on my own Experience

Many Princeton students, when writing their senior theses, will be required to submit something resembling a “literature review,” where they give a broad summary of the extant literature on their respective senior thesis topics. Surveying the extant literature on a topic can help students to develop their own independent thoughts on the matter. For many students, the literature ends up being a very important part of the actual final text of the senior thesis. 

After reaching this stage when researching my senior thesis topic, a relatively-unknown Arabic Christian legal text from 18th-century Lebanon called the Mukhtaṣar al-Sharīʿa of ʿAbdallāh Qarāʿalī, I realized that only a few paragraphs and couple footnotes had been written about the text in English. All told, the entire body of English-language academic work on the Mukhtaṣar totalled a mere two pages. This lack of a developed scholarly conversation about my topic came with its own challenges and opportunities. The relative obscurity of this topic was a large part of why I chose to write my thesis about it— I found it to be very intriguing and wished there was more written about it. In this post I intend to look back at my own experience writing a thesis on such a niche topic, and hope to offer some considerations on how such a project might be approached. 

Firestone Library on a spring evening. Photo by author

Firestone Library on a Spring Evening

Continue reading The Under-the-Radar Thesis Topic: A Retrospective on my own Experience

Research Insights Series: An Interview with Gemma M. Sahwell

An image of Gemma Sahwell
Gemma M. Sahwell 
PhD Candidate, Princeton University, Department of Geosciences

As a Geosciences major, I am fascinated by ocean biogeochemical cycling and reconstruction of past climates and marine environments by way of biological proxies. Yet, I have also found myself intrigued in environmental movements and storytelling, particularly with the narratives of the land histories of indigenous communities in the backdrop of anthropogenic climate change and U.S. colonial history. 

With growing interest in both fields, I enrolled in Professor Allison Carruth’s ENV238: Environmental Movements: From Wilderness Protection to Climate Justice. Here, with luck, I met an incredible preceptor who shed some light on the interdisciplinary nature of her research and inspired me to delve deeper into my own multifaceted interests. 

A PhD candidate student in the Geosciences department, Gemma M. Sahwell is currently a member of both the Blue Lab and the Higgins Research Laboratory. Curious, I reached out to her to see if I could speak with her a bit about her research. 

Join me below to hear about her experience.

Continue reading Research Insights Series: An Interview with Gemma M. Sahwell

Seasonal Series: Interview with Bjarke Nielsen, EEB/HMEI

Headshot of Dr. Bjarke Frost Nielsen standing in front of a bush.
Bjarke Frost Nielsen, from Denmark, received his PhD in Physics from the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen and is currently a Carlsberg Foundation Research Fellow Postdoctoral Researcher at Princeton in the High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) department. He currently works on using mathematical and computational tools to solve problems in pathogen evolution and infectious disease epidemiology.

Following the seasonal series theme of “Niche vs. Expansive Research Topics”, I interviewed Dr. Bjarke Frost Nielsen on his journey going from a Physics PhD to working in our EEB department and all of the different topics he’s worked on along the way.

Dr. Nielsen shares, “In general, I have a very broad notion of what physics is. I don’t think for something to qualify as physics it has to, you know, involve Newton’s 2nd Law, be describable in terms of the Schrödinger Equation, or something like that. I think that physics is essentially the science that tries to mathematically tackle the aspects of our physical world that can be attacked mathematically. That’s more or less what physics is, right? It’s choosing the areas where you think that a mathematical description can really capture the problem. … It’s a very broad science in that way.”

Read on to learn more about Dr. Nielsen’s reflections on his research background in Physics and current work in EEB.

Continue reading Seasonal Series: Interview with Bjarke Nielsen, EEB/HMEI

Journeying through Statistics & Machine Learning Research: An Interview with Jake Snell

Image of Dr. Snell smiling, wearing glasses and a pale red and grey checkered collared shirt.

Jake Snell is a DataX postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Computer Science at Princeton University, where he develops novel deep learning algorithms by drawing insights from probabilistic models. He is currently serving as a lecturer for SML 310: Research Projects in Data Science.

As I dive deeper into my computer science coursework, I’ve found myself engaging increasingly with statistics and machine learning (hereafter abbreviated as SML). Opportunities to conduct SML research are abound at Princeton: senior theses, junior independent work, research-based courses such as SML 310: Research Projects in Data Science, joining research labs, and much more. There is such a wide variety of research opportunities, and so many nuanced pathways that students can take while exploring SML research. So, for this seasonal series, I wanted to speak with professors and researchers who are more advanced in their research journeys to share their insight and advice to undergraduate students.

Continue reading Journeying through Statistics & Machine Learning Research: An Interview with Jake Snell

Seasonal Series: An Interview with Eric Ahn

Eric Ahn Headshot
Eric Ahn ’24, from Suwanee, Georgia, is an Operations Research and Financial Engineering (ORFE) major at Princeton University. Ahn is the Class of 2024 Treasurer, as well as a member of Manna Christian Fellowship and Kindred Spirit. This coming summer, Ahn will work as a Trading Intern at IMC Trading before returning to Princeton in the fall to obtain a graduate degree in finance.

In the spirit of upcoming senior thesis deadlines, I wanted to interview a senior currently working on their thesis. As an underclassman that doesn’t have to worry about any form of independent work yet and a COS BSE major, one of the only majors exempt from the senior thesis requirement, I’ve always been curious about the thesis writing process and what a BSE senior thesis entails. As a part of our Seasonal Series, I am excited to present my interview with Eric, as he shares his ORFE senior thesis, his interest in finance, and his advice for rising seniors. 

Continue reading Seasonal Series: An Interview with Eric Ahn

Reading for Fun: How and Why

Often when I mention the subject of reading for pleasure’s sake in conversations with other Princeton students, I hear the same story repeated with a twinge of sadness and a sense of resignation to the seemingly-inevitable. Most of us seem to have begun our respective childhoods as avid readers who could barely be seen apart from a book. We enjoyed all sorts of reading, and it was not a tiring task but an exciting opportunity. Over the course of many grueling years of schooling filled with assigned readings and the like, this voracious appetite for literature seems to have been largely snuffed out. If you, like me and many others, have drifted away from the pleasurable pastime of reading for fun and wish that you could regain a bit of that excitement which marked your early years, this article will give a few suggestions for how and why you might go about effecting this turnaround. 

A few books on a bookshelf.

A few books on my shelf in my dorm— not for class.

Continue reading Reading for Fun: How and Why