Author: Kelly Chandrapal

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

ELF Spotlight: Ellen Aughenbaugh

By Diana Bautista Hernandez, Student Media Assistant for OEL

Ellen Aughenbaugh ’26, a double major in Biological Sciences and Studio Art and 2025 Engaged Learning Fellow, showcased her project, Interlinked: Bridging Art and Science this semester at the Jordan Gallery in the Owens Art Center. Aughenbaugh’s vision was to bridge the field of art and science together in an exhibit collection of oil paintings and charcoal drawings. She invited the viewer to contemplate not just the art but the deeper connection that it shares with the world of science.

What is your project about?

Interlinked is an interdisciplinary artistic research project that bridges the fields of art and science. The project culminated in a gallery exhibition inviting viewers to contemplate the similarities between the two disciplines as they intertwine in their search for truth and beauty. I primarily created oil paintings and charcoal drawings, focusing on neuroscience-related themes.

What was one moment during this project that really stuck with you?

One moment that really stuck with me was the moment of the exhibition itself, when the private, often lonesome work of creating art suddenly became public. Seeing my pieces up on the wall, framed and lit, was an entirely different experience from seeing them scattered across the floor of my studio. It felt like they transformed in a way I hadn’t expected. What was even more striking was witnessing how different groups reacted: scientists, artists, interdisciplinary thinkers, and even people who didn’t consider themselves part of either world. Everyone brought their own questions and perspectives, and each related to my work in unique ways. I was surprised and moved by how many people, regardless of their background, wanted to know more about the scientific inspirations behind my work. It reminded me that curiosity is universal, and that art can be a bridge between fields that might seem separate at first glance.

In what ways did this experience help you grow or push you outside of your comfort zone?

One thing that really pushed me outside of my comfort zone during this project was figuring out how to make science feel personal and empathetic. As a portrait artist, I’m used to people immediately connecting with faces- there’s an instant emotional reaction. With Interlinked, I had to find a way to make cells, anatomical sketches, and synapses feel just as relatable and emotionally provocative. It challenged me to push my craft further, and to find humanity inside the structures and processes that make us who we are.

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Undergraduate Research Student Spotlight: Alison Kellom

Written by Diana Bautista Hernandez, Student Media Assistant for OEL

Alison Kellom, a senior undergraduate student (Class of ’25) pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences, dedicated time to research a crucial need in the field of oncology. Her project, Reversing Chemotherapy Resistance in Aggressive Forms of Cancer, mentored by Dr. Pia Vogel (Biological Sciences), dives deep into lab research and trials of different proteins through computational methods.

Over the past 40 years, researchers have struggled to find a solution to the survival of aggressive cancers. Even when patients are administered different drugs in chemotherapy, some cancer cells survive; these cells are called “multidrug resistant.” Dr. Vogel’s lab is working with novel compounds in vitro to develop a clinical model that can screen the success rate of treatments. As a result, patients may experience quicker recoveries and a much better quality of life during chemotherapy. Through the Engaged Learning Fellowship, Kellom gained hands-on experience tackling this issue.

This unique project has not only contributed to the field but also has left Alison with a personal takeaway. She explains that her biggest lesson was learning to accept that you cannot control the results, especially in science. “Science doesn’t always go your way,” she says. During weekly lab meetings, she often found herself with little or no presentable data, which was initially discouraging. However, she soon realized that data points aren’t the only measure of learning and progress. “Eventually I learned that you don’t always need to get results to learn in the lab!” This resulted in helping her build a strong foundation in research, adding, “you can draw from in the future.” As Alison puts it, “I truly believe that the ability to make mistakes during research is the only way science could progress!”

 

 

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Engage Together Partnership Puts SMU Students at the Heart of Anti-Trafficking Research

Text "Engage Together"

This year, SMU’s Office of Engaged Learning and the Human Trafficking Data Research Project partnered with Engage Together, an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending human trafficking. The collaboration centers on a large-scale community mapping project designed to identify and visualize all programs and services across the state that address human trafficking and support high-risk populations.

Ten SMU students were selected as Engage Together Fellows to support the organization’s efforts. The fellows worked with community organizations to encourage their participation in the project, and helped gather data using the Community Assessment Survey.

This paid internship allowed students to take on a meaningful role in addressing a critical social issue while gaining valuable experience in community-based research. Economics major Ritney Coleman ’25, who served as SMU’s Lead Research Fellow, shared:

“I saw how powerful collaboration can be in creating real impact—and it was rewarding to play a role in gathering the data that helps make that possible.”

