The International Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (iSURE) Program provides opportunities for international undergraduate and master's students to conduct research at the University of Notre Dame for eight weeks during the summer session. Students gain valuable hands-on research experience and work closely with Notre Dame faculty and graduate students on a variety of cutting-edge research projects. Through a personalized and interdisciplinary approach to mentoring and academic immersion, the iSURE program nurtures each student’s academic, intercultural, and personal growth throughout their time on campus.

This year, four students—Vamika, Aaddya, Vaishnavi, and Viraj—from different parts of India participated in the iSURE program and spent their summer engaged in research on the Notre Dame campus.

Vamika Gupta, a third-year BBA student at IIM Bodh Gaya, chose iSURE inspired by her friends' experiences at the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society. Working with Mary Wachira, program director of the Health Equity Data Lab, Vamika’s research focused on the health equity lapse project, analyzing how food as medicine can impact senior hunger in the USA. “Lucy’s research goes beyond traditional boundaries; it’s a cultural exchange that brings together diverse perspectives,” she noted. Vamika was particularly impressed by the quality of research at Lucy, saying, “The quality of content they’re generating is phenomenal—they’re actually seeing the impact they’re having on society.”

Aaddya Benare, a third-year student in the Integrated Program in Management (IPM) at IIM Bodh Gaya, discovered iSURE through the Notre Dame Mumbai team’s visit to her college. Under the mentorship of Donovan Leiva, the research project coordinator, Aaddya explored Virtual Reality and AI in healthcare, focusing on integrating VR into marketing and sales strategies and examining AI's impact on emergency nurses. Reflecting on her experience, Aaddya stated, “I really appreciate the people and the work culture here. Everyone is humble and dedicated to their projects.”

Vaishnavi Raghunath, a third-year student at IISER Pune, collaborated with Professor Kasturi Haldar, the Rev. Julius A. Nieuwland C.S.C. Professor of Biological Sciences, to research a rare neurodegenerative disease known as non-ketotic hyperglycemia. She analyzed brain images and histology samples to assist with various disease studies. “It’s exciting to connect what I’m learning to real-world research,” Vaishnavi shared. This experience has ignited a strong passion for research in her, motivating her to continue pursuing impactful research work.

Viraj Vardhan, from Patna, Bihar, is a student of production and industrial engineering at IIT Delhi. Seeking international exposure and a broader experience beyond technical skills, Viraj applied to the iSURE program. At the Lucy Institute, he worked with data scientists on creating a forecasting sandbox, aiming to develop a comprehensive handbook for data scientists worldwide. Viraj valued the opportunity to connect with stakeholders, which helped him develop his presentation and soft skills. “Interacting with various key stakeholders was particularly special,” he explained.

The iSURE program has provided these four students with invaluable research experiences and cultural exchanges, shaping them into individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world. Their stories reflect the essence of the program—nurturing academic, intercultural, and personal growth in a supportive and inspiring environment.

This year brought the largest and most diverse cohort of iSURE students yet, with nearly 70 students hailing from China, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, India, Kenya, Mexico, and South Africa. As Aaddya Benare encourages, “Apply, as this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The 750-word essay might seem daunting, but just be honest and authentic in your application—that’s what iSURE is looking for.”

Learn more about the iSURE program and other programs led by NDG’s Global Engagement Team at gep.nd.edu.

Originally published by Notre Dame Global at global.nd.edu on August 26, 2024.