Undergraduate Mentors

The Undergraduate Mentors work with students to guide individual research paths that advance their own academic interests. Set up an appointment with a UM today!

Sefakor Agbemadzo
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi all, I am a senior majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in chemistry. My interests; however, are diverse, including health disparities within minority communities and media's role in society. Previously, I conducted research through the OUR on jazz music and the Civil Rights Movement. I'd be happy to serve as a sounding board if you need one!

Ornella Al-Sayah
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi! My areas of interest include underserved populations, health care disparities, and dermatology. In high school I researched albinism at Marist College and investigated the metabolic pathways behind lack of pigment in the skin. I’m currently working on a research project called MobileDerm, which aims to bring specialized dermatological care to rural areas in western Pennsylvania. I’m more than happy to assist you with figuring out how to find a research field you enjoy or helping you navigate how to reach out to a potential mentor/PI. Feel free to contact me to chat about research, skincare, and haircare!

Sofia Gurgel
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi everyone! I’m majoring in neuroscience with minors in chemistry and creative writing, and I love to talk about research! Currently, I’m doing research in a neuroscience lab, where we combine electrophysiological recordings of neurons with behavioral and neuroanatomical techniques to study central dopaminergic systems. I have also done summer research abroad, focusing on molecular biology in a tropical medicine lab in Brazil, and over the last summer, I assisted in implantable cardiac devices research among a team of Harvard University physicians. Besides, I was a student in the First Approaches to Research class during my first semester at Pitt. Please reach out if you have interest in any of these topics, in pursuing research in the natural sciences, or even if you want to talk about a class, a research idea, or a program you are applying for!

Sarah Hulse
Undergraduate Mentor

If you are interested in discovering how research can guide you in your journey to medicine, getting involved in psychology studies, or integrating your passions in an interdisciplinary project, come chat with me! I’d be happy to discuss my experiences pursuing the BPhil, participating in summer fellowships, and finding my love of research. Contact me if you want to chat about what research at Pitt could look like for you!

Linh Huynh
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi! If you are interested in natural sciences, pharmacy, or public health, feel free to contact me! I participated in both the FE-R and CE-R programs, where I studied the physiological effects of magnesium depletion in mice models and in transplant patients receiving calcineurin inhibitors. Recently, I started working on research within the pharmaceutical and public health spheres. My current project looks into socioeconomic barriers to medication access for atrial fibrillation patients. Aside from research, I also love cooking, listening to music, taking cat naps, and playing ultimate frisbee! I am happy to act as a sounding board or answer any questions you may have (about classes, hobbies, and anything in between)!

Sridula Kallakuri
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi, everyone! I'm majoring in neuroscience, with minors in chemistry and Hispanic language and culture. Prior to coming to Pitt, I was doing research about biomaterials, and then about premature ovarian insufficiency. Currently, I work in a lab focused on neural rehabilitation and engineering. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have, whether about research or anything else, and also to help you brainstorm ideas or get started with one of your projects! Please feel free to reach out!

Emily Kelly
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi all! I’m a senior in the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies program with a minor in Chemistry. My past research includes public health, bioethics, and the oral histories of Queer Pittsburgh in the HIV/AIDS crisis. I currently do research in the School of Medicine in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, working primarily with the LITES Network on trauma, shock, and pain management. If you’re looking for perspectives on somewhat non-traditional approaches to medical school, I’m more than happy to talk about all the different ways that you can get there!  

Jane Lee
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi! If you’re interested in neuroscience or biological sciences research, or creative work, feel free to reach out! I am a neuroscience and studio arts double major with a chemistry minor. Over the years, I’ve participated in the OUR’s FE-R and SURA programs, as well as the summer research program offered by the School of Medicine’s Biomedical Graduate Program. Currently, I am researching the intracellular mechanisms of biological rhythms and gene expression at the Aging Institute. I’m also familiar with funding opportunities for creative work, such as the Dilva Lombardi scholarship offered by the UHC. If any of these topics interest you, contact me — I would be happy to help you find research opportunities or just to chat about art or neuroscience!

Mathavan Murali
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi everyone! I am a Molecular Biology and Biochemistry major, chemistry and economics minor. If you are interested in conducting research in biological sciences, feel free to reach out. Currently, I am involved in research that is focused on diabetes and obesity. Outside of school, I enjoy watching and playing sports, cooking, and hanging out with friends. If you have any questions or want to chat about anything else related to school like classes, career paths or choosing a major, do not hesitate to contact me!

Jessica Raines
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi! I am a senior studying Biological Sciences and pursuing the certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. I have been in both the First Approaches to Research and First Experiences in Research programs the past two years. I am hoping to expand my research experience this spring! I have experience in formal communication, resume building, and writing a statement of interest. Message me if you want to chat about starting your research journey!

Thulasi Varatharajan
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi everyone! Contact me if you’re interested in biology and computer science in general. I have specific experience in computational biology, machine learning, and deep learning. I worked in a lab at Brown University this summer on a project that analyzed the performances of deep learning methods in improving the resolution of a certain type of data that captures DNA-DNA interactions, which can be viewed by scientists and researchers. I also worked on a project involving cognitive science and computation in my first year and I’m currently part of a computational neuroscience lab at Pitt. I’d love to talk about your ideas and anything outside of research—feel free to reach out!  

Caroline Waters
Undergraduate Mentor

Hi there! Are you a humanities student looking for research opportunities? If so, let’s chat! I am an English student minoring in Film Studies and GSWS. I obtained research experience in the archives through OUR’s Archival Scholars Research Award. I am currently developing that research into an undergraduate thesis in pursuit of a BPhil. I am also head editor of Cherry Bomb— Pitt’s newest undergraduate literary magazine— and a dramaturg with Pitt Main Stage. Navigating undergraduate research as a humanities student can pose its own unique set of challenges, but I’m here to help! I’m happy to talk through any research/college/life-related questions you may have— just reach out!