SMU’s partnership with Engage Together is built on shared values of research, education, and community impact. Ashleigh S. Chapman, JD, Founder and CEO of Engage Together, highlighted the importance of university partnerships in addressing complex social challenges like human trafficking:

“We launched Engage Together for DFW in 2024, and we were thrilled to welcome both SMU’s Office of Engaged Learning and the Human Trafficking Data Research Project as part of the Steering Committee. Together, we are providing students experiential learning opportunities, engaging faculty in deep-dive research projects, and supporting community and national stakeholders through convenings and strategy sessions. And we’re just getting started!”

With the data collected from SMU student fellows, Engage Together is preparing a comprehensive assessment of anti-trafficking efforts across 17 counties in North Texas with data from 867 organizations. The report highlights the region’s strengths, identifies service gaps and vulnerabilities, and outlines key opportunities for more coordinated, community action.

Looking ahead, SMU will continue its partnership as the initiative enters Phase 2, working with the community to strengthen their strategies to meet needs and fill gaps.

As Chapman notes, “Human trafficking is a complex issue that requires comprehensive solutions. To succeed, communities must collaborate across sectors to bring everyone’s strengths to bear. SMU is a shining example of how a university—its students, faculty, and centers—can change things on behalf of those in need. Thank you! And onward—together.”

On June 9 and 10, the SMU Human Trafficking Data Research (HTDR) Project, led by Dr. Beth Wheaton-Paramo, is hosting the 2025 SMU Human Trafficking Data Conference with the theme “Strategies for Effective Human Trafficking Data.” The conference brings together researchers, practitioners, law enforcement and governmental officials, nonprofit organizations, data scientists, and other stakeholders who value the quality, availability, and efficacy of human trafficking data. For more information and registration link, visit the conference website.

 

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Undergraduate Research Poster Session during Research and Innovation Week

SMU’s Research and Innovation Week 2025 will take place Monday, March 31-Friday, April 4. The week includes a series of presentations, panels and poster sessions showcasing student and faculty contributions.

The Undergraduate Research Poster Session will take place Tuesday, April 1, from 2-5 p.m. in the Moody Hall Atrium. Prizes are awarded for the Top 3 posters overall. We hope you will stop by to support the undergraduate researchers presenting!

2025 Undergraduate Poster Session Presenters

For additional information and full list of events, visit the Research and Innovation Week site. The SMU community and the public are invited to attend all events.

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News Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

We are excited to announce the launch of SMU’s Global Career Accelerator

Student working with employer

Beginning in Summer 2025, SMU will offer undergraduate students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop in-demand skills, and enhance their intercultural competency through the Global Career Accelerator, a virtual internship program placing students on international teams to work on client-driven projects. 

Through this program, students will:  

  • Collaborate with peers from over 50 countries in an internship-style experience. 
  • Bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application through innovative capstone projects. 
  • Work on projects for top global companies like Intel, The Grammys, and Amazon. 
  • Earn 3 internship credits while developing critical industry skills. 
  • Engage in Global LiveLabs and interactive coursework designed to enhance intercultural communication and professional development. 

The program is open to all SMU students, with no prerequisites required. The flexible format ensures Mustangs can gain internship experience and enhance their career readiness while balancing academic and personal commitments.  

To learn more about the Global Career Accelerator program through Podium Education and its benefits, visit careeraccelerator.smu.edu.  

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Spring Undergraduate Research Opportunities

This spring there are multiple opportunities for students to get involved with undergraduate research whether they’re just beginning their research or ready to showcase their work. Please share these opportunities with students you know who may be interested.

Engaged Learning Starter Award

First-year or transfer students can apply for up to $500 to cover expenses related to a research project. Deadline to apply for spring is April 15. For more information and to apply, visit smu.edu/elsa.

Engaged Learning Fellowship

Student pursuing capstone level projects can apply for up to $2500 in funding. Deadline to apply for spring is April 15. Students can apply at smu.edu/elf.

Undergraduate Poster Session

SMU’s Research & Innovation Week takes place March 31 – April 4, highlighting research from undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. As part of the week, the Undergraduate Poster Session will be held Tuesday, April 1 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in Moody Hall. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to present their research, engage with the SMU community, and compete for prizes. We invite everyone to attend, ask students questions, and support their efforts.

Elizabeth Hood, a 2024 poster session winner, loved her experience. She shared:

My favorite part about presenting was answering people’s questions! The sociology of interethnic relationships is something I’m very passionate about, so receiving questions and being able to answer them was really inspiring—it gave me hope that this is a topic others care about as well!

For insights from past winners and tips for future presenters, check out this blog post from last spring. The deadline to apply to present is Monday, March 24. More details about Research & Innovation Week, along with guidelines and the sign-up link, can be found at smu.edu/riw.

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Honors and Scholars Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

Taos Honors & Scholars Application Deadline is March 7

This 4-week SMU-in-Taos program, running May 16 – June 17, 2025 offers six credit hours, Common Curriculum (CC) tags, and honors credits for eligible students. With small, discussion-based classes, a research project, and a cultural excursion to Santa Fe, students will engage deeply with the region while advancing academically. Financial aid and funding support are available.

