Upper Division Honors

Student Profiles

Jeff Zhang

Where you involved in an Honors program prior to starting your project?
Yes. I was involved with Lower Division Honors Program when I entered UCR as a first year undergraduate student. During my second year in college, I was a peer mentor. During my third and fourth year in college, I was a Resident Advisor in the Pentland Hills Honors Hall.
 
What was your experience like with the Upper Division Honors program?
The Upper Division program was extremely positive for me. It was very helpful that there is a coordinator that checks up on the research progress and there is a structure to the program.
 
How do you feel the Honors program prepared you for your life after UCR?
Since I am currently in medical school, the knowledge that I garnered from my thesis will allow me to be a better scientist and doctor. The process of research has taught me important skills in critical thinking and the research thesis on doctor-patient relationship have taught me how to relate to my patients and build rapport with them.
 
Was it hard to do your thesis?
In retrospect, I think my research went rather smoothly. However, the project was a lengthy one and there are numerous challenges during the process. However, my faculty mentor was very methodical and patient during this process. The Honors Program, especially the Upper Division coordinator Emily Nudge, was always willing to help and be flexible when the deadline is close yet there are lots more work to be done.
 
What was the deciding factor in committing to the Upper Division program?
I did a summer research project one year before I decided to enter Upper Division program. Although the project was successful and the faculty mentor that I did the project allowed me to learn a great deal, there were no publication in the end of the project and no continuity after the work was done. I decided to enter Upper Division Honors program after this experience because completing the Program guaranteed a publication (which looked good in resume and med school application), it kept the faculty mentor and I both be cognizant of the process of the project, and there is a community of scholars to relate the project to a the Honors conference.

Jeff is a member of the Thomas Haider Biomedical Program