My Summer Research Experience

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Saying Yes to the Journey: A Summer of Research, Growth, and Discovery

In the summer of 2025, I decided to say yes to an opportunity that took me far beyond what was familiar. I traveled across the country to spend my summer conducting undergraduate research at Arizona State University. What began as a research experience quickly became a meaningful chapter of my academic and personal journey, shaped by new environments, new challenges, and new connections.

As an international student, building a sense of home in the United States has been a gradual process, and Indianapolis has become that place for me. Choosing to relocate again for the summer, even temporarily, felt like a significant step. It meant adapting to a new setting, forming new routines, and learning how to build a sense of belonging once more. That decision set the tone for a summer centered on growth, curiosity, and openness to new experiences.

Finding the Opportunity

I first learned about this opportunity while exploring summer research programs across the country the year prior. During that search, I reached out to a student leader at Arizona State University through LinkedIn, which led to conversations with faculty members whose work aligned with my interests. One of those connections introduced me to a principal investigator whose research strongly resonated with me.

Although there were no open positions when I first reached out, I stayed in touch. When I applied again the following year and expressed my continued interest, I received an offer within a few days. At the time, I had multiple summer opportunities to consider, but I ultimately chose this one because it represented something entirely new. It offered the chance to experience a different academic environment, explore a new region, and reconnect with people from earlier chapters of my life, all while continuing to grow as an engineer.

Inside the Research Experience

During my time at Arizona State University, I participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Initiative, working on a project focused on the surface expression of a therapeutic peptide using molecular cloning techniques. My work involved engineering mammalian cells, validating genetic constructs, and maintaining accurate documentation while adhering to biosafety standards.

Beyond the technical aspects, the experience taught me how to navigate the realities of research. Not every experiment worked as planned, and progress often required patience and persistence. I spent time in the lab even on days without scheduled experiments, observing and assisting graduate students with their work. Learning through observation helped me better understand how researchers approach problem solving and collaborate effectively.

The lab environment emphasized teamwork and curiosity, and the relationships I built made the experience both rewarding and motivating. It reinforced the importance of learning from those around you and remaining open to growth at every stage of the process.

Conducting undergraduate research as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Initiative at Arizona State University.

Life Beyond the Lab

Life outside of the lab added another layer of perspective to the summer. Experiencing a new region of the country encouraged me to explore beyond my daily routine. One of the highlights was visiting Zion National Park and hiking The Narrows, an experience that challenged me and offered me space for reflection.

Exploring new places alongside research helped me grow not only as an engineer, but also as an individual. The balance between academic work and exploration made the summer both enriching and memorable.

Exploring the Southwest during the summer, including a visit to Zion National Park.

Personal Growth and Direction

This summer strengthened my confidence in a grounded and meaningful way. Saying yes to an unfamiliar opportunity reminded me that growth often begins before everything feels certain. It reinforced my ability to adapt, learn, and pursue opportunities that align with my goals.

Professionally, the experience helped clarify my long-term direction. Having previously completed a full-time industry role, this was my first full-time academic research experience. Being able to experience both environments helped me understand where my interests lie.

As I prepare to graduate in May 2026, this experience has encouraged me to remain open to opportunities across locations and disciplines. Each experience brings clarity, even when the outcome is not immediately obvious.

Alongside fellow researchers in the lab, learning through collaboration and shared curiosity.

Advice for Other Women in Engineering

To other Women in Engineering students, my advice is to keep your options open. If an opportunity feels new or slightly intimidating, consider taking the chance. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.

One thing I wish I had known earlier is that feeling ready is not a requirement for applying or reaching out. Many opportunities come from curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn along the way.

Overall Reflection

Looking back, the value of this summer came from everything that unfolded along the way. The experience became meaningful through the combination of research, exploration, new environments, and the people I met throughout the journey.

This summer reminded me that growth is rarely linear. The most impactful lessons often come from showing up, staying open, and being intentional with the experience. I carry forward not only the skills I developed, but also the confidence that meaningful growth is found in the journey itself.

Choosing Summer Research at Purdue

Like ASU, Purdue offers summer research for current undergraduate students through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), STARS Semiconductor Summer Program, or First Time Researcher (FTR) Fellowship. These are amazing opportunities for students to spend their summers doing research! The different programs are located at either the West Lafayette or Indianapolis campus with a unique, immersive, 8 to 11-week research experience across many available fields, working directly with a professor and more! At the end of your time in the program, some programs allow students to present their research at a symposium with other students and professors! Some of the programs include weekly professional development workshops and seminars to help build both your technical and communication skills as well. So, if you are also interested in summer research like me, Purdue offers great opportunities to participate!

Maithili Upadhyay, BME '26

Indianapolis WiE Leadership Team

 

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