Rachel Lee

About Me

Participating in Talaria allowed me to meet and get one-on-one support with a well-established mentor, it was an experience that I've never had elsewhere and I am immensely thankful for the opportunity. This program barred all of the obstacles I thought I couldn't overcome, and I was finally be able to perform research (with a college professor, at that!) which I think is super cool.

Research Experience

During the first two weeks, I wasn't very confident in my research paper. I was still getting used to the format of the paper and learning how to research, and I was honestly a little overwhelming with all of the information that was out there on the topic I wanted to make my project about. Throughout the program, I had a lot of support from my mentor which was really helpful to me. I got easily overwhelmed with the work but she broke it down into pieces for me, she provided helpful resources, she made herself available as a resource all of the time which I really appreciated given her busy schedule. As I met with my mentor more and I started actually writing, I got a more comfortable with performing my own research and writing my paper. Participating in Talaria reinforced my interest in the sciences, and a lot more knowledgable on the topic I decided to do my research paper on. It made me that much more passionate about pursuing a career in STEM and in research.

Mentorship Experience

My mentor was amazing! She always made herself available when I needed help, and she has offered to continue being a mentor for me past the conclusion of this program which I appreciate more than I can express. She provided resources, encouraged me when I was lost, helped me navigate sites, to name a few things. She helped me to believe in myself and gave me the determination to continue working on my paper.

Favorite Part of Talaria

Getting to meet with a well-established professor for help on my research paper! Getting that one-on-one help was so valuable, and the support I got from my mentor was unlike any kind of support I've gotten before.

Who I Recommend Talaria For

I would recommend Talaria for any student that is passionate about STEM but hasn't had the opportunity to try research yet. It is so valuable to be able to learn to research, especially in a topic you're passionate about. You really have free reign to explore whatever topic you want, which is so much different from science classes at school. Plus, you'll have the help of a well qualified mentor, who you might be able to really connect with and have as a resource beyond the program's conclusion.

Advice for Future Applicants

Apply, seriously! Talaria is such a valuable experience, you get to learn so much about the research process and you get to really delve deep into a topic that you're passionate about. You'll have the support of a really well-qualified mentor and all of the other students in Talaria, and you could make connections that last beyond the program's conclusion. It really is a cool program, and it's unlike any other program I've attended before. It helped me get out of a rut where I knew I wanted to pursue science but I didn't know how to start.