Shannen McDermott, a biomedical undergraduate student participating in the University of Nevada, Reno’s International Undergraduate Research Program (IURP), shares her experience traveling to Northern Nevada and embracing new academic and professional opportunities. Originally from Ireland, McDermott has made the most of her time at the University with support from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), engaging in meaningful biomedical research while exploring a new environment.

The IURP program offers undergraduate students from the Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland and the University of Manchester, England, the opportunity to engage in hands-on biomedical research, receive mentorship from faculty and gain exposure to diverse academic and cultural environments. Since 1991, the program has collaborated with talented international students to produce high-quality research, with many participants going on to earn doctoral degrees from leading universities around the world.  

Through these experiences, students expand their skills, build meaningful professional connections and gain valuable insight into their chosen fields. 

From impactful research to opportunities for travel and personal growth, McDermott’s experience reflects the many ways IURP supports students in making their time at the University both productive and memorable. 

“I learned about the opportunity to come to Reno and study under the International Undergraduate Placement Program and knew I wanted to give it a try,” McDermott said. “I can’t emphasize enough how grateful I am to have these opportunities and how lucky I feel.” 

One of the opportunities she is most grateful for is attending a conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she presented her preliminary data from research she has been conducting with Dr. Burkin, chair of Physiology and Cell Biology, and Dr. Grainger, professor at UNR Med and program co-director. Being part of impactful research and publishing, “A molecular makeover of Laminin-α4 with linker proteins to mimic the function of Laminin-α2 for the treatment of LAMA2-CMD,” is something McDermott never expected this early in her career. With the IURP, McDermott both enhanced her professional resume and her learning experience as an undergraduate in biomedical sciences.  

Although McDermott misses Ireland, she is thankful for the support system she has at UNR Med.

“The IURP set up has brought so many people from home back to Reno where they have settled and being able to have people to talk about local things from Ireland in a familiar accent makes such a difference,” she said.  

Dr. Ward started the IURP program and also originated from Queen’s University in Belfast. For McDermott, that connection made the leap from rural Ireland to Northern Nevada feel less daunting and more like stepping into a community already built on shared experience.  

As leadership of the IURP transitions to Nathan Grainger, Ph.D., and Caroline Cobine, Ph.D., the program continues to build on its legacy of fostering undergraduate research and mentorship. Cobine and Grainger's connection to the program is especially meaningful — they participated in the IURP as undergraduates before joining the UNR Med faculty, bringing a firsthand perspective to guiding the next generation of researchers. 

McDermott is currently working alongside Dr. Burkin and Dr. Grainger on research examining the relationship between congenital muscular dystrophy and cardiac arrhythmias, specifically investigating how the disease may affect the sinoatrial node, the heart’s natural pacemaker. The project combines expertise across disciplines and gives McDermott the opportunity to contribute to research that could help close important gaps in understanding how muscular dystrophy impacts heart function. 

“To be a part of something new is really inspiring,” McDermott said. “To think the work that I am a part of may be used for future research by people across the country, and maybe even the world, is a feeling of excitement I can’t put into words. It really fuels my ambition for the future.” 

The experience has also strengthened her confidence as she prepares to return to Queen’s University for her final year. Through hands-on lab training, collaboration with experienced researchers and exposure to the day-to-day of biomedical science, McDermott says she now feels more prepared to tackle her dissertation project. 

Outside of the laboratory, McDermott has embraced every opportunity to experience life in the United States. The balance between rigorous academic work and opportunities for travel and personal growth is what makes the IURP such a transformative experience for many students like McDermott. 

As her time in Reno is soon concluding, McDermott hopes the work she has contributed and the relationships she has built will leave a lasting impact.

“I just want to leave Reno feeling like I handled everything that came my way and said yes to every opportunity,” she said. 

For students considering the program, her advice is simple: take the chance. 

“If you don’t put yourself out there and try, you’ll never know.” 

Through her dedication to research and enthusiasm for discovery, McDermott embodies the IURP’s mission — scientific collaboration and expansive student experiences at an international level.