“There are so many benefits of UROP that extend beyond research experience. Mentorship, networking, exploration, and more – they’re all part of the experience!”

For Sara Nelson, the most rewarding aspect of her work is interacting with the students, faculty, and staff who are at the heart of the UROP experience. As Senior Program Coordinator, she sees their passion, intelligence, creativity, and diversity every day. Sara plays a crucial people-facing role at UROP, advising and supporting both participating undergraduates and the supervisors responsible for administering UROP at departments, centers, and labs. She is a key part of the application review process, and is also involved in programming and outreach, processes and policies, and working closely with UROP donors. 

Before arriving at UROP in 2007, Sara worked at Simmons University (previously Simmons College) in the Africana Studies and History departments. She received a B.A. in Communications and an M.A. in Gender/Cultural Studies, both from Simmons. Outside of work, you might find Sara playing and watching soccer, diving into a DIY home improvement project, or satisfying her enduring coffee addiction.