My SROP Experience

Zulaida Soto-Vargas

Major: Biological Sciences

Ph.D. Candidate in the College of Science

Why was SROP beneficial for you?

The SROP was beneficial for me because it provided me the basic and essential tools to start to navigate in research. The SROP program helped me on developing new skills in communication, which are key to be successful in any professional career. SROP not only opened the doors for me to continue my doctoral studies but to also have a better transition into Graduate School.

Lysandra Perez

Major: Sociology

Graduate Student in the College of Liberal Arts

Why was SROP beneficial for you?

SROP was beneficial because it allowed me to conduct my own research project with a professor, make connections with other students, and provided me with an immense amount of help and advice to take on the graduate school path. Being a first-generation Mexicana-Americana college student, SROP provided me with the necessary foundational skills for my next steps in my educational career—truly a rewarding experience for me!

Conrrad Nicholls

Major: Virology

Why did you choose SROP?

After being admitted to Purdue University Graduate School as a PULSe student, I wanted to get a jump-start on my graduate career in infectious diseases by participating in research at Purdue the summer before I began classes. As such, I was referred to the AGEP-Bridge/SROP program through a contact at Purdue and found it to be an upstanding program and decided to apply.

What was the best thing about the program?

The best thing about the program was how well they help you adjust to, or learn more about, graduate school. The workshops and panels really helped me to grow from a novice undergraduate student into a competent graduate researcher that was able to flow efficiently into my first year.

What did you gain from the program?

I gained a better appreciation of what it takes to be a graduate student doing research at an R1 institution. Learning how to balance lab work, social life and free time was invaluable. I also gained a better understanding of the skills required in delivering a great oral or poster presentation.

What is your advice to other students considering SROP?

My advice to other students considering SROP is to apply as soon as possible and take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity! The things you will learn, people you will meet and skills you will acquire stretch well beyond the realm of just research. Whether you decide to stay in research or venture elsewhere, the lessons learned through SROP will help you in any field and in life as well! Come with an open mind and ready for hard work, and you will leave all the better for having done so.

Kadari Taylor-Watson

Major: American Studies

Why did you choose SROP?

I chose SROP because I wanted to understand how research influenced the larger society.

What was the best thing about the program?

Working closely with other students of color on research from different areas.

What did you gain from the program?

I learned that research has real implications and the researcher can have a positive impact on society.

What is your advice to other students considering SROP?

Do it! Use your mind to help change the world.

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