Aug. 7, 2025
On July 30, more than 35 Grand Rapids Community College students and staff traveled to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for a day filled with discovery, inspiration and academic connection. The visit offered students a valuable opportunity to learn about the transfer experience firsthand, engage with University of Michigan (U of M) partners and explore one of the state’s top universities.
One of the most inspiring parts of the visit was attending the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Summer Research Symposium, where eight GRCC students presented the results of their summer research projects. These students had independently applied and were selected for UROP Community College Summer Research Fellowship, and their participation was made possible through support from Transfer Bridges to the Humanities@Michigan, a partnership funded by the Mellon Foundation that helps expand access to U of M research and transfer pathways for community college students.
This summer, Andrew Anderson, Juliette Bolle-Leon, Alma Frutos, UmmulBanin Hassani, Clarissa Hernandez-Ceron, Nicholas Moore, Sally Odren, and Rolando Ramos worked alongside U of M faculty mentors on cutting-edge research aligned with their academic goals and personal interests.
Their project topics spanned a wide range of disciplines, including:
- "The effect of conditional Bmpr1a deletion in suture mesenchyme"
- "Longitudinal associations of maternal mobile device use and maternal-infant wellbeing"
- "The experiences of Latino graduate students at U-M"
- "Effects of functional electrical stimulation on post-stroke ankle injury"
- "Green hydrogen and fuel production using artificial photosynthesis"
- "Examining the role of admissions officer background in admissions work"
These rigorous research experiences not only deepened students' academic engagement but also helped them build confidence, mentorship connections and a stronger vision for their future as transfer students.
“This program is an incredible example of what’s possible when institutions work together to support student success,” said Leanne Challa, GRCC program manager for Transfer Bridges. “Our students aren’t just visiting a four-year university — they’re actively participating in the research and academic culture that makes U of M such a vibrant learning environment.”
In addition to celebrating their peers’ achievements at the symposium, visiting students had the chance to tour the Ann Arbor campus, speak with admissions representatives and get a feel for what life might be like as a transfer student at U of M.
Congratulations to our GRCC student researchers on a successful summer of scholarship, and thank you to our partners at the University of Michigan for welcoming our community so warmly.
