If you want to get involved in research, cold email those professors whose work interests you. Express your fascination. Even if you face multiple rejections, remember that one 'yes' could be the start of an extraordinary research journey. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, so take the leap—you never know where it might lead! Approach research with curiosity and determination and always strive to understand the 'why' behind your work.
Jenus Shrestha
Human Biology and Bioethics minor
Research Topic: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Ugandan Perinatally-infected Children with HIV at Preschool Age who are Not Immune-compromised.
Graduation Year: 2026
Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Research Poster Located in the Neighborhood Engagement Centers
Research Experience:
Current:
- Research Assistant, MSU Global Neuropsychiatry Research Center: Investigating the correlation between HIV and neurodevelopmental disabilities in low- and middle-income countries in collaboration with the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, UC San Francisco, and Makerere University in Uganda.
Previous:
- Research assistant in the Murphy Lab where I worked for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and performed lipid analysis to study migration patterns of Coregonus clupeaformis in Lake Huron using samples from the Hammond Bay Biological Station.
- Correlates of Depression/Anxiety and Literacy in Female Caregivers Living with HIV in Uganda and Malawi
- Brain Powered Games: A Gaming Application for Cognitive Training in HIV-affected Children in Uganda
- TEAMWORK & CRITICAL MAKING: Effects of Critical Making on Student’s Perception of Teamwork
Experience With:
- Lipid Analysis and Organic Matter Extraction
- Statistical Analysis
- Conference Poster and Oral Presentations
- Neurodevelopmental Assessment Tools:
- Early Childhood Vigilance Test (ECVT)
- Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC)
Campus Involvement:
- Health Care Assistant, Clinical Operations, MSU Health Care
- Volunteer Chair, Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity
- Undergraduate Learning Assistant
- Student Emergency Response Team
- Global Brigades
Post-Graduation Plans
I intend to continue my research pursuits during medical school with a focus on specializing in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.
