20 Research Reflection by Julia Rzepecka

Faculty Mentor: Chen Wang (Materials Science & Engineering, University of Utah)

My experience in the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) was incredibly valuable. Before this summer, I felt uncertain about whether or not graduate school was the right path for me, or if I even had what it takes to be a successful researcher. This program gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and gain experiences that I would have otherwise been too afraid to pursue. I feel much more confident about my ability to take on difficult projects, and tackle complex research questions. I’m very grateful to my mentor, Dr. Chen Wang, who was there to support me every step of the way. His guidance and patience allowed me to immerse myself in a field I had never previously considered.