We will be holding one last Open Advising event  on Wednesday, March 5 from 11:30am-12:30pm in the Scholars Den for students to ask staff questions about the program.

Students can also reach out to the following contacts with questions:

Encourage students to take advantage of this transformative Taos experience and apply today at smu.edu/taos.

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Honors and Scholars News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Big iDeas Business Plan Competition

The Office of Engaged Learning held its annual Big iDeas Business Plan Competition on Friday, February 14 where 11 student teams pitched their business plan to a panel of expert judges in 4 minutes.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 competition:

Justus Woods, Abbie Ellermeier, and Josh Baier, TimioNews

Jude Lugo, LectureLogger

Wade Hunter, Sandra

Amar Khoja, Jonathan Zanzuri, Dorm Room Cleans, Inc.

Benjamin Omoregbe, InternSurf

Special thanks to our judges Carson Gibbons (Founder of DallasMeetup), Jenica Oliver (CMO of Blueprint Marketing Group), Michael Kelly (Chief Strategy Office at Mozee), and Dr. Sara Rana (VC & Investor Relations, Capital Factory).

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News Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

Seeking SMU-entrepreneurs to sell or demo at the Big iDeas Marketplace

Marketplace vendor talking with customer.

The Office of Engaged Learning invites all SMU-affiliated entrepreneurs to sell their products, demo their apps, share brochures, etc., at the Big iDeas Marketplace on Friday, February 14th, from 10am-1pm.

If you have a business, no matter the size, we encourage you to participate in the event. We are still accepting applications from SMU faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Fill out the application form to reserve a table.

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Undergraduate Research Student Spotlight: Tran Lam

Headshot of Tran Lam

By Diana Bautista Hernandez, Student Media Assistant for OEL

Transportation inefficiencies have a major impact on both the environment and business profitability. Tran Lam, a senior Computer Science and Data Science major, is tackling these challenges as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. Under the mentorship of Dr. Eli Olinick in the Department of Operations Research and Engineering Management (OREM), Tran is working on mathematical modeling of network flow to develop faster, more scalable algorithms for solving large, complex routing problems in transportation. This is no simple task for a student. In an interview with Tran, she shares her experiences, challenges, and the goals she aspires to achieve through her work.

What inspired you to do research? 

Research offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into topics that genuinely interest me, beyond just what’s covered in classes. Instead of passively absorbing information, I get to engage directly with complex problems and try out different approaches. It’s a more dynamic way of learning where I’m not confined to fixed curriculum but can ask my own questions and find my own answers. It allows me to ask questions, get direct feedback, and refine my thinking. This hands-on experience helps me build critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any career path I choose later.

What types of support do you receive from your mentors?

They offered new perspective on tackling the problem, suggesting different methods and approaches that I hadn’t considered before. For instance, they guided me on using specific optimization techniques and shared insights from their own experiences working on related problems in logistics. This helped me refine my algorithms and improve the efficiency of my solution. Overall, their feedback and expertise played a key role in shaping the direction of my research and pushing it to higher level.

What do you hope people take away from your research? 

Through my research, I hope to demonstrate a practical approach to optimizing the profitability of backhaul trips, which is a critical aspect of logistics that often gets overlooked (a “backhaul trip” refers to the return journey of a vehicle carrying goods or cargo after completing a delivery). My goal is to show that even small improvements in planning backhaul routes can lead to significant gains in efficiency and profit for logistics and delivery companies. On a larger scale, I hope this work encourages industry professionals and researchers to explore new and creative strategies for reducing empty travel time and making the most out of every trip. Ultimately, I want my research to serve as a stepping stone for future innovations in logistics optimization, helping companies reduce costs, increase sustainability, and improve overall service quality.

What advice would you give to students interested in research but feeling intimidated?

I’d say that feeling intimidated is completely normal, especially if it’s your first time considering research. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that research isn’t about knowing everything from the start; it’s about the willingness to learn, experiment and adapt. My advice would be to embrace curiosity. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, no matter how simple they may seem. It’s surprising how much you can learn just having open conversation about your ideas. Additionally, don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes. I’ve learned that research is about finding what doesn’t work just as much as find what does. Even the setbacks are valuable because they help refine your approach.

For someone new to research, what’s the first step to take?

The first step is to find a topic that you’re genuinely curious about. Don’t worry if it’s not a groundbreaking idea right away, what matters is that it’s something you are excited to learn more about. Once you have a topic, start by doing some basic reading or literature review to understand what’s already been done in that area. This will help you identify gaps or question that you might want to explore further. Also, don’t be afraid to start small. Pick a specific problems or questions that you can tackle and build from there. The research process can seem daunting at first but taking that initial step with clear focus will give you a strong foundation on growing your skills and confidence.