TOGETHER
WE CAN DO
GREAT THINGS

Joining the START Program was one of the highlights of my college career. Not only did it give me an opportunity to work in a lab where I had amazing mentors and learning opportunities, but it validated my abilities as a young Asian American woman to be successful in my chosen field. I am so proud of the work that my peers and I have accomplished during our year in the START program. The knowledge and connections that I have gained through research are invaluable, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!

"Prior to START, I did not see the value of getting involved at the University of Illinois, but the program changed that. Before START, I did not see myself as competent enough to be a contributing factor in a research lab, but the support and guidance I’ve received from Dr. Schwingel and the EPL staff have been invaluable in changing this mindset. I’ve been able to gain novel skills, experiences, and build a relationship with faculty that I believe will be very beneficial in my future endeavors."

"Difference can be challenging. If you've got a homogenous group of people who all think alike, it’s easier to reach a comfortable consensus. Diversity means including people with different perspectives, different experiences, different opinions, and perhaps different working styles or expectations. The companies that succeed in their diversity initiatives do a good job of managing those differences and creating a harmonious whole.”

"Being a part of the START program has given me so many opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. Learning about and being involved in aging research at UIUC is something that is so special and valuable for my future aspirations. I am also grateful to have been surrounded by a diverse group of individuals in this program. It is so important to see culturally and racially diverse perspectives in research."

"As a first-generation Asian American woman and a proud daughter of two immigrant parents, I embrace the values of determination, perseverance, and hard work instilled in me throughout my life. I strive to continuously exercise such principles and conducting research through the START program has given me the perfect opportunity to do so. I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped me develop as a student and a researcher."

"Being a first-generation woman of color in my family has inspired me to continue my education for myself and my parents who sacrificed so much by emigrating to the United States. I always wanted to be involved in research but did not know where to begin. The START program gave me the opportunity to learn and be part of a research program that has expanded my professional skills in the field of research and aging."

Being selected to be a part of the START program opened many new doors for me as a Black woman at a predominantly white institution. This program has enhanced my research experience and allowed me to feel like I can contribute to important conversations regarding the quality of life of the aging population. I have learned a vast amount of novel skills and areas of expertise within the aging research laboratory I am in. The networking and relationships I have built with professors within the college of Applied Health Sciences through START is invaluable!

"I'm passionate about research! It offers doorways to new information and ideas that feed my curiosity and motivate me to learn even more. Along with this, I was eager to find a research opportunity focusing on the aging population and was excited to be selected for the START program; it was a perfect fit".

"As a Latina woman interested in research, I’ve always recognized the need for more diverse voices in this field. Research is one of the most powerful tools in expanding our knowledge of the world and the START program has given these typically underrepresented voices a chance to be heard. As a START fellow, I have had the perfect opportunity to delve into the world of research in aging, gain valuable experience, and develop as both a student and researcher."

"Before the START program, I wasn’t as familiar with research that focuses on aging. It was interesting to hear about the different research that Applied Health Science professors are involved in throughout the program. The START program has made me more confident and eager to explore other aging topics in the future. I believe my African American background contributes to healthy aging in different aspects."

"I used to think that it was extremely hard for undergraduate students to be involved in research labs, while START program completely changed my mind. In the past year, not only did I learn about the wealth of research resources in AHS, I also got in touch with so many fellow undergraduate student researchers with the same passion in aging field. Especially as an international students, I feel recognized when my understanding of a different culture provides fresh perspectives and makes impact on the research work in lab."