Posted by Roman Family Center for Decision Research on April 7, 2022
This summer, the Roman Family Center for Decision Research will welcome three outstanding emerging scholars as part of the Leadership Alliance’s Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP).
Supporting these scholars is part of the center's commitment to help young behavioral scientists from diverse backgrounds get training and experience to advance their careers, providing tools and resources to be accepted and succeed in highly competitive PhD programs.
This is the Roman Family Center's second year participating in the Leadership Alliance summer program. Last year, the center hosted seven students, four of whom—Rocio Rivera, Azriel Williams, Charlotte Parque, and Cora Baron—continued with the center after the program, serving as research assistants in the PIMCO Decision Research Labs.
About the Program
The Leadership Alliance is a consortium of more than 30 institutions that have provided research and networking experiences to more than 4,000 undergraduate students with the aim of increasing the participation of underrepresented minority groups in higher education and research. To date, 77% of undergraduates who participated in the Summer Research - Early Identification Program have enrolled or completed a graduate program.
This rigorous summer research program is specifically designed for undergraduates interested in pursuing a PhD or MD/PhD. Students have the opportunity to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a Roman Family Center faculty mentor, and participate in research seminars and professional development workshops to prepare for an advanced academic career. They also will present their research at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium, an annual national conference bringing together SR-EIP participants, mentors, and directors from different institutions.
Meet This Year's Participants
The Roman Family Center is committed to mentoring the next generation of behavioral science scholars and practitioners, and we’re pleased to welcome the following students for the Leadership Alliance summer program:
Chayma Charifi
Bowdoin College
Faculty Mentor: Ayelet Fishbach
Chayma Charifi is first-year student studying psychology and cinema studies. Chayma's experience in social media communications paired with her interest in the human condition led Chayma to explore research. She is interested in the nuances of decision-making and how day-to-day choices affect communities at large.
What are you looking forward to about this program?
"I am thrilled to be working with Dr. Ayelet Fishbach and Dr. Bradley Turnwald this summer and look forward to meeting other students interested in research. Additionally, I’m excited to see how my research interests transform with new knowledge and experience."
Darinel Lopez
University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
Faculty Mentor: Alex Koch
Darinel J. López Feliciano is a psychology student at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. He plans to pursue a graduate degree in social-community psychology specializing on working with marginalized communities and sustainable development in communities. His research interest lie in the area of stereotypes, decision-making and social judgment.
What are you looking forward to about this program?
"I am excited to join the Leadership Alliance summer program at the University of Chicago because it strives to develop a diverse research workforce founded on the beliefs of equal rights. I’m looking forward on working with my research mentor and studying topics that are relevant to actual problems and meeting other students who are excited about research."
Myori Reeves
University of Michigan
Faculty Mentor: Jane Risen
Myori Reeves is a student at the University of Michigan with an intended major of psychology on the pre-med track. In the future, Myori hopes to pursue research in behavioral psychology.
What are you looking forward to about this program?
"I am looking forward to getting an introduction to research and growing as a researcher. I'm also looking forward to meeting new people and establishing new connections."