Discoverer’s Week

Engaging in undergrad research

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign prides itself on student research engagement.

Kalyani does geochronology research under the RFK Science Research Institute. The university has been discovering and breaking ground on new research ever since the year 1867. Due to the major recognition and research advancement done on campus, the university has become one of the top, public research institutions in the world.

Kalyani is a junior at Illinois majoring in industrial organizational psychology and English. After finishing undergrad, she plans on pursuing a graduate degree at Illinois’ School of Labor & Employment to one day have a career in human resources or higher education administration. Kalyani does geochronology research under the RFK Science Research Institute. Starting in 2014, she got her foot in the door by emailing one of her professors explaining her interests in his lab. She has been with them ever since. Her professor/mentor is connected to the Illinois Geological Survey through a Senior Quaternary Geologist, Brandon Curry. Brandon works for Quaternary and Engineering Geology at Illinois.

Kalyani started as a senior researcher and a lab technician for three years. During that time, she led groups of younger students and ensured they were on task and performing to the best of their ability. While being a part of RFK Research Institute she has given lectures at conferences and published more than nine papers in leading geochronology journals, such as the “Paleoanthropology Society of America,” the “Journal of Biology,” and the “Siemens Foundation.”

Kalyani studies psychology and English in the College of LAS. Kalyani’s great accomplishments through research have most importantly given her confidence and helped her to realize her passion for leadership and working in managerial roles. With her experience on a research team, Kalyani has moved out of her comfort zone and worked on her professional skills. Research has allowed her to network immensely and work with other researchers with whom she has made long-lasting bonds.

The research she has engaged in at RFK Research Institute has allowed her to impact her community by teaching others about their ancestral background and the importance of climate change. She recommends students get involved with undergraduate research, because it will push students past their boundaries professionally and socially. The other benefit of research is that it can bolster resumes regardless of field and strengthen analytical and technical skills. Kalyani is forever thankful for the innovative and impactful experiences she has been able to be a part of throughout her time in Illinois’ undergraduate research program.