This summer, three researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology participated in the Minority Serving Institution Alliance’s student summer research experience. The program aimed to connect 50 rising undergraduate juniors and seniors with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers, who hosted them as they conducted graduate-level research.

“My decision to participate in the MSI Alliance program was rooted in a profound belief in its objectives: fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable academic landscape,” said Yun-Sheng Chen, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering and one of the Beckman researchers who mentored a student through the program. “Its emphasis on building pathways through the educational system for a more diverse graduate student population resonated with me deeply.”

Yun-Sheng Chen.

The UIUC MSI Alliance is an initiative through UIUC’s Office of Public Engagement. It which aims to increase the number of underrepresented students pursuing doctoral degrees by creating partnerships among UIUC and participating MSIs. The initiative has hosted several programs for MSI undergraduates, faculty members, and administrators, but 2023 was the research program’s inaugural summer. In addition to providing meaningful research experiences to participating students, the program acquainted students with graduate school culture and gave them tools for being competitive graduate school applicants.

In fall 2022, the Office of Public Engagement contacted research institutes and centers across UIUC, encouraging participation in the MSI Alliance and the summer research experience. According to Lexie Kesler, an outreach and communications specialist at Beckman, the program fit well with the principles of Beckman’s outreach.

“One of Beckman’s core outreach principles is inclusivity,” Kesler said. “This program allows us to continue to build partnerships with MSI Alliance members. It opens our doors to student researchers, providing them opportunities they can only get from an interdisciplinary institute.”

Lexie Kesler.

Interested Beckman researchers outlined a potential summer project and were matched with a student recommended by MSI Alliance provosts.

One proposed project included exploring interactions between astrocytes — star-shaped cells in the brain — and neurons. Another involved measuring chemical transmitters released by the gut microbiome. Chen’s mentee, Madison Jones from Fisk University, worked with the development of AI vascular imaging segmentation tools.

In addition to lab work, participants attended professional development trainings and networked with other students and faculty members. They also presented their research at the Illinois Summer Research Symposium and delivered 5-minute lightning talks about their projects at a program-end celebration.

“What stood out most prominently about the summer experience was witnessing the tangible benefits of interdisciplinary research and collaboration,” Chen said. “My mentee Madison, like many participants, was immersed in a vibrant academic environment, allowing her to engage in graduate-level research, develop essential presentation skills, and gain insights across various disciplines.

“Furthermore, the community spirit fostered during the summer, where students, faculty, and mentors could openly exchange ideas and perspectives, was invaluable.”

In addition to Chen, two other Beckman researchers mentored students through the program. Mei Shen, an assistant professor of chemistry, mentored Kendyl Williams from Chicago State University, and Xinzhu Yu, an assistant professor of molecular and integrative physiology, mentored Daniel-Ashley Lindo from Morgan State University.