Kevin Nhan (‘28), a Psychology and Design double major, researched the effectiveness of healthcare providers’ use of Project ImPACT strategies with mentorship from Dr. Melanie Pellecchia (Department of Psychiatry). This research was supported by the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program.
Coming into this summer, I knew two things. First, I had a passion for studying autism, and second, I had no research experience. After learning about PURM’s mission, I decided to take the leap and explore the projects being offered. While there were many fascinating opportunities, the one that captured my attention was PEACE for Project ImPACT. Not only did the title sound creative, but as I looked deeper into the meaning behind the acronym, I quickly realized the project centered around autism and children. Project ImPACT is a coaching program for parents of young children with autism that teaches parents strategies to help their child develop social, communication, imitation, and play skills. I researched the effectiveness of healthcare providers’ use of Project ImPACT strategies when administering care.
Having grown up with a younger sibling on the spectrum, continuing to explore the autism field and raising awareness became deeply personal to me. Although I entered the project with little prior knowledge, I left with an abundance of information and a wealth of memorable experiences. From learning how to behaviorally code caregivers and providers to working directly with children showing signs of being on the spectrum, my time on this project was both rewarding and unforgettable.
Beyond the research itself, some of my core memories from this summer came from the people I was around. Within my research team, I was able to connect with each member one-on-one, learning about their journeys into research and the paths that brought them here. Though their experiences differed greatly, their shared passion for working with children with autism united them. I witnessed their dedication firsthand and admired every one of them for their contributions. Another highlight of the summer was the time spent with my peers. From relaxed dinners at each other’s homes to exploring Philadelphia together, I strengthened existing bonds and formed new friendships I hadn’t expected. While I devoted many hours to research, these moments with my peers became just as valuable and worth cherishing.
Looking back, I started this summer with no research experience, feeling overwhelmed and anxious about what lay ahead. Over the course of ten weeks, I discovered that research was an option I had never before seriously considered for myself. This opportunity opened a new door and reminded me of the importance of taking risks, of trying something new, even when uncertain. I realized I don’t need to have my post-graduation plans fully figured out yet; instead, I can embrace exploration during my undergraduate years. I am grateful for the chance to continue working with my lab during the school year and look forward to gaining even more valuable skills from this experience.
Interested in reading more first-hand accounts about undergraduate research? Check out the other experiences featured on our Student News Page and Social Media!
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