Exploring Research as an Undergraduate

Puch Panha Aun, ‘26 BSB, had no aspirations of participating in research. But when an unexpected email from the Carlson School Research Assistant Program arrived in her inbox, she decided to take a chance—and it’s an experience she’s glad she didn’t pass up.

After submitting her resume and answering a few short questions about her interest in research, Aun was matched with Pri Shah, a Professor in the Department of Work and Organizations who is working on a research project that combined survey data from MBA students and academic literature. “I’d never done anything like this before,” Aun admits. “I wasn’t even sure what to expect.”

A Growing Program

The Carlson School Research Assistant Program was formerly open only to Honors students, but is now open to juniors with at least a 3.8 GPA.

Shah, who has mentored several undergraduate research assistants, emphasizes the importance of this opportunity.

“There are an awful lot of really, really bright people who would be interested in research, but they weren’t in the Honors Program to begin with,” said Shah. “In the past, they haven’t had a vehicle with which to work on research. So what they’re doing now with this program is great because it’s opening an opportunity to a lot more people.”

Learning by Doing

Shah’s current research focuses on social networks, specifically imagined and overlooked ties—how people perceive connections between individuals and how that perception influences trust. Aun’s role has included assisting with literature searches, analyzing data, and structuring surveys to better understand these cognitive social structures.

“I never realized how much goes into research until I started working on data cleaning and literature reviews,” Aun said. “One time, I spent hours going through hundreds of data points, trying to make sense of the inconsistencies. I was second-guessing everything I did, and I thought maybe research just wasn’t for me. But after talking with Professor Shah and getting some guidance, I realized that struggling through problems is part of the process. That’s what makes the final results so satisfying.”

The Power of Saying "Yes"

Puch’s decision to apply to the program came down to one simple philosophy. “Just do it,” she says. “If you’re eligible and you think you can manage your time, why not try? I didn’t think I would be chosen. But I got matched, and I went for it.”

She’s quick to point out that the experience isn’t as intimidating as people might think. “The faculty know you’re an undergrad. They don’t expect you to be an expert already. They’ll guide you through it.”

Shah emphasized that the program is paid and requires a limited time commitment. This makes it an accessible first step for students exploring research.

“It’s a great way to get involved without a huge time commitment, and you get paid for it,” said Shah. “It’s a nice, structured way to ease into research and see if it’s something you’d want to pursue further.”

What She’s Learned—and What’s Next

One of Aun’s biggest takeaways from the program has been seeing how classroom skills translate to real-world work. “I’ve definitely leveled up my Excel skills,” she says. “But beyond that, I’ve learned how to communicate professionally—how to keep my professor updated on my progress, how to stay organized, and how to manage my time.”

These soft skills are just as important as the technical ones, she emphasizes. “I’ve had to take detailed meeting notes, send status updates, and make sure I’m not wasting anyone’s time. This is her research, with her name on it, so I want to get it right.”

For students considering research opportunities, the benefits extend beyond academia. 

“Research teaches critical thinking skills that are essential in any career,” said Shah. “When you enter the workforce, you won’t always have someone telling you exactly what to do. Being able to ask the right questions, analyze information deeply, and present well-researched findings is an incredibly valuable skill.”

Advice for Future Research Assistants

For students thinking about applying, Aun’s advice is clear: “If you’re interested, go for it. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger. And even if you’re not sure about research, it’s worth exploring. You might be surprised.”

Reflecting on the experience, Aun feels proud of the role she’s played in an academic project that may soon be published. “I like being behind the scenes, letting my work speak for itself,” she says. “And this program gave me the chance to do that.”

This is an invite-only opportunity. Eligible students will receive an email invitation in the Fall of their junior year.