UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies honors students in experiential learning programs.
Two students were recognized for outstanding achievement in terms of the impact or depth of their undergraduate research experience in 2023-24. Their stories help to illustrate why the University of Cincinnati is a top five university for co-ops and internships according to U.S. News Best Colleges rankings.
Eden Davis, Psychology
Eden Davis was recognized for research in the humanities. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II
Eden Davis has demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments in research, leadership and service.
Since 2022, Davis has worked under the guidance of Dr. Dana Harley at UC's School of Social Work, using photovoice research methods to glean insight into perceptions of well-being, social vulnerability and support systems within the Black family structure. In 2023, she embarked on a second project with Dr. Barbara Giambra at Cincinnati Children's Hospital to understand better the impact of family management practices on children with complex chronic conditions. For the past academic year, Davis participated in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program to develop cross-cultural clinical and research skills.
In addition, she is a McNair Scholar, a finalist for the 2023 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant, and a recipient of UC's Senior 100 Award, which recognizes 100 seniors as servant leaders in their community.
Davis plans to pursue a master’s degree in community health and prevention science and, later, a PhD in psychology, so she can continue her research while implementing evidence-based interventions in the community.
Anushkaa Parwade, Cell and Molecular Biology
Anushkaa Parwade worked in cancer research as an undergraduate at UC. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II
Anushkaa Parwade is a cancer biologist. Since 2022, she has worked under the guidance of Dr. David Plas at UC’s College of Medicine, using gene editing techniques to explore cellular mechanisms that could lead to targeted drug therapies. She also worked on a brain-eating amoeba project under the guidance of Dr. Yoshi Odaka at UC Blue Ash. She has presented her research at five conferences, including UC's Undergraduate Scholarly Showcase twice, the UC Cancer Metastasis Symposium, The Ohio River Valley Cytometry Association, and the American Society of Microbiology.
Parwade has a strong record of achievement not only in research but also in building up the research community. As president of UC’s Undergraduate Research Society, her focus on community-building has resulted in a significant increase in membership and engagement.
After graduation, Parwade will spend a year working full-time in a cancer research lab as she prepares to pursue a PhD in molecular biology with a specialization in cancer progression.
About the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
The more than 100 faculty and staff in the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies facilitate real-world work experiences for students, teach students to prepare for their professional lives, and provide career services to University of Cincinnati students and alumni. At the same time, we connect employers and external partners with the talent they seek in a variety of arrangements inside and outside the classroom.
Featured image at top: Arts and Sciences Hall reflected in the windows of University Pavilion on the University of Cincinnati's Clifton campus. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative + Brand
Explore Undergraduate Research at UC
- Learn how UC supports students who are curious about research careers
- Join the summer learning community for student researchers
- Browse examples of student research in the Proceedings of the Undergraduate Scholarly Showcase
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