My first project, completed over this past summer and fall, offered me a first-hand look into the practice of carrying out scientific research and the processes that come alongside it. In response to why she is excited and honored to receive this grant, Nicole said, “This will be the second grant award I have received through the UROP program. This ranges from participant parking compensation to purchasing proper PPE to carry out data collection in a safe and efficient manner throughout the ongoing pandemic.” “The financial support provided by UROP will be directed toward participant compensation and purchasing of necessary materials for data collection that will be continuing throughout the spring semester. This turned out to be a full-circle moment for me, as I was able to return and speak on this same UROP “Think Like a Researcher” panel this past fall about my work.” “I always knew undergraduate research was an interest of mine, and began reaching out and submitting applications the fall of my junior year. Nicole first heard of the UROP program in her freshman year of college when she attended the “Think Like a Researcher” workshop put on by UROP.
Currently, I am helping Jacquelyn write our next proposal to submit to the IRB for a subsequent study we are planning for in the spring that will compare ankle proprioceptive acuity of both manual and robotic measurement devices.” “My role includes anything from helping in participant recruitment to facilitating data collection and measurements during participant appointments. Nicole has been working with PhD student Jacquelyn Sertic on her research study that focuses on ankle proprioception in healthy older adults, with the hopes of ultimately applying this knowledge to individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Nicole Fall, a senior studying Biology in the College of Biological Sciences with a minor in Public Health, was awarded a research grant by the University Research Opportunities Program.