Make An Appointment with an Undergraduate Research Ambassador
You can get help learning, finding, and applying for Research opportunities by meeting with an Undergraduate Research Ambassador! Undergraduate Research Ambassadors are undergraduate students familiar with the process of finding and getting research experiences. Get help finding research that fits your interests, learn about the variety of opportunities, help with the application process, emailing faculty and more! Appointments are both in-person or over zoom.
How to Make an Appointment:
- Log in to arizona.joinhandshake.com using your NetID and password.
- Click on Career Center in the left-hand side menu.
- Click on Appointments.
- Select Schedule a New Appointment.
- Select University of Arizona Career Advising.
- You may also see advising centers that are specific to your major when you get to this option. The option for University of Arizona Career Advising is open to students of all majors.
6. Select the correct Undergraduate Research Ambassador option:
- All students can select Meet with an Undergraduate Research Ambassador
- Honors students may receive support specific to the Honors College by selecting Meet with a W.A. Franke Honors College Undergraduate Research Ambassador
- You can update your preferences at any time by clicking the Category, Type, Staff Member, or Appointment Medium boxes at the top of the scheduling page
Meet the Undergraduate Research Ambassador Team!
Desiree Nguyen
Neuroscience & Cognitive Science (Neurobiology Emphasis), Psychological Sciences, and Molecular & Cellular Biology Major
Hello! My name is Desiree, and I am a senior majoring in Neuroscience & Cognitive Sciences, Psychological Sciences, and Molecular & Cellular Biology, graduating a year early in Spring 2024 to pursue an Accelerated Master’s in Molecular Biology. After college, I plan to attend medical school while continuing my research in aging.
A few fun facts about me: I am a Flinn Scholar and had the life-changing opportunity to conduct sociological research in Finland on urban planning and education. I’m also completing an honors thesis in Dr. Taylor’s Insomnia-Sleep Health Lab and previously led research on cardiac activity in Dr. Ricoy’s Lab. Additionally, I worked as a research intern at Vanderbilt University, creating 3D reconstructions of mitochondrial structures in aged tissue.
As an Undergraduate Research Ambassador and MCB Ambassador, I’m passionate about increasing access to research for underclassmen. Outside of academics, I work as a medical assistant, volunteer as a Crisis Victim Advocate, and enjoy exploring Tucson’s concerts, festivals, and markets with friends.
Mariam Rana
Physiology & Medical Sciences and Public Health Major, Leadership Studies & Practice Minor
Hello! My name is Mariam, and I’m a senior from Tucson, AZ, studying at the University of Arizona in the Franke Honors Program. I’m double majoring in Physiology & Medical Sciences and Public Health, with a minor in Leadership Studies and Practice.
On campus, I’m involved in several organizations: I’m a tour guide with the Arizona Ambassadors, a member of the Blue Chip Leadership Program, and part of the Co-Ed medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon. I’m also on the Wildcat Events Board (WEB) and serve as both a peer mentor and an ambassador for the Physiology department. My journey in research began in high school through the Bio5 KEYS research program, where I discovered a passion for research that continues to grow.
Some of my hobbies include hiking, painting, and running. In my free time, I love exploring Tucson’s local restaurants and spending quality time with friends and family.
Soleil Robinson
Biochemistry Major, Spanish Minor
Soleil is a senior with a major in Biochemistry and a minor in Spanish. In 2023, Soleil was a participant in the Surf+ internship through Valleywise Health in Phoenix, where she conducted research in fluid resuscitation and shadowed physicians. This experience fueled her interest in medicine as she is pursuing medical school after graduation. Soleil is also a research assistant at the Walti Lab, where they investigate how heat shock proteins, that are overexpressed during stress, work to prevent the misfolding of the Alzheimer’s Protein causing Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition to this, Soleil is the secretary for the Minorities Association for Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) that supports underrepresented students in their pre-medicine academic journey on campus. When she’s not studying, she loves to visit local coffee shops and collect vinyls for her record player.
Leili Falbinan
Biomedical Engineering Major, Mathematics Minor
Leili is a vibrant and passionate advocate for undergraduate research. She entered her first research experience her freshman year at the University of Arizona, unaware that it would become the transformative experience it has been. She now hopes to share her knowledge with other students, helping them feel less alone and overwhelmed.
Leili is majoring in Biomedical Engineering and comes to the URA team with extensive research experience. She was introduced to lab culture in the FREADOM lab with Dr. Perfect, then advanced to the Multi-Scale Brain Imaging lab with UROC, and was accepted to MARC during her junior year. This summer, she conducted research on nanovaccine development for neurodegenerative diseases in an REU at WASHU.
Collin Brown
Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology Major
Collin is active in implementation and support for community-building programs, including the Men of Color Cohort at the U of A, and as a Patient Experience Ambassador at Banner Health. Both roles highlight his commitment to enhancing belonging through communication.
The collaborative nature of research deeply inspires Collin and has built his experience in diverse, interdisciplinary cohorts through VIP, ASEMS, and UROC as a McNair scholar; where he earned the 30th UROC Outstanding Student Award. He has acquired extensive technical skills working in the Batlab with Dr. Wohlgemuth and is prepared to share his journey and eager to help students explore their curiosities within research.
Angel Marquez
Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry Major
Angel is a busy, high achiever! He is a member of the W.A. Franke Honors College, MCB Ambassador, a nationally certified EMT, and more, all while earning Dean’s list distinction and being awarded the Wildcat Excellence Scholarship.
Since September of 2024, Angel has engaged in multiple research opportunities such as the RAP program with Dr. Pacheco, developing a database. Currently, Angel is working with the Drug Preformulation, Repurposing and Delivery (D-PReD) Research Lab as an undergraduate researcher developing next-generation transdermal drug delivery systems.
Samontae Bown-Bess
Dance Major
Samontae is a passionate artist who believes deeply in the power of research through creative process, discovering how how resecan amplify the artistic voice and deepen the understanding of one’s sense of self. He now hopes to support other students as they navigate research opportunities with confidence and curiosity.
His work spans choreography, photography, and videography, and performance analysis informed by his professional experience in the entertainment industry. Through ongoing creative research, mentorship, and national performance opportunities Samontae is committed to making research feel accessible, affirming, and expansive for students from all backgrounds
Mindy Dinh
Mechanical Engineering Major
Mindy is an undergraduate engineering student with minors in marketing and classics, expected to graduate in May 2028. As a URA, she hopes to help students find research opportunities just like the UR department has done for her. Her research experience includes work with the Hazeli Research Group and the STAR Lab, as well as an independent project titled “Who am AI?: The Portrayal and Stereotypes of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipinos in AI Art.” In her free time, she likes sketching landscapes, catching up on her favorite shows, and going to concerts.
Ruhi Painaik
Mechanical Engineering Major
Ruhi is a sophomore who strongly advocates for undergraduate research. Her research journey
began in high school, conducting computational neuroscience research as well as
environmental health research at Arizona State University. In her freshman year, she joined the
Koshy Lab at the BIO5 Institute, where she currently investigates the role of different genes
involved in chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection. In the summer of 2025, she participated in the
Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP). Through her research experiences, she has
been involved in developing critical research skills and scientific communication.
Apart from the Undergraduate Research Ambassador team, Ruhi is involved in Street Medicine
Tucson as the Director of Finance, Flying Samaritans, and SPARCC as a Clinical Intern.
Outside of her academic endeavors, she loves trying new food and attending concerts
