Undergraduate Research Center

Peer Mentor Scholars

Attention Faculty – Peer Mentor Class Visits

URECA Peer Mentors are available to visit classrooms and share information about the URECA program. To request a URECA representative to provide details on this undergraduate research opportunity, please complete and submit this form.

Request a Class Visit!

Introducing the 2025-26 URC Peer Mentor Scholars

The role of the Peer Mentor Scholar is to mentor students interested in getting involved with undergraduate research and provide guidance related to URECA grants (proposal, budget, timeline) and the dissemination process.

Meet your Creative Activity and Non-STEM Peer Mentor: Melissa Guinn

Melissa is a junior majoring in Cybersecurity with a minor in Business Administration. She is a Peer Mentor Scholar with the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR). This is her third year conducting research on a variety of topics, and she has received two Platinum Scholar-level URECA grants for her work on cybercrimes and sexual violence.

mmg5c@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Meet your STEM Peer Mentor: Emily Olson

Emily is a senior Biochemistry and Physics double major with a minor in Music. She is a Peer Mentor Scholar with the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR). This is her third year of conducting research in a variety of topics and has received two Silver Scholar level URECA grants in her research in optical biophysics.

“The research journey can be both fun and challenging at times. When you come to a time that you don’t know what to do, there are many resources at MTSU that can help you in your next steps, including myself. I can’t wait to help you along in your research journey!”

– Emily

elo2m@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Meet your Outreach Peer Mentor: Cathrine Hasan

Cathrine is a junior majoring in Biochemistry with a University Honors minor and a Pre-Medical concentration. She currently serves as a Peer Mentor Outreach Scholar for the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR). She has received an assistant-level URECA grant to support her research in the biological sciences.

“Since starting at MTSU, I’ve always craved going beyond classroom lectures and applying what I was learning in real-world settings. Research has given me the opportunity to explore my interests and challenged me in the best ways. As a peer mentor, I’m here to help you navigate the world of undergraduate research and take full advantage of the opportunities MTSU offers. I know getting involved can feel intimidating or out of reach, but I’m here to be a resource and guide to help you overcome any challenges.”

– Cathrine

cah2ce@mtmail.mtsu.edu

2024-2025

STEM Peer Mentor:Emily Callison

Emily is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a pre-medical concentration and minors in Biology, Chemistry, and University Honors. She is the STEM Peer Mentor Scholar and the READY to SOAR Coordinator for the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR). Emily has conducted research for the past two years, involving two different projects. Her research experience includes multiple poster presentations, as well as two NCBI GenBank publications for her research in genomic annotation. She has also received two URECA grants (an Assistant level award and a Silver Scholar level award) to support her research in the biological sciences.

“Every great discovery begins with a spark of curiosity, a desire to bridge the gap between the known and unknown, and the mind of a dreamer. Though, I have found that on the path to discovery, the guidance and support of those who have walked the path before me are one of the greatest keys to success. As you embark on your research journey, remember that you are not alone. I am here to offer my support and mentorship to you as a fellow researcher, undergraduate student, and, above all else, as a friend. Together, we will overcome whatever challenges you may face, celebrate each milestone, and turn your dreams into a reality. Let’s embrace the unknown with the confidence that there is no limit to what you can achieve with a bit of guidance and a whole lot of determination.”

– Emily

Creative Activity and Projects Peer Mentor: Connor Prim

Connor is a senior Instrumental Music Education major with minors in Secondary Education and University Honors. He is a Peer Mentor Scholar with the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR). His research experience includes presentations in six states and the International Conference on Undergraduate Research. He has received two URECA grants to fund his projects on music education (an Assistant level award and a Silver Scholar level award).

“The Undergraduate Research Center has been an invaluable resource to me in my time at MTSU. It has opened the door to so many opportunities I never could have imagined, and I am so excited to help others reach their true potential. The research process can be intimidating at first, but I am happy to help you overcome those hurdles that we all face when getting started. You don’t have to face this journey alone!”
- Connor

2023-2024

Emilie Conners

Emilie is a member of MTSU’s Honors College and is a senior Marketing major with a concentration in Professional Selling. She is currently a Peer Mentor Scholar for the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR). She is an Honors College Transfer Fellow as well as a student worker for the Jones College Advising Center. She has received an assistant-level URECA grant pertaining to her research in the marketing field.

It wasn’t too long ago when I was at the beginning of my research journey with lots of questions and hesitations. I know the process can feel overwhelming and is a lot to handle on your own. I’m happy to tell you that it’s not something you have to navigate on your own; I’m just one of the many resources here to help you see the potential in yourself and in your work. With the knowledge I’ve gained from my research experience, I’d love to assist you in overcoming any challenges you may be facing in regard to your research journey. – Emilie