Scholars Transforming Through Research
Faculty Mentor Name
Qingwen Dong
Research or Creativity Area
Humanities & Arts
Abstract
The Scholars Transforming Through Research program allows undergraduate students to engage with lawmakers and understand the importance of undergraduate research. During this experience, students attend various online webinars that prepare them for their meetings with congressional representatives and allow them to meet with other students within the program. The culmination of the program occurs when students travel to Washington, DC to present to congressional representatives regarding the importance and impact of undergraduate research.
Four undergraduate researchers, Valeria Rosseau Nunez, Bellynda Trinh, Sarah Morgan-Rosales, and Kaitlyn Ferreira, took part in the program for the 2025-2026 academic year. These individuals attended two meetings with legislative staffers in Adam Schiff’s and Josh Harder’s offices. During these meetings, all individuals were able to communicate independently with the staffer to explain their experiences and desires for undergraduate research in the future. This program was a truly transformational experience for the students at University of the Pacific, as they were able to learn how to advocate, engage with students from different universities, and present their stories to US representatives.
Scholars Transforming Through Research
The Scholars Transforming Through Research program allows undergraduate students to engage with lawmakers and understand the importance of undergraduate research. During this experience, students attend various online webinars that prepare them for their meetings with congressional representatives and allow them to meet with other students within the program. The culmination of the program occurs when students travel to Washington, DC to present to congressional representatives regarding the importance and impact of undergraduate research.
Four undergraduate researchers, Valeria Rosseau Nunez, Bellynda Trinh, Sarah Morgan-Rosales, and Kaitlyn Ferreira, took part in the program for the 2025-2026 academic year. These individuals attended two meetings with legislative staffers in Adam Schiff’s and Josh Harder’s offices. During these meetings, all individuals were able to communicate independently with the staffer to explain their experiences and desires for undergraduate research in the future. This program was a truly transformational experience for the students at University of the Pacific, as they were able to learn how to advocate, engage with students from different universities, and present their stories to US representatives.
