During my senior year at Texas A&M University I was named an Undergraduate Research Scholar. Students are admitted to this program on a variety of factors - including their previous academic work and the research pitch they give in the application process. While in this program students complete a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are also required to present their research findings.
As an Undergraduate Research Scholar I worked under the direction of Dr. Cecilia Giusti. My thesis, The Relationship Between Crime and Vacant Buildings in the City of Chicago, was published in the Fall of 2017. I presented my research at Texas A&M Student Research Week in 2017 and was awarded first place in my division.
As an Undergraduate Research Scholar I learned better time management, greater discipline, and sharpened my research skills. It taught me the value of self motivation and provided invaluable experience for my first publication.