Melody Cheng

Before Penn, I had a very limited research background. I knew that I wanted to get involved in research, but had no clue where to start. Three years down the road, I’ve learned quite a bit about what it means to have a meaningful and rewarding research experience.

In the Goldberg NeuroLab, I use electrophysiological methods to study the mechanisms of rare epileptic disorders. Here, I’ve had the chance to hone demonstrable technical skills, reach deep conceptual understandings of the research I do, and successfully win grant funding.

As a CURF RPA, I’m excited to take an active role in jumpstarting fellow undergrads’ research pathways. Much of the conversation about research at Penn is focused on getting into a lab. I’m determined to help anyone not only secure a research position, but also navigate everything that comes afterwards.

Feel free to reach out to me about anything, research-related or not!

• Goldberg NeuroLab at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Meyerhoff Summer Fellowship for Neuroscience Research (Summer 2024)
• College Alumni Society Board of Managers and Presidents Undergraduate Research Grant
  (Summer 2024)
• Ruth Marcus Kanter College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant (Winter 2023)
• Pincus-Magaziner Family Undergraduate Research and Travel Fund (Summer 2023)
• Frances Velay Women and Science Research Fellowship Program (Summer 2022)
• Ernest M. Brown, Jr. College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant (Summer 2022)

Additional groups: Brain Exercise Initiative (BEI) at Penn, Wharton Undergraduate Healthcare Club, Penn Neuroscience Society