Sara Murray is a rising senior studying chemistry computing and energy studies through Notre Dame's College of Science.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Murray says she became interested in pursuing research in renewable energy after witnessing hostile environmental impacts in her hometown, including wildfires, earthquakes, and severe droughts.

Murray began to look for research opportunities as a rising sophomore after noting which courses she found most interesting and realizing she was most drawn to being in the lab. She started looking for opportunities on the ND Energy website. She emailed several professors conducting research but felt most excited about the work of Professor Prashant Kamat in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

“The research focuses on energy transfer or electron transfer from quantum dots to acceptor molecules. We're looking at different materials to harness solar energy so that solar cells are more efficient, stable, and faster,” explains Murray. (Read more about the research.)

Finding Resarch Opportunities at Notre Dame

Murray remembers how overwhelmed she felt as a first-year student thinking about securing research opportunities. After stepping into research, Murray notes how Notre Dame provides support for undergraduate students who are still developing skills in research and in the lab. The Kamat lab provides undergraduate students with mentors to help them develop the essential skills they will need to continue their academic careers into graduate school and beyond.

She says, “As an undergraduate, you may not entirely understand what you’re researching, but I don’t think it takes away from the experience. Your mentors are going to teach you how to read a paper, come up with new experiment ideas, think of new projects, or even the basics like how to use a pipette.”

Securing Funding for Undergraduate Research

To support her early academic research, Murray secured funding through the International Research Experience for Students (IRES), funded by the National Science Foundation in partnership with Notre Dame. In the summer of 2023, Murray participated in the IRES program at the University of Heidelberg in Germany to conduct research and received funding for travel expenses, housing, and a stipend to conduct research for 10 weeks.

For her current research on campus, Murray was awarded the Vincent P. Slatt Fellowship for Undergraduate Research in Energy Systems and Processes, provided through Notre Dame’s Research Experience for Undergraduates.

Advice to Incoming First-Year Students

As Murray reflects on her own journey at Notre Dame, she advises prospective students and incoming first-years to take a beat during their first semester in college and absorb the entire college experience before jumping into research.

“I think for me, freshman fall was just a time to learn what college was and to find friends, to live in a dorm, and to notice the courses I liked the best," says Murray. "Notre Dame offers so much support, especially the professors, so you’ll be fully supported in any way that you show up.”

Murray is grateful for the opportunities and support available at Notre Dame that have allowed her to explore and develop her research skills while helping her to prepare for applying to graduate school. Along with four friends, Murray started a club for students thinking of attending graduate school called STEM Pre-Grad Club. They plan to host events with current Notre Dame professors and alumni to provide advice for students looking to join labs or gain more research experience. Connect with them at the annual Activities Night this fall.

As she looks forward to her senior year and beyond, Murray remains committed to her goal of making a positive impact on the environment through scientific research. With her eyes set on graduate school, Murray is poised to continue her work in creating innovative solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, saying, “The idea that I’m capable of using my skills and my knowledge to help create a better environment is really motivating and I am excited for what is ahead of me in the future.”

Originally published by Jessica Frazier at admissions.nd.edu on July 08, 2024.