Getting more undergrad students into the lab

Real Research co-founder, Ria Menon, teaching undergraduate students how to work
Real Research co-founder, Ria Menon, teaching undergraduate students how to work in a laboratory
University of Waterloo researchers and graduate students strive to uncover new solutions to today’s complex challenges. But for some undergraduate s , there was a gap in opportunities additional l -world research experience outside their lab courses. Not anymore.

Waterloo alum Ria Menon (BSc ’24), is helping fill that gap with l’e c’h , a venture connecting undergraduate students with mentors to gain hands-on research and lab experience. 

"Working in research requires a lot of c tivity and innovation because when you’re working in a lab, you have to often think of new solutions to persevere around problems that you’re facing," says Menon, who majored in biomedical sciences. 

"C tivity and innovation sprout out new ideas which can lead to new discoveries. I believe that’s a crucial part of research that a lot of researchers love." 

Getting involved in research often requires undergraduate students to take 400-level classes, also known as senior thesis courses, or to have connections that can help them access research opportunities earlier. Now, lower-year students can apply to be in the l’e c’h program and complete it as part of the University’s EDGE certificate , a unique experiential education program that lets students aren’t enrolled in co-op gain professional skills and explore career options.

Co-founded with Waterloo alumni Tiffany Tchigio (BSc ’24) and Nicole Soja (BSc ’23), l’e c’h also offers information sessions to deepen students’ research knowledge beyond the classroom. These sessions will feature insights from professors and graduate students and provide information about olarships for further opportunities. 

"Since spring 2023, l’e c’h has helped more than 50 undergraduate students get involved with research... it’s a forward cycle where we’re helping other people l’ize their passions in research as well," Menon says. Her undergraduate lab experience played a large role in her decision to pursue a career in research. 

Menon plans to continue advocating for research opportunities as a crucial part of a student’s educational experience and to foster the next generation of researchers.
Angelica Marie Sanchez