Duke Research Scholars Program

The Research Scholars Program (RSPr) is pleased to announce the selection of 8 promising undergraduate scholars for the 2026 cohort at Duke University for the 10th year.

RSPr is a student-led, faculty-advised research training program that has been in operation since 2016 and is designed to support undergraduates as they explore academic research across disciplines. Through near-peer mentorship, structured instruction, and faculty engagement, RSPr provides students with early exposure to the research process and guidance on navigating research opportunities at Duke. The program emphasizes curiosity-driven inquiry, critical thinking, and confidence-building for students at all stages of research experience.

This work begins with a spring gateway course, "Foundations of Research" (HOUSECS59), advised by Dr. Bernie Fischer and Victoria Ayodele, where students are introduced to core concepts in academic research, mentorship, and scholarly exploration. Through the course and associated programming, RSPr scholars learn how to identify research interests, connect with faculty mentors, and engage meaningfully in research communities across the university. Throughout the academic year and until graduation, students are supported by an instructional team and faculty advisors who provide mentorship, feedback, and opportunities for continued growth.

Together, RSPr scholars represent a diverse range of academic interests, research goals, and pathways. As they progress through the program, students develop the skills and confidence to pursue independent research, contribute to faculty-led projects, shape their academic and professional trajectories, and remain in active collaboration with the Duke Undergraduate Research Support Office.

Introducing the 2026 Duke Research Scholars:

Alice Chen

Alice Chen is a first-year undergraduate studying Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. Her academic interests center on regenerative medicine, molecular and cell biology, and translational research that bridges engineering and clinical care. Through RSPr, Alice is eager to develop foundational research skills, connect with faculty mentors, and gain hands-on experience exploring areas such as tissue engineering, medical devices, and healthcare innovation. She is particularly interested in understanding how discoveries in biomedical science translate into improved patient outcomes and hopes to pursue a future path at the intersection of medicine and research.

Alyssa Reed

Alyssa Reed is a first-year undergraduate at Duke University studying Electrical Engineering with interests in marine science and conservation. Her academic focus centers on developing conservation-focused technologies that address environmental change, particularly at the intersection of engineering, machine learning, and marine ecosystems. Through RSPr, Alyssa is eager to engage in mentored research, strengthen her methodological foundations, and work closely with faculty as she explores applications of technology for environmental monitoring and sustainability. She hopes to pursue advanced research training and contribute to conservation-driven solutions that support a more sustainable, carbon-zero future.

Belle Lambert

Isabelle Lambert is a first-year undergraduate studying Biomedical Engineering at Duke University on the pre-med track. With interests in oncology, public health, and clinical research, Belle is particularly drawn to understanding the engineering mechanisms behind medicine, including biomaterials, genomics, and drug development. Through RSPr, she is seeking foundational research training and mentorship as she begins her research journey, with the goal of developing the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to lab-based and clinical research environments.

Gabriela Gallardo

Gabriela Gallardo is a first-year undergraduate at Duke University, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Global Health. Her interests center on research that improves patient care and advances medicine, particularly at the intersection of engineering and health sciences. Through RSPr, Gabriela is excited to gain hands-on exposure to academic research, work closely with mentors, and explore a broad range of research areas as she refines her interests. She is especially motivated by curiosity and a desire to contribute to meaningful, real-world impact through research.

Gloria Chang

Gloria Chang is a first-year undergraduate studying Biology at Duke University with interests in biomedical innovation and translational research. She is particularly fascinated by the bench-to-bedside process and hopes to explore how foundational research can lead to meaningful advances in healthcare. Through RSPr, Gloria is excited to refine her research interests through guided mentorship and structured coursework, with a long-term goal of developing independent research focused on neurological disease and therapeutic design. She is motivated by the belief that research has its greatest impact when it is grounded in empathy and service to human well-being.

Jacob Chen

Jacob Chen is a second-year student at Duke University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. His academic interests include neurology, mental health, psychology, and human development, with a broader focus on understanding health and disease through interdisciplinary research. Through RSPr, Jacob is excited to engage in mentored research within a supportive, collaborative environment, where he can develop foundational research skills, learn how to communicate scientific ideas effectively, and explore research questions connected to mental health and human behavior. He is particularly motivated by research that addresses real-world challenges and serves the broader good.

Morgan Augustine

Morgan Augustine is a first-year undergraduate at Duke University pursuing Program II, where she plans to study global health inequities through an interdisciplinary lens that integrates policy, anthropology, and advocacy. Her academic interests focus on reproductive and maternal health, LGBTQ+ healthcare access, and youth health education in underserved communities. Through RSPr, Morgan is eager to gain foundational research training and mentorship as she begins her research journey, exploring how policy-driven and community-engaged research can be used to address health disparities and advance equity on a global scale.

Natalie Cuevas

Natalie Cuevas is a sophomore at Duke University majoring in Neuroscience with interests in global health, biology, and understanding the mechanisms underlying health and disease. Through RSPr, Natalie is excited to learn the foundations of the research process and gain practical experience applying scientific inquiry in research or laboratory settings. Her interest in research was shaped by a personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, which deepened her appreciation for how scientific discovery drives medical progress and improves care for underserved communities.