When Emma Hastings arrived in Richmond, Virginia, for the National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR), she expected to present her findings alongside hundreds of undergraduate scholars from across the country. What she didn’t expect was students from other universities showing up specifically to hear her speak.
“That kind of energy and support is something you don’t forget,” Hastings said.
The Northern Illinois University health sciences student and Research Rookie was selected to present her study, “Overturning Roe v. Wade and Pre-Medical Students’ Views and Medical School Choices,” at NCUR in April. Originally published in Medical Education Online, the research examines how the landmark Supreme Court decision is shaping pre-medical students’ views and influencing where — and whether — they choose to pursue medical training.
“This work contributes to a national conversation about the future of the physician workforce, and Emma led a study about it as a first-year undergraduate student, which almost never happens,” said M. Courtney Hughes, professor of public health at NIU. “It shows that Emma is someone who asks hard questions and stays with them until she has real answers.” 
For Hastings, the opportunity to share her work on a national stage was both validating and motivating.
“This opportunity renewed my passion for researching women’s health and connected me with so many passionate, smart and talented people who are making a difference,” she said. “In divisive times, embracing community and finding ways to make all voices heard is essential, which is why opportunities like this matter.”
The conference also gave Hastings a firsthand look at the scale and diversity of undergraduate research taking place nationwide.
“One of the most inspiring parts was seeing so many other undergraduate students from across the country presenting on all kinds of different, innovative topics,” Hastings said. “It made me feel like I was part of something bigger.”
From scientific studies to artistic performances, Hastings said the event challenged traditional ideas about what research can look like. That message has become central to the advice she gives students who may feel intimidated by research opportunities.
“You can make valuable contributions to academia as an undergraduate student,” Hastings said. “It’s OK not to know everything, and it’s OK to make mistakes. That’s all part of the research process.”
She said research allows students to deepen existing passions while building practical skills that extend far beyond academia.
“Research builds confidence and real-world skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and communication, even if you aren’t planning to go into research as a career,” Hastings said.
Hastings credits NIU programs such as Research Rookies with helping students take those first steps and encouraging them to seek out faculty mentors and opportunities across disciplines.
“Reach out to your college dean to connect with professors, contact professors directly or join programs like Research Rookies,” she said. “You’re already qualified to be in research, so don’t let self-doubt hold you back.”
