Undergraduate Research Opportunities

"The Mulcahy Research Fellowship has allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience alongside my studies of Bioinformatics. Not only did I become familiar with wet lab protocols and techniques, but I also advanced my computational and technical skills with bioinformatic tools and softwares. Being a Mulcahy Scholar was essential for conducting my research on the polyomavirus BK and its prevalence in the urinary tract and helped prepare me to present my current findings at Loyola’s St. Alberts Day on the Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, IL."

"Being a Mulcahy Scholar has allowed me to investigate and dive deep into bacteria and its connection and impact with my career goal of practicing medicine. In an age following a global pandemic, now more than ever, I think it is important for those in the medical field to understand bacterial interactions within under researched areas of the body. I enjoy being a Mulcahy Scholar because it allows me to take steps in contributing as much as I can, to both the forefronts of Microbiology and Medicine. It has also given me the opportunity to work alongside wonderful and brilliant individuals that have helped shape my experience thus far in intertwining my academic and career orientated ambitions!"

Waralyz Hernandez (Engineering, Class of 2025):
Being part of the Mulcahy Scholarship program at Loyola has allowed me to gain hands-on experience with EEG, OpenBCI, and Arduino, which have significantly advanced my technical skills. Using tools like Fusion 360 for design and OpenBCI for brain-computer interface projects, I’ve expanded my knowledge of biomedical engineering applications. I’ve also learned how to effectively use Arduino and its shields to create functional prototypes for research. Dr. Chen’s mentorship has been incredibly helpful in improving my problem-solving skills and design techniques, which will be valuable as I move forward in my career.

Katerina Serembytska (Engineering, Class of 2025):
The Mulcahy Scholarship has provided me with the opportunity to work with EEG, OpenBCI, and Arduino, which have broadened my understanding of both software and hardware in the field of biomedical engineering. I’ve gained hands-on experience in designing and prototyping with Fusion 360 and learned how to integrate Arduino with various shields to build functional systems. This experience has not only expanded my technical knowledge but also enhanced my ability to apply these technologies in real-world projects. Working with Dr. Chen has been a great opportunity, and his guidance has helped me grow as both an engineer and a problem solver.

The Mulcahy Scholarship Program has no doubt equipped me with a transferable skill and knowledge set that continues to shape my path as a budding neuroscientist today. I have been allowed the rare opportunity of taking independent initiative in the process of scientific proposal crafting and experimentation since becoming a Mulcahy scholar. From attending national conferences where cutting-edge scientific research is on display to learning said fundamental techniques myself in the lab and applying them to our research, the Scholarship Program has given me both the funds/resources and hands-on experience needed to become a well-rounded future researcher. Having several chances to present said data thanks to the scholarship, I will be able to further develop my confidence in communicating complex ideas and concepts, a key ability no matter the career path. Overall, the opportunities afforded to me have been invaluable, as I have also been able to forge meaningful relationships with my research team and mentor, as teamwork is also a fundamental aspect of the research process. 

"The Mulcahy Research Fellowship has allowed me to pursue more hands-on learning experiences in microbiology and bioinformatics. Not only has this fellowship given me the opportunity to expand my computational and wet-lab skills, but it has helped me make lasting connections with my peers and professors. Receiving the Mulcahy Fellowship has proven to be invaluable both for developing my skills in the lab and becoming a more involved member of Loyola’s community."

Receiving the Mulcahy Scholarship has been a transformative experience, shaping both my education and my passion for neuroscience in ways I never could have imagined. This scholarship isn’t just about funding—it’s about discovery, mentorship, and pushing the boundaries of what I thought was possible in research. One of the most impactful aspects has been the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and participate in an interdisciplinary environment. The hands-on experience I’ve gained—applying theories, utilizing cutting-edge research methods, and engaging in critical discussions—has been unlike anything I could have received from any other scholarship. Beyond the invaluable mentorship and research experience, the Mulcahy Scholarship has supported my academic growth in allowing me to attend and present at the Society for Neuroscience 2024 conference. It was great to get the chance to share my work with the broader scientific community and engage with leading researchers in the field. I am grateful for the impact it has had on both my academic journey and my future aspirations. 

Being a Mulcahy Scholar has greatly enriched my academic year. This opportunity has allowed me to grow significantly in various ways. My understanding of our research has deepened, and I have improved my skills with laboratory techniques. I practiced a range of wet lab techniques, including brain slicing, mouse surgeries, and immunohistochemistry. I also enjoyed managing the mouse colonies. Furthermore, I had the chance to enhance my public speaking skills by presenting a poster at the Society for Neuroscience. This experience allowed me to meet many incredible individuals. I have created many fond memories with my fellow lab mates and mentor. Overall, being a Mulcahy Scholar will truly be one of the highlights of my college experience. 

My experience as a Mulcahy Scholar was transformative, allowing me to bridge my personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease with hands-on neuroscience research. Through my proposed study on the link between PTSD and Alzheimer’s, I gained invaluable experience conducting behavioral experiments on mice, assessing the auditory acoustic startle reflex and exploring fear generalization—key indicators of PTSD. I also had the opportunity to perform brain slicing, immunohistochemistry, and engage in stereotaxic surgeries, which provided insight into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these disorders. Viewing mouse brains under the confocal microscope not only solidified my understanding of cellular and molecular changes but also highlighted the meticulous protocols required for a well-executed research study. This experience deepened my appreciation for the collaborative nature of neuroscience, reinforcing my ability to contribute meaningfully as a student researcher while witnessing firsthand the dedication necessary to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.