ABQ Times

Four undergraduates at The University of New Mexico have been awarded the Undergraduate Research Scholarship for Spring 2025. This scholarship, provided by the Undergraduate Research, Arts and Design Network (URAD), supports students conducting research in their primary fields of interest without financial compensation.

The recipients are Audrey Lee, Paniz Maleki, Savannah Phelps, and Muhammed Saeed. Notably, Lee and Phelps were also scholarship recipients in Fall 2024.

Audrey Lee is pursuing a major in Chemical and Biological Engineering and serves as a student ambassador for URAD. Her research involves using Salsola tragus, commonly known as tumbleweed, to create an inclusive organic chemistry curriculum that integrates chemical analysis with cultural and historical insights. "Through my research, I’ve learned that education is not just something I receive—it’s something I can actively shape," she stated.

Paniz Maleki is studying Biology and works at the Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center. Her project focuses on helping students in developmental courses progress through their degree plans more efficiently by expanding approved course lists. She aims to improve retention rates while fostering inclusivity in higher education. “Through this research experience, I seek to positively impact the educational experiences of current and future students," Maleki said.

Muhammed Saeed is a biochemistry major working with the Greenberg research group to develop at-home organic chemistry experiments using household items like orange peels. His work aims to make chemistry education accessible online while promoting sustainable practices. “What fascinates me most about this research is how it reveals that chemistry isn't confined to traditional laboratories," Saeed explained.

Savannah Phelps majors in Art History and English and continues her work on an art history honors thesis titled Counter-Reformation Ekphrasis in Francisco de Zurbarán’s The Crucifixion (1627). She explores visual strategies used by Zurbarán to evoke emotional responses while adhering to Counter-Reformation principles. "I see the process of working on this thesis as integral training for my future education and career," Phelps noted.