Meet URAD’s new student ambassadors

The Undergraduate Research, Arts & Design Network student ambassadors have been chosen for the new school year. URAD currently has four student ambassadors who are experienced undergraduate student researchers at UNM and are passionate about getting fellow students involved in research! If you are brand new to research, they are a great resource for you to talk to.

Student ambassadors support students of all majors and backgrounds who are interested in research by offering advising sessions in which they can answer questions, help with writing professional emails to faculty or assist in putting together strong applications for research programs.

Peer advising with URAD ambassadors is back for the 2025-26 academic year, please request an advising session with an ambassador.

In addition to peer advising, they also produce URAD's content on Instagram, they visit classes to promote URAD services, and they table at events around campus for URAD.

Freshness Uzo-Hez - she/her/hers

Major: Psychology

Mentor(s): Dr. James Cavanagh (Psychology Department), Dr. Steven Verney (Psychology Department)

Current Research Title: Examining the role of Socioeconomic Status in the Relationship between Apathy and Executive Functioning among Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Description: My research investigates how socioeconomic status (SES) may shape the relationship between apathy and executive functioning in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). By exploring SES as a possible moderator or mediator, this study aims to better understand how social and cognitive factors interact in brain injury recovery. This work is driven by a commitment to improving clinical approaches for underserved populations and advancing more equitable neuropsychological care.

When, how, why you got involved in research: I got involved in research when I arrived at UNM as a junior. I attended a URAD workshop that taught me how to reach out to faculty whose work aligned with my interests, and shared opportunities to get involved in research. I was able to apply this knowledge and began doing work as a research assistant in my labs of interest. Watching a family member struggle with untreated mental illness made me curious about the brain and motivated me to seek answers through science. Research gave me a way to explore those questions systematically and contribute to work that could improve how we understand and treat cognitive and neuropsychological disorders.

Piece of advice: Often, getting involved just starts with asking. Use the resources available to you and don't be afraid to reach out to faculty or researchers whose work interests you - even if you think you're not "qualified" yet. Curiosity and initiative go a long way.

Diego Ruiz - he/him/his

Major: Population Health

Mentor: Dr. Jake Greenberg, University College & Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Current Research Title: Fostering Ambitions: Understanding Barriers and Motivating Factors for Healthcare Careers at an HSI

Description: This project explores the systemic, social, and personal factors that influence students' decisions to pursue careers in healthcare, with a focus on those from historically marginalized communities. Through qualitative data collection and analysis, I aim to identify both the structural barriers students face and the motivating forces that keep their ambitions alive, with the ultimate goal of informing better institutional support for future healthcare professionals at UNM and beyond.

When, how, why you got involved in research: I first heard about research when I entered college as something that could strengthen my resume, but I didn't really understand what it involved or why it mattered. My curiosity led me to attend a URAD workshop during my first semester, which gave me a clearer picture of what research actually is and made it feel more accessible. Right after that, I began attending meetings with the UNM Child Health Research Grand Challenges team, where I was inspired by their conversations on public health and equity in healthcare. I searched for more hands-on experiences, and I eventually secured a research position through the NSF Center for Genetically Encoded Materials at the University of Minnesota, supported by UNM's PREC grant. My different experiences have shown me that research is a tool not just for scientific advancement, but an agent to directly address the needs of communities.

Piece of advice: Titles and departments aren't everything! What matters most is finding mentors who genuinely care about you and your growth. A supportive mentor will challenge you, listen to you, and make space for your voice, and that kind of mentorship will shape you far more than any impressive-sounding title or the "right" department ever could.

Serena Helewicz - she/her/hers

Major(s): Biochemistry & Psychology

Mentor: Dr. Alicia Bolt (College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Current Research Title: The Effects of Cadmium on Adipogenesis and Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Bone Niche

Description: My research explores how the heavy metal cadmium contributes to the progression and metastasis of breast cancer, with a particular focus on its role in promoting metastasis to the bone. Cadmium is a widespread environmental contaminant used in industries such as agriculture, paints, and metal alloys, leading to frequent human exposure. This project investigates the mechanisms by which cadmium-induced bone marrow adipogenesis may facilitate breast cancer metastasis. The findings have the potential to inform future toxicological guidelines and identify thresholds for cadmium exposure that are especially critical for breast cancer patients.

When, how, why you got involved in research: Going into college, I had some very personal experience with cancer and knew I wanted to go into the oncology field, focusing on pediatric systemic cancers. Initially, I aspired to attend medical school and become a pediatric oncologist at UNM. However, after attending the 2023 UNM Health Professions Symposium, I realized my passion lay more in developing innovative cancer therapies than in clinical practice alone. This realization sparked a shift in my goals, and I decided to pursue an MD/PhD with the intent of leading translational oncology research that bridges the gap between laboratory discovery and patient care. With this new direction in mind, I actively sought out research opportunities through the URAD advising office. There, I was informed about various avenues for getting involved in research. The year after that, I applied to some of the programs recommended by URAD and was fortunate enough to be accepted into the URISE program, which allowed me to choose a lab that aligned with both my scientific interests and values. While I knew I wanted to work on cancer research, finding a supportive and intellectually engaging mentor was my top priority. Joining the Bolt lab has been one of the most pivotal decisions of my undergraduate career. As I begin my senior thesis in the Bolt lab this year, I'm filled with excitement for the work ahead.

Piece of advice: Get involved in research early and with a good mentor! I didn't join research sooner because I assumed I needed to be in some kind of program to get any financial support, but that isn't true. Sometimes all you have to do is ask if your faculty mentor has any funding to pay you to work as a research assistant.

Melyssa Zurasky - she/her/hers

Major: Psychology

Mentor(s): Katie Witkiewitz, Ph.D., Psychology Department, Ikela Moniz-Lewis, M.S., Psychology Department

Current Research Title: Understanding Mechanisms for Substance Use Treatment: The Role of Locus of Control in Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention and other Traditional Approaches

Description: The research lab I am part of focuses on mindfulness-based interventions for substance use disorder, mechanisms of change, and addressing stigma. Our current focus is on evaluating the effectiveness of online Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) groups. My personal research involves a secondary analysis of Bowen et al. (2014), which examines Locus of Control as a mechanism of behavior change within MBRP.

When, how, why you got involved in research:

I had limited knowledge of research when I began exploring my options for graduate school. I was uncertain whether to pursue a master's degree in social work to become a therapist or to seek a PhD in Clinical Psychology. To make an informed decision, I talked with my professors about their experiences and recommendations. They highlighted that in order to make a decision, I needed to determine if I was even interested in research. I discovered the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program), where Jennifer Payne provided me with invaluable guidance on how to approach potential research projects, including what a 499 project might entail. Moreover, I was fortunate to have a current PhD student in Clinical Psychology as my instructor. I frequently sought his advice, which proved immensely beneficial. After the semester, he invited me to serve as a research assistant in his lab and assist with his dissertation. In Spring 2025, I was also accepted into the McNair Program, which offers the opportunity to conduct a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Piece of Advice:

My biggest piece of advice is to ask and look for opportunities continually. If you want to do research, there are plenty of opportunities, but you cannot wait for them to come to you. Actively seek them and be willing to get out of your comfort zone.