by Alani Beauchamp

When I started my academic journey at the University of Florida, I was eager to engage in research. As a psychology student with a passion for understanding human behavior in a legal context, I knew research was a critical part of my academic and professional journey. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, I wasn't able to join a lab as many of them required a minimum of 9 hours a week and I had to dedicate that time to working. During my second year at UF, I spent a lot of time researching paid summer research experiences for undergraduates. I eventually came across the NSF REU website which provided a variety of summer research opportunities that I could apply for, even with no prior research experience. I applied to a few and was fortunately accepted into the 10-week Behavioral Sciences REU program at West Virginia University, and it turned out to be pivotal experience in my professional and academic development.

I was accepted to work under Dr. Ray Joslyn at the university. During my time there I worked on a research project that investigated individual differences during analog forensic interviews. I was excited to work on this project as it was a perfect blend of my interests in psychology and law. At the end of the summer, I was able to prepare a poster and present at WVU's Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium. This hands-on work allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of designing experiments, creating research materials, gathering and analyzing data, and interpreting and presenting results.

Beyond working in the lab, I was also able to engage in other experiences that fostered academic and professional growth. Throughout each week we spent time participating in a physical computing workshop where we learned to program a microcontroller to detect behavior using a C++ based language. Even though I had no experience in coding, I actually really enjoyed it, and I learned a lot. Additionally, we took part in a professional development class, where we were not only taught more about the research process, but we gained a deeper understanding of graduate school through lectures on application materials and various guest speakers. I even got to speak to a few alumni and current professors from UF!

Outside of the educational and professional benefits, the program provided other benefits as well. We were given free on-campus housing at the university as well as covered travel to and from the institution. Additionally, we received a generous stipend that included support for our meals throughout the summer. The program also hosted biweekly excursions and team-building activities. We were able to go ziplining, kayaking, rock climbing, and much more. I grew close with my peers in the summer cohort and had such a fun and unforgettable experience.

Reflecting on my REU experience, I realize how much it influenced my academic goals. This opportunity truly solidified my desire to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology, focusing on topics in psychology and law. It also prepared me for the challenges and rewards of doing research full-time. It revealed the dedication and critical thinking that research demands but also the satisfaction of meeting goals and seeing results. After participating in this program, I feel confident taking the next steps in my academic journey.

I am extremely grateful for the support and guidance from my mentors and peers that I met at WVU. To other students who are thinking about research or are possibly interested in graduate school, I can't stress enough the value of pursuing an opportunity like this one, even if they're outside your comfort zone. Every experience is a stepping stone and you never know how an opportunity, especially one you didn't expect, might shape your future.

by Chancellor Wilson

This past summer, I found myself halfway across the world in Cape Town, South Africa, through iXperience—a study abroad program that promised professional growth and adventure, and delivered on both. The program combined a technical bootcamp with an experiential internship, where I not only learned the ropes of management consulting but also worked hands-on with a company making a real difference. Oh, and in between, I learned how to surf. (Let’s just say I’m better at problem-solving than wave-riding.)

My internship was with Viridian, a professional services company dedicated to helping African entrepreneurs connect with funding opportunities. My role was as challenging as it was rewarding. I helped automate their process of collecting and classifying data—essentially cutting through the clutter to make it faster and more reliable. On top of that, I designed the user interface for their funding database, ensuring it was as intuitive and user-friendly as possible. The goal? To help Viridian integrate this new feature seamlessly into their product suite, making life a whole lot easier for the entrepreneurs they support. It was thrilling to know the work I was doing could directly empower people to chase their dreams and build something amazing.

Cape Town itself was the perfect backdrop for this experience. Where else can you spend your mornings working with a global team (shoutout to the brilliant students from Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, and beyond), your afternoons surfing or hiking up iconic Table Mountain, and your evenings sharing laughs over some of the best food you’ve ever tasted? The city’s blend of vibrant entrepreneurial energy and jaw-dropping natural beauty made it impossible not to feel inspired.

The people I met were just as incredible as the experiences. I worked alongside students and professionals from all over the world, including ex-McKinsey and Deloitte consultants, and even got a peek into other industries through data science and investment banking students taught by people from places like Meta, Google, and Goldman Sachs. Between the global perspectives, the deep dives into South African culture and history, and the spontaneous “team bonding” hikes, I learned more about collaboration, communication, and adaptability than any textbook could ever teach.

Of course, it wasn’t all work. There were elephants to play with, vineyards to explore, and sharks to (accidentally) surf among. While my friends threw themselves out of airplanes skydiving, I stayed firmly on the ground, snapping pictures and cheering them on. Every day brought a new adventure, and every experience made me fall in love with the city just a little more.

Looking back, this summer was a game-changer. My time in Cape Town taught me how to approach problems from new perspectives, how to trust in my own creativity and intuition, and how to embrace the unknown with open arms (and maybe a wetsuit). It reshaped how I see myself professionally and personally, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

So, here’s my advice to anyone thinking about studying abroad: do it. Dive in headfirst (or feet-first if you’re surfing like me). Say yes to the challenges, the adventures, and the unexpected moments that remind you why you’re here. I came home with a broader network, a sharper skill set, and memories that will last a lifetime—and that, to me, is the definition of a summer well spent.