New URAD Student Ambassadors to promote research

Four students at The University of New Mexico have been selected as Undergraduate Research, Arts and Design Network (URAD) ambassadors. The exceptional undergraduate researchers represent a variety of majors, backgrounds, research interests, and levels of education and will run URAD tables at events, visit classes, and promote undergraduate research in all disciplines.

The ambassadors will offer in-person and online appointments for peer advising and will answer student questions and share tips on how to get involved in research, where to look for opportunities, and how to maximize the undergraduate research at UNM. They will also manage URAD's Instagram account - follow them at urad_unm.

The new ambassadors are seniors Charlotte Auh, Meg Honnold, and John San Nicolas, and second-year student Audrey Lee.

Charlotte Auh

Auh is majoring in Elementary Education and Honors Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Her research topic is the academic experiences and identities of mixed race Hispanic and Asian American students at UNM. She is mentored by Shiv Desai of the UNM College of Education and Human Sciences. She plans to graduate in May 2025.

"Being a part of something new is always exciting and I am honored to be a part of the URAD team as one of the first student ambassadors. I can't wait to help students begin to see themselves as researchers and find their communities on campus," she said.

When Auh first learned about El Puente, her first research fellowship on campus, her first impression was that it wasn't for her.

"Research sounded like test tubes and statistics and other things that I knew nothing about. Still, I was convinced to take a leap and dove headfirst into research. Through my research journey, I have learned more about the things I love and myself, as a student, a teacher, and a human being. Now, I can say that I am a researcher, my research is important, and I haven't had to handle a single test tube," Auh said.

In her spare time, Auh enjoys making art using many media, including paper quilling, embroidery, and brush pens.

Megan Honnold

Honnold is majoring in Sociology and American Studies. She will graduate in December. Mentored by Distinguished Professor of Sociology Lisa Broidy, Honnold's research focus is on the student experience of homeschooling.

"I am thrilled to act as a URAD ambassador and peer mentor this semester," Honnold said. "Many students aren't aware of the extensive opportunities for undergraduate research at UNM and I'm eager to help make the process more findable and accessible. As a transfer student who didn't begin research until my third year, I hope to make fellow students aware that there is both a need for their work and a fit for them in undergraduate research."

"Research opportunities at UNM have defined my undergraduate career, expanding learning far beyond the classroom," she continued. "The institutional support and structure have allowed me to develop meaningful connections with multiple faculty mentors, produce and present my own research, and effectively prepare for the next step of graduate school. I am approaching the milestone of graduation with clarity, in large part due to the hands-on training I have gained through undergraduate research."

Audrey Lee

Lee is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering and a Certificate in Honors. She plans to graduate in 2027.

"Research is the pursuit of the unknown, an adventure into questions that remain unanswered," Lee said. "As an ambassador, my mission is to champion every facet of this exploration, ignite others' passions, and serve as a catalyst for innovative ideas. My goal is to be a vital resource, helping students maximize their undergraduate research experience and navigate the path of discovery with confidence and clarity."

Mentored by Jake Greenberg of the First Year Experience Program, Lee's research interests are student success and pass rates in Foundational Math at UNM and identifying organic compounds in abundant New Mexican plants, to developing culturally relevant organic chemistry teaching labs. She enjoys calligraphy, volunteering, coaching football, and beekeeping.

"My research experience at UNM has been nothing short of transformative, guiding me through a labyrinth of interdisciplinary exploration I had never anticipated," Lee said. "It has ignited my curiosity and equipped me with invaluable life skills that seamlessly translate across various fields. I am profoundly grateful for the undergraduate research opportunities at UNM and to my mentor, Dr. Jake Greenberg, whose guidance has been instrumental in uncovering my true passion."

John San Nicolas

With majors in Religious Studies and Philosophy, San Nicolas plans to graduate next spring. With Kathleen Holscher, associate professor of Religious Studies and American Studies and Endowed Chair of Roman Catholic Studies at UNM as mentor, his research focus is on Christianity and politics in America. His hobby is drumming.

San Nicolas admitted that the word "research" was intimidating at first.

"When my advisor first suggested it to me, I had no idea what it was or where to start. Now, as a student ambassador, I want to break those walls down and help others take advantage of the opportunities UNM has to conduct research, travel, and share their knowledge.," he said, adding, "As an undergraduate, the fellowships I've been a part of have taught me so much about research. But perhaps more importantly, they've surrounded me with other brilliant students who've shown me how to own your college career by pursuing your interests on your own terms."

Students interested in research will be able to connect with ambassadors on the URAD website.

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