College welcomes SURF fellows for a summer of research

Undergraduate research took center stage at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy’s Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium on July 17. The event showcased the work of Ohio State students, as well as three visiting fellows participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). 

SURF programs have long been a cornerstone in advancing undergraduate research nationwide. These competitive fellowships allow students to immerse themselves in research at leading universities and research institutions. 

“With the help of college mentors, SURF is a great opportunity for undergraduate students to contribute to answering critical scientific questions,” said Liva Rakotondraibe, PhD, professor and director of undergraduate research at the College of Pharmacy. “During their early years, undergraduate students are still exploring their areas of interest. This is a critical moment to prepare them for their future.” 

Every summer, the College of Pharmacy is among the many departments and colleges at Ohio State to welcome these promising scholars for a tailored research experience.  

“We’re looking for students who are curious, motivated and ready to learn,” said Jessica Costic, graduate program manager.  “Not necessarily the ones with the most lab experience, but those with genuine enthusiasm for research.”

This year's SURF fellows included: 

• Olivia Chase – Capital University – Fuchs Lab
• Jakayla Davis – Spelman College – Rakotondraibe Lab
• Ruchika Raj – New York University – Donneyong Lab 

Students are paired with a faculty mentor for the duration of the fellowship and are supported by graduate students, postdocs and lab staff. Beyond the lab, the College of Pharmacy offers workshops on research communication and graduate school preparation. 

“Over the years, the SURF program has built a solid reputation,” Costic said. “Undergraduates bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn, making them invaluable contributors to the research ecosystem.”  

While graduate students and postdoctoral researchers often take the lead in lab, SURF provides undergraduate students with the rare opportunity to step into leadership roles. Fellows are encouraged to explore advanced aspects of research, including project design, delegation and analysis – tasks that are typically reserved for more experienced lab members. 

“As someone aspiring to become a physician-scientist, engaging in research as an undergraduate student is a vital part of my preparation,” Raj said. “My experiences have shown me that meaningful contributions in science take time and persistence, but with curiosity, patience and a supportive lab environment, undergraduates like me can play a valuable role in advancing knowledge.” 

Olivia Chase worked with Daniel Adu-Ampratwum, PhD, research assistant professor, to investigate HIV therapeutics. Throughout the course of her research, Chase picked up several novel lab techniques.  

“My proudest moment this summer was the first time that I ran a reaction, worked it up and purified the product on my own without asking for help,” she reflected. 

From traditional benchside settings to outcomes-based research, the summer was about investing in the coming generation of researchers.  

As fellows return to their home institutions with new confidence and experience, many will continue to excel in the lab, with several returning to Ohio State as graduate students or postdoctoral scholars. 

“Being a part of the SURF program gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a completely different area of research,” Raj reflected. “My previous experiences in molecular biology had provided a solid understanding of how research is conducted, but here, I was able to start from the ground up, learning how to use RStudio and to conduct a meta-analysis. This kind of focused, hands-on support in learning a new methodology is rare, and I’m incredibly grateful that this program provided a space for growth.”