A team of students from University of the Pacific learned how to conduct and advocate for undergraduate research on the national level as part of the Scholars Transforming Through Research program.

The five-month program, offered through the Council for Undergraduate Research, provides training and experiential learning opportunities, recently culminated in a visit to Washington, D.C.

Under the guidance of Professor of Communication Qingwen Dong, students Karen Nateras Perez ’25, Jessica LaCap ’25 and Elizabeth Monterroso ’25 completed monthly trainings on presenting research, communicating with diverse audiences, professional writing and more.

“I learned how to apply my research to the real world,” Monterroso said. “Not only did I learn how to improve my research, but I also learned how to advocate for my findings. For example, I thought sharing research findings should be left to professors and professionals. This program taught me how to write op-eds and letters to share my research.”

More than 140 undergraduate researchers participated in the program, representing more than 50 institutions across 22 states. The program teaches critical communication skills to researchers to help communicate research and its impact with critical audiences, such as the public, future donors and congressional members.

“None of the three students had been to D.C., so for them to go there was an experience to realize that their knowledge can be used in a real-world setting. That's an eye-opening experience,” Dong said. “This undergrad research program is a great opportunity for our students, particularly the students who have limited resources.”

Undergraduate research is a hallmark of Pacific education and is offered to students across disciplines.  The experience helps students see connections in their studies and put their new-found knowledge into practice.

Perez focused her research project on solutions to solving homelessness. During the trip to D.C., she spoke to Congressman Josh Harder about her project and was able to ask questions about how the problem could be solved long-term.

Dong said it’s an experience that helps students realize their voices matter and their projects have the potential to create change.

“They get so excited, and it’s such an important experience. As a result of the program, they feel that undergrad research is not just a research project. It’s something that can be done in the long term and in the real world,” he said.

The team invited Congressman Harder to Pacific’s Research and Creativity Showcase event April 26 on the Stockton Campus where he spoke to student researchers about the importance of their impact. The annual event, started in 2001, provides a platform for students to present research findings on a wide range of projects.

“My voice is being heard. All the students were able to advocate for their research and to continue funding undergraduate research. It is helping current students and future generations to continue doing undergraduate research,” Perez said.