Students support research for a period of 16 weeks, on a full-time basis, from May to August. Students can hold one USRA per fiscal year but can hold up to three USRAs throughout their undergraduate career.
Getting the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to a research project is often reserved for graduate students. USRAs grant a unique and coveted opportunity to undergraduate students to get experience in their field of interest. The students’ year of study, major, and areas of research vary but they all similarly demonstrate the positive impact that this opportunity has on their current studies and future goals.
Throughout the summer the students will share in their own words about their ambitions, their interests, and a little about the research project they are supporting.
Emma Mageau
4th year Biomedical Biology at Laurentian University
Hometown: Sudbury, Ontario
High school: Confederation Secondary School
This summer I am working under Dr. Tharmalingam on his radiation resistant breast cancer project at NOSM University. Within this project we are researching some targets believed to be associated with radiation resistance in a specific breast cancer cell line. While I have always had a passion for science, I found I was lacking research experience, so this opportunity has been an amazing way to expand my knowledge and skills in the lab.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing soccer and tennis and spending time with family and friends. I also help run Relay for Life at Laurentian which is a huge passion of mine. I hope to one day pursue a career in medicine, and the field of oncology has always been an interest of mine. I am excited to see where this research and academic year takes me!
Avery Morin
4th year Behavioural Neuroscience at Laurentian University
Hometown: Sudbury, Ontario
High school: Marymount Academy
Through USRA I get to support my passion for ecology and sustainability, exploring an entirely different field than I do in the classroom as a Behavioural Neuroscience student. At the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, I lead Laurentian’s Environmental Sustainability Committee and take part in the global Nature Positive Student Ambassador program. As a part of this initiative, institutions must complete baseline biodiversity assessments which have been ongoing since 2023. This summer, I am working with Dr. John Gunn on understanding wetland biodiversity by installing bird and frog call recorders throughout the Laurentian Greenspace. This project will not only contribute to Nature Positive biodiversity assessments but will also be used to support a multi university project focused on the restoration of peatlands after pollution from mining activities.
Anyone can get involved in supporting biodiversity assessments through citizen science using the app iNaturalist where all observations of plants, animals and insects taken on our campus will automatically be added to Laurentian’s Campus Biodiversity Network project to contribute to real scientific datasets.
Ellis Albrecht
4th year Biomedical Biology at Laurentian University
Hometown: Onaping, Ontario
High school: Chelmsford Valley District Composite School
This summer, through the USRA program, I have the pleasure of working with Dr. Brie Edwards, based at the Vale Living with Lakes Centre (VLWLC). As a student researcher, I am responsible for collecting water and invertebrate samples, preparing equipment for field work, and conducting data entry and analysis. The cooperative nature of the VLWLC has also provided me with the opportunity to observe and assist with other ongoing projects.
Growing up in Greater Sudbury I have always had a deep appreciation for our natural world and I feel incredibly fortunate to work on these beautiful bodies of water. This position has enabled me to practice my hobbies (boating, paddling, hiking) while witnessing and participating in the work that goes into restoring, maintaining, and monitoring our freshwater systems.
Alexandra Bertrim
3rd year Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph
Hometown: Sudbury, Ontario
High School: Lo-ellen Park Secondary School
This summer, I am working as an undergraduate research assistant at the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) at Laurentian University. Through my work at CROSH, I hope to gain insightful research experience and apply my academic knowledge to real and practical situations to enhance workplace health and safety. I am currently assisting with a handful of projects, including a seat adjustment training program. The initiative focuses on reducing workplace injuries by giving heavy equipment operators a program to help them use good ergonomic practices.
I am also involved in the analysis of data entries related to simulation and mining operations training. With this analysis, CROSH hopes to assess efficacy and worker satisfaction around simulation training programs. The programs are a revolutionized training method that allows trainees to practice their skills safely in preparation for work in the field. My hands-on experience with CROSH has so far allowed me to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the importance of occupational health and safety. I am eager to continue working in this field, hopeful that my efforts will help contribute to safer and healthier workplaces.
As a dedicated member of the Gryphons varsity swim team, I am driven to excel in the pool, as well as in the classroom, where I have strong academic interests in the fields of biomechanics, human physiology, and anatomy.