Reflections from a near peer mentor

The author (4th from left) attending an outreach event in Whitesburg, KY with the University of Kentucky Superfund trainees

Hello all!

My name is Tyler Gripshover, I am a Near-Peer Mentor for the SURES 2019 program and was also a SURES student during the 2017 run and would first off like to say that it was a privilege to be involved at both levels. Students accepted into this summer research program have the opportunity to get additional or possibly their first look into how modern research is conducted. They are able to select their preferred department or laboratory to work in early on so that they can explore one of the vast regions of science that interests them. During this program, they are also exposed to career and educational paths, research or work that a typical person may not be aware of, and general well-rounded development opportunities weekly. Students work hands-on in their laboratories with their faculty mentors and obtain a sense of pride and ownership of all the hard work they did over the summer while also preparing them for professional programs, graduate school, or the workforce. I highly recommend this program because of how much one can learn and make a difference for themselves and their community. The student’s involvement alone can make a dull, uneventful summer into a fun, educational, and developmental one. My first time ever conducting formal research and mentoring a student was during the 2017 and 2019 SURES program, respectively. If I could narrow down and emphasize my experience into one word from both of my times with the SURES program and Dr. Hollie Swanson, it would be progression. I strongly believe my experience as a student and Near-Peer Mentor in the SURES program has contributed to my development as a person and as a future researcher. Before the summer of 2017, I had an idea of what careers I wanted to pursue, but it wasn’t quite concrete. Because of my involvement, I have finally found my passion in life while also giving me the tools for my current and future success. I also would like to add that if you are a student who is looking for this sort of opportunity while also needing to pay for rent/bills/food etc., look no more, the grant funding this program provides a stipend to the student and it is pretty great! Just remember if you are doing something you love, staying curious, and working hard, you can achieve anything you want! The SURES program is a fantastic way to begin your journey on making your mark on the ever-growing process of understanding we call science.