I thought I was over my head doing research as my first job in college. With no prior experience, I often felt lost when working. To say the least, I felt really unqualified for the position. However, I am lucky enough to have Dr. Sims as my research mentor. She is flexible with my student life and patiently guides me through what we have to work on. Dr. Sims was the push and inspiration that kept me to continue undergraduate research. Since then, I have gained many skills an

[Diverse Student Scholars Spring 2017 Graduates at the UCO STLR Cording Ceremony on May 5, 2017. From L to R: Dr. Sims, Cindy Vo, Anna Henson, Brittany Rudolph, Ashley Neese, and Treyce Glidden] Each June, I’m reminded of the value that undergraduate research engagement brings to unsuspecting students. Once timid and uncertain at the start of their Diverse Student Scholars experience, research assistants have transformed into award-winning and confident graduates by May comme