During her time in the First Year Research Experience, Idaly Del Rello uncovered a vital realization completely unrelated to running tests or analyzing data. Research isn’t some unattainable, secret thing happening among experts — it’s something anyone can do.
Fired up by her involvement in investigative projects, Del Rello hopes to inspire every Husker to make the most of the phenomenal research taking place across our campuses, regardless of their field of study.
“I think when it comes to research, a lot of people feel really intimidated. That’s certainly how I felt when I came into FYRE,” she said. “I had this sense that you needed to be a hardcore STEM major to get into research work, and that is completely not true. Absolutely anyone can — and should — get involved.”
How FYRE Connects Novice Students With Faculty Mentors
The First Year Research Experience caters to individuals starting out with zero investigative background, matching them with faculty guides seeking extra practical assistance. Because Nebraska is an R1 research institution, those prospects are present everywhere, assisting students such as Del Rello in developing abilities that prove useful well outside the laboratory.
“Doing research work has helped me learn to ask questions, connect big ideas together and understand trends in data, and all these skills can apply to so many different passions. All it takes to get started is a little initiative and curiosity.”
Following her life-changing encounter with the initiative, Del Rello pursued additional investigative projects past her freshman year. A psychology major, she emailed her professors to ask about available opportunities in the field. Soon enough, Del Rello was introduced to Hillary Schwarb, assistant professor of psychology, who conducted human memory studies within the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior.
Transitioning From Undergraduate Assistantships to Academic Conferences
As she joined Professor Schwarb’s team as a research assistant, Del Rello went beyond simply observing brain function — she became part of a collaborative group striving toward a shared objective.
“I’ve loved everything about this work. Dr. Schwarb and the whole team have included me so much in their process. I even got to attend some conferences and help present some of our work.” — Idaly Del Rello
Now a senior, Del Rello has developed a focus on political science throughout her college progression. The network she has established is assisting her in securing positions inside the center’s political science lab, bringing her closer to investigative duties that directly propel her vocational ambitions — an outcome Del Rello never deemed feasible when she initially started the First Year Research Experience.
“Putting myself out there and taking this leap into research has led me to places I never expected,” Del Rello said. “That’s why I really encourage anyone to try research work out — it’s opened up so many avenues that I never would’ve considered on my own.”
