Because of You: Undergraduate Research Thrives at Baylor
Thanks to the generosity of the Baylor Family to the President's Excellence Fund, students across disciplines are engaging in transformative research experiences. Your support fuels discovery, mentorship, and meaningful impact, on campus, in the community, and around the world.
2024–2025 Impact at a Glance
Your support made a difference in countless ways this year. Undergraduate researchers:
- Engaged in hands-on, faculty-mentored research across diverse disciplines
- Presented at national and international conferences
- Earned prestigious awards and fellowships
- Contributed to publications and ongoing scholarly work
- Applied their knowledge to real-world challenges in local and global communities
For detailed outcomes and data, view the 2024–2025 Annual OEL Report
Note: Research opportunities play a critical role in the preparation for students to study and research at the highest levels! For example, check out these 2024 Fulbright Scholars.
Student Spotlights
Undergraduate research at Baylor is open to students from all disciplines and classifications -from first-year students to seniors, and from the sciences to the humanities and arts. The following highlights showcase the breadth of inquiry and excellence made possible through your support.
Berkley Ponce | Political Science
Mentor: Patrick Flavin
Explored how socioeconomic status affects civic engagement.
Outcome: Presented at the McNair Scholars Research Conference in Miami.
Abigail Pitts | Biology
Mentor: Aaron Wright
Used proteomics to study stress-response proteins in Brassica plants.
Outcome: Best Poster Award at an international conference in London.
Aaron Basurto | Medical Humanities
Mentor: Devan Stahl
Researched how cultural values shape end-of-life care decisions.
Outcome: Attending Yale University, Master of Public Health, with a focus on Health Policy and Global Health.
Leah Kalinoff | Neuroscience
Program: Provost’s Scholar
Conducted aquaponics research at Urban REAP, linking neuroscience and sustainability.
“It’s a perfect blend of science and purpose.”
Elizabeth Siatkowski | English
Mentor: Melisa Dracos
Studied voseo in Argentine Spanish during a short-term study abroad.
Outcome: Awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Award in Argentina.
Madilyn Johnson | Neuroscience
Mentor: Dr. Elisabeth Vichaya
Studied oxidative stress in a diabetes model.
Outcome: Outstanding Poster Presentation at URSA Scholars Week.
Graphic Design Cohort
Mentor: Genaro Solis Rivero
Ten students presented at a national design conference.
Outcome: Gained professional exposure and creative development.
Program Spotlight: iBEARS
Inclusive Biologists Exploring Active Research with Students
A collaborative, NSF-funded initiative where Baylor undergraduates mentor 3rd-8th graders in science research.
- Spring 2024: Expanded to Valladolid, Mexico via URSA ALURE Grant
- Summer 2024: Students traveled to the Yucatán to teach and evaluate impact
- Outcome: Statistically significant knowledge gains among students; presented at Baylor’s “Summer of Discovery” symposium
Thank You for Investing in Discovery
Your support through the President's Excellence Fund and annual giving makes these transformative experiences possible. Together, we are shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders.
Most importantly, your generosity helps expand and enrich the circles within which our students move and grow - so they may strive toward what the First Epistle to Timothy calls “the life that really is life.” Through research, mentorship, and discovery, they are learning to maximize their God-given potential for the good of their neighbors, friends, families, communities, and the world at large.