I’d like to share with you a story about one of our Undergraduate Academy students. Marissa came to UB from Oakdale, NY to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a music minor concentration in violin. As a freshman, she joined the Research Exploration Academy led by Dr. Tracy Gregg from the Department of Geology. Through her academy seminar, Marissa was introduced to research, how it is conducted and how it impacts our community. The following spring, Marissa and her classmates designed an individual research project investigating the relationship between hours spent on schoolwork and GPA and presented it to students, faculty and staff at the University’s Annual Celebration of Academic Excellence.

With one year already under her belt, Marissa decided to investigate further research opportunities in the psychology department. She soon found herself in the Social Psychophysiology Lab with Dr. Seery.  In the lab, Marissa was responsible for connecting participants to sensors so that any physiological changes that occurred during the experiment could be detected. This particular lab investigates important issues such as self-esteem, stereotype-threat, and ego-depletion. Completing a full year of research has encouraged Marissa to continue research over the summer and to pursue a PhD in psychology.

While focusing on her academic studies, Marissa has also taken advantage of the many co-curricular activities available on campus such as the UB Symphony Orchestra, the University Student Alumni Board, and the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology. In addition, Marissa believes it is her responsibility to “pay it forward” and serves as a mentor to undergraduates through the Scholars Program and the Academies Mentoring program. This spring Marissa was accepted into UB’s Advanced Honors College. She continues to impress us with her energy and accomplishments.

Marissa’s story is just one of the many success stories that have emerged from UB’s Undergraduate Academies. These living and learning communities are for students, faculty, and staff interested in the common themes of Civic Engagement, Global Perspectives and Research Exploration. They strive to engage students, help them gain appreciation for various topics, and introduce them to the many avenues available to them, so that they can get involved and make a difference in their community, both on and off campus.

I invite you to encourage your students to consider the Undergraduate Academies so that they may develop a unique undergraduate experience that will undoubtedly provide them with an extraordinary experience as well as a competitive profile!

To learn more, visit http://academy.buffalo.edu.

Hadar Borden
Administrative Director
Undergraduate Academies