Well, how did I end up in Pittsburgh? At the end of 2023, I learned about something called an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates), a program through the National Science Foundation (NSF) that offers undergraduates the chance to conduct research at different universities, fully funded with travel, housing, and even a stipend. It sounded like a dream. I applied to five REUs, and to my surprise, I was accepted into three: University of Pittsburgh, California State University – Los Angeles, and Virginia State University.
Choosing between them was tough, especially since I’d never had research experience before. But two things helped me decide: the program and the location. At the time, I was a Chemistry major, and while California and Virginia focused on Biochemistry, Pittsburgh offered research in Chemical Engineering, something new and exciting to explore. As much as I loved California (and as tempting as it was to stay close to home), I decided to take the leap and head to Pittsburgh, even though it meant being across the country from my family and friends for 10 weeks. I was ready for something different.
I didn’t realize how competitive REUs were until my professors explained it to me, only about 8-10 students get chosen form the 400 – 500 students that apply. That only made me more determined to make the most of this opportunity. So in May 2024, after finishing my finals and walking across the stage at my community college graduation, I spent every possible moment with my family before the big day arrived. My flight to Pittsburgh had a layover in Minneapolis, and when I finally touched down, I was greeted at the airport by a driver holding a sign with my name on it. I know my own driver!
I was one of the last to arrive, so most of the other students were already there. My nervousness crept in as I thought about meeting my roommates. How would we all get along? But as the days passed, we settled into a rhythm. There were nine of us, four girls and five guys, from all across the U.S.— California, Arizona, Utah, New York, Ohio, Colorado, Wisconsin, Indiana. Despite our different backgrounds and majors (most were Chemical Engineering majors, though a few Chemistry and Math sprinkled in there), we bonded over shared experiences and new adventures.
The first few weeks were intense. We had team meetings, workshops, and introductions to the professors whose research we’d be working on. Each professor gave a presentation, pitching their research to us, hoping to pique our interest. The only catch was that none of us could pick the same project. After some negotiating and a bit of drama, we all found our place, each paired with our own Principal Investigator (PI). From that point, we got busy with research, and our schedules shifted as we dove deeper into our projects.
Pittsburgh quickly became more than just a backdrop, it became part of the experience. The city’s steep hills, endless greenery, and historical architecture were a far cry from the desert landscapes I grew up in. Everything was in walking distance, which was new for me. I was used to driving everywhere, but without a car (which I missed, by the way), I found myself walking to parks, libraries, and coffee shops, exploring the city on foot. The Carnegie Library became a favorite spot of mine, it’s one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen. And the public transit? Pittsburgh’s buses were worlds better than what I was used to in Arizona.
Although we were required to work 37.5 hours a week (a mix of lab work, computational work, team meetings and mandatory workshops), the time flew by. Toward the end of the program, as I worked on finalizing my poster and PowerPoint presentation, those 37.5 hours often stretched longer, but I didn’t mind. I was immersed in my research, and the sense of accomplishment kept me going.
While the research was important, the relationships I built with my fellow cohort were just as meaningful. We spent a lot of time together, whether we were playing card games in one of the guys’ rooms, grabbing sushi or ramen, or hitting the gym at the Y. I wasn’t a big drinker, so I often played the role of designated driver for nights out. But it was the late-night conversations, the laughter, and the shared moments that I’ll never forget. Who knew living with strangers for 10 weeks could make you so close?
At the same time, I cherished the moments I spent alone, exploring the city. Pittsburgh, with its lush parks and steep hills, was the perfect place for quiet reflection. I found myself thinking a lot about grad school, where I’d end up, and whether I would ever return to this place. The landscape felt alive, with greenery stretching as far as the eye could see, and the hills giving me a workout I wasn’t used to. I’d walk for hours, soaking in the blend of old and new that defines Pittsburgh. The city’s history was tangible, woven into every building and street, something I wasn’t used to experiencing.
Looking back, I realize how much those 10 weeks meant to me, not just for the research I conducted, but for the friendships I made and the growth I experienced. The steep hills, the walks through the city, the late-night talks, and even the challenges of balancing work and exploration became part of a summer I’ll never forget. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and for the people who made it unforgettable.
Miss ya PFM ♡
Okay, so maybe you weren’t interested in reading about my summer in that way—maybe you actually wanted to learn about my research. Well, just go to the next page. I promise it’s just as exciting… well, almost.
Sad Writer Digest 