Innovation & Research: How to Build Something Your Own
Research at Notre Dame is more than just a graduation requirement—it’s a way to find a niche, build a network, and gain valuable skills to use after you leave campus.
Whether you’re curious about a specific topic or want to see how "research skills" actually translate to a career, this event is designed to show you the ropes. You’ll hear from upperclassmen and young alumni who have used these tools to launch their own projects and navigate their professional lives.
The Details
- When: Arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 pm to check in.
- Food: Dinner provided by Franky’s Tacos.
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Peer Insights: Talk to students who have already navigated the process of starting their own projects.
- Career Connections: Meet alumni using research methods in the "real world" beyond the university.
- Practical Skills: Learn about specific tools, training, and funding that can help you get started.
- The AI Debate: Join candid conversations about the role of AI in research—discussing how to determine when it’s appropriate and when it’s not
The Prizes: Complete the tracking sheet and evaluation for a chance to win Starbucks cards, ND blankets, or Kellogg T-shirts.
Presenters:
-
AI Debate Facilitator
Hannah Reynolds ‘23, Predoctoral Research Associate, Pulte Institute for Global Development -
Alumni
Khadijat Atere ‘25, Predoctoral Research Associate, Kellogg Institute
Olivia Dopheide ‘22, Research Associate, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies
Donovan Leiva ‘22, Research Project Associate, Lucy Institute for Data & Society
Saadat Musabaeva ‘23, Research Program Manager, Kellogg Institute
Emily Normand ‘20, Lily Endowment Museum Fellow for Religion and Spirituality in the Visual Arts, Raclin Murphy Museum
Sophia Rockwell ‘25, Research Associate, Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative -
Undergraduate Researchers
Ethan Chiang ‘27
Maria Fernanda Del Rosario Villalaz ‘26
Tia Mittle ‘26
Kara Neuner ‘26
Jane Palmer ‘26
Quinlen Schachle ‘28





