Rhodes students Jennifer Bui ’26, Hugh Ferguson ’27, Layla Lammers ’27, Trinity Liaw ’25, and Catherine Prabish ’27 traveled to Washington, D.C., in March to discuss their undergraduate research with U.S. senators and representatives. The trip was part of their participation in the Students Transforming Through Research Advocacy Program presented by The Council on Undergraduate Research.
Trinity Liaw, a senior chemistry major, works with chemistry professor Dr. Larryn Peterson studying the synthesis of dopamine derivatives to further understand the physiological relevance of catecholamines as chronotropic agents.
“This experience allowed me to meet with the offices of both Tennessee Senators—Senator Blackburn and Senator Hagerty—and Congressman Cohen to advocate for the importance of undergraduate research. I was able to convey the impact research has had on me and my development, including my critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, and to talk to the policymakers about the role of undergraduate research moving forward,” said Liaw about the D.C. trip. “This opportunity was immensely rewarding, as I was able to see firsthand the various moving parts behind the advocacy process along with the amount of work, dedication, and tact that is involved and to hear from other individuals from across the country to better understand how policy affects everyone differently.”
Prabish, a sophomore physics major, has worked in the Physics Laboratory for Ultrasonic Studies led by physics professor Dr. Brent Hoffmeister.
“I had never visited Washington, D.C., so to be able to directly speak with the Tennessee senators’ staffers to advocate for undergraduate research was a very special experience,” said Prabish. “The opportunities I have had at Rhodes have also allowed me to pursue undergraduate research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this summer.”