In celebration of 2023 First-Gen Week, a committee in the UT Senate of College Councils gathered first-generation students, researchers and faculty on Nov. 6 to speak about their personal experiences with research and advice for getting involved.

The Academic Enrichment Committee moderated the panel. Panelists included Arjana Almaneih, a communication and leadership senior; Seth Schwartz, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education; Eric Dieter, the executive director in the Longhorn Center for Academic Equity; Shannon Cavanagh, professor and department chair of sociology; and Richard Reddick, senior vice provost and dean of the Undergraduate College. 

As the panelists shared their personal research journeys, Almaneih described the initial challenges she faced first starting research as a first-generation student. 

“I had no idea what I was doing,” Almaneih said during the panel. “It was so scary walking into research, but finding that mentor was the biggest thing. It is life-changing.”

Schwartz said finding a mentor who will provide you with guidance and place trust in your work is key.

“Meeting that special mentor really wakes you up and gives you a chance,” Schwartz said during the panel. “It (helps) show you that this can be possible for you.”

Demonstrating curiosity about research helped Almaneih meet Dieter, her life-changing mentor. She said he helped to clarify some of the research jargon and introduce her to research opportunities, such as the McNair Scholars Program.

“Being an undergrad student in the research space can feel really intense and intimidating,” Almaneih said during the panel. “McNair allowed me to (experiment) with research and meet peers who understood the first-gen and low income struggle.”

Another great resource for finding research guidance is attending office hours, Cavanagh said. She said though it may seem uncomfortable at first, office hours are highly beneficial in fostering personal relationships.

“Office hours are the most underutilized resource on campus here,” Dieter said during the panel. “I would argue to take advantage of that because you can really be curious in a place like this.”

The panelists said they are proud to be a part of the research culture here at UT. Although they’ve faced rejections along the way, the panelists said rejection and experimentation allowed them to develop grit and ultimately grow as researchers.

“You have to understand that your work is valuable and there’s a place for it,” Reddick said during the panel. “Once you start figuring out the system, it can be a very valuable and fun journey.”