UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research

Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (ELCE) honors students in experience-based learning programs.

ELCE’s Office of Undergraduate Research supports students who conduct original research or participate in the research process under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Two students are being recognized for outstanding achievement in undergraduate research in 2019-2020. Since research happens in every discipline, we recognize one student in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) and one in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Their stories help to illustrate why the University of Cincinnati is the number one public university for co-ops and internships.

Bedika Pathak, Biology

portrait of Bedika Pathak

As an undergraduate, Bedika Pathak serves on a research team at Cincinnati Children’s. Photo/Provided.

Bedika Pathak has been involved with spina bifida research at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center since 2017. She has contributed to various journal publications, and she presented at the Society for Neuroscience international conference in 2019. She enjoys helping students get involved with research through the Undergraduate Research Society. Of her experience at Children’s, Pathak says that by experiencing research firsthand, she has gained an appreciation for the efforts that stand behind every discovery.

Rachel Lettner, Double Bass Performance

portrait of a woman in a floral print dress holding an upright bass

As an undergraduate, Rachel Lettner studied musical identity among people who are deaf. Photo/Provided.

Musicologist-in-training Rachel Lettner has focused her studies on the music of politics and film. She conducted a self-guided research project regarding musical identity among the deaf community and was recently accepted to present her work at the 2020 National Conference of Undergraduate Research. Of her work, Lettner thanks UC visiting assistant professor of musicology Kristy Swift and says she “looks forward to a life full of musicology.”

Faculty and staff in Experience-Based Learning and Career Education facilitate real-world work experiences for students, teach students to prepare for their professional lives, and provide career services to students and alumni. At the same time, we connect employers and external partners with the talent they seek in a variety of arrangements both inside and outside the classroom.

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