Real-world research 

Rae Richards, a biology student at LLCC, turned her passion for science into hands-on experience through a paid summer research opportunity focused on biotechnology. 

Now in its second year, the program offers selected students the chance to engage in real-world research while earning a stipend. The experience begins in mid-March with weekly hybrid coursework at LLCC, where students build foundational lab skills. 

“We covered essential topics like research ethics, time management and how to properly maintain a lab notebook,” said Richards. “We also practiced techniques like sterile procedure, micro pipetting and DNA analysis.” 

The second half of the program placed Richards and her peers in a research lab at the University of Illinois Springfield for four weeks of immersive scientific investigation. “We studied mutations in tyrosyl tRNA synthetases that are linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a neurodegenerative disorder,” she explained. “We learned new lab techniques and had so much fun.” 

Dr. Erin Shanle, who coordinates the program for LLCC, emphasized the value of the program. “It gives our students a rare and invaluable chance to engage in real-world research early in their academic journey,” said Shanle. “By participating, students begin to see themselves as part of the research community. That builds confidence, opens doors and can shape the trajectory of their careers.” 

For Richards, the experience was both meaningful and motivating. “My favorite part was knowing the work we were doing was a small part of something bigger,” she said. “We were actively contributing to research on a neurodegenerative disorder — something most people never get the chance to do. Knowing our work could actually benefit society made it a truly rewarding experience.”