Pictured from left: Cole Schlappich, Abigail Dietrich, Sarah Mies, Kennedy Waterson, Jenna Philippe, Alettya Zalapa-Alonso, Alexis Taylor and Sara Hallameyer.
Eight Alvernia students successfully completed the Student Undergraduate Research Fellows (S.U.R.F.) program and presented their research across various fields.
"What I really enjoy is seeing the evolution of the students and helping them learn about the process of engaging in research and scholarship," said Dr. Erin Way, S.U.R.F. program coordinator and assistant professor of psychology. "It sets students up to become leaders in the fields that they are passionate about."
The 10-week Student Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program promotes and rewards undergraduate student fellow and faculty scholar results-driven, collaborative research or creative projects that yield publication and/or presentations. It includes a rigorous professional development process modeled by faculty, career development opportunities, workshops and experiential learning. Following the program, student fellows are expected to present their work to the group and at various board meetings and conferences.
"S.U.R.F. took research methods, ethics and everything that I learned in the class to a new level. Having my advisor, Dr. Ana Ruiz, along with other faculty and students that also worked on their own projects was beneficial and enjoyable," said Alettya ZalapaAlonso, psychology major and 2022 fellow. "SURF helped me improve my investigation and research skills that can assist in my long-term goals with a career in counseling and helped me understand the type of counseling I hope to do in the future along with the population I hope to serve and help."
Each fellow is awarded a $3,000 stipend and free housing during the May-August summer program once their application is approved.
The 2022 Cohort
| Name | Presentation | Field |
| Sara Hallameyer | Language Runs the World: The Impact of Wording on Perception and Attitude | Psychology |
| Alettya Zalapa-Alonso | Does Exercise Lead to Higher Cognitive Functioning | Psychology |
| Kennedy Waterson | Exploring the Impact of Uncertainty Regarding Immigration Policies on Crime Participation | Criminal Justice |
| Alexis Taylor | Soil Microbes in a Sauna | Biology |
| Jenna Philippe | Eutrophication and the Skin of Microbiome of Frogs | Biology |
| Sarah Mies | Shakespeare as a Paratext to Power | English / Literature |
| Abigail Dietrich | Characterizing the Modularity of the Frog’s Visual System | Biology |
| Cole Schlappich | Points in Space | Dance |
