When Victoria Nist decided on West Virginia University over Ohio State University, she thought she had her academic career all planned out. The WVU Honors College student from Massillon, Ohio, envisioned a future as a veterinarian.

But a simple email changed that trajectory.

After arriving here, Nist read a message from the Office of Undergraduate Research promoting the Research Apprenticeship Program, which offers any undergraduate student course credit and Federal Work-Study funds by working with research faculty. Nist took advantage of the program and “fell in love with the research process.”

“Over the course of my first two years, I thought, ‘Maybe I don’t want to be a vet. Maybe I’d rather be a researcher or scientist,'” she said. Now a senior, Nist has already conducted a wealth of research as an undergraduate student – a rarity in the world of higher ed, except for WVU.

Many universities around the country underestimate the importance of undergraduate research and what it can do for science, culture, arts and more. WVU, on the other hand, has an average of 300 students per year who work with the Office of Undergraduate Research.

“Our undergraduate students are afforded hands-on experiences and opportunities that cannot be found at most universities in the country,” said Vice President for Research Fred King. “The student research experience is truly one of our unique selling points, and that investment has yielded noticeable returns on developing experts and problem-solvers that better the world. The Office of Undergraduate Research has helped drive that.”

The Office provides services ranging from graduate school preparation to scholarships and research programs outside of the University.

At the helm of these opportunities is Cinthia Pacheco, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, established in 2017 to offer undergraduates similar research experiences afforded to graduate students. Two main programs launched on the onset: the Research Apprenticeship Program and the Summer Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship. These are offered to any undergraduate student at WVU, regardless of major.

“It’s for everyone, any student in any discipline, regardless of GPA, regardless of previous experience, who can participate and have this first experience,” Pacheco said. “This is really important because most research opportunities beforehand required some experience, which shows how students struggle because how are they going to have their first experience?”

Now a senior, Nist has already racked up a wealth of research experience with the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and now with Elizabeth Bowdridge, assistant professor of physiology, pharmacology and toxicology in the School of Medicine.

In her research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, Nist has explored the health effects of exposure to Nano-TiO2, a particulate found in common everyday products such as sunscreen, cosmetics, paint and even the ‘M’ on M&Ms and the ‘S’ on Skittles. But the levels of exposure from those items aren’t as hazardous as they are in factory and workplace settings, she said, which is the basis of her study.

“The occupational exposure — it’s more abundant in workplace situations,” Nist said. “Once the particulate matter is inhaled, it reaches the lungs. The particulates are so small they circulate throughout the body and can affect organs in different ways.”

Through rat studies, Nist has discovered Nano-TiO2 is an endocrine disruptor that affects pregnancy. The sizes of the litters are smaller in comparison to the norm. The exposure also results in more females being born, whereas litters are usually split 50-50 between genders.

“They have decreased levels of estrogen and the genes that regulate estrogen are disrupted,” she said. “One of the biggest things is a decrease in vasculature to the uterus and other reproductive organs. This is why the litter doesn’t grow as big as they would.”

“Our lab’s goal is to explore the effects on women and their children, as it’s relevant to West Virginia considering the percentage of people who have worked in factories and may have been exposed to the toxicant.”

Nist, who will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in animal and nutritional sciences in May 2025, ultimately wants to enter a dual M.D./PhD program.

Nist has presented her findings at Undergraduate Research Day at the West Virginia State Capitol as well as the national Society of Toxicology conference. She’s also paying it forward as an undergraduate research ambassador giving advice to undergrads interested in research.

“It was something I couldn’t say ‘no’ to because of the impact undergraduate research has had on me,” Nist said. “I’ve not only worked with incredible faculty members but with students from different majors. Being a research ambassador allows me to give back to the University and encourage other undergraduates to pursue research that can make a difference.”

Another student, Isaac McCathy, of Gerrardstown, West Virginia, has found great success and a love for RAP in his academic endeavors toward his bachelor’s degree in music and a minor in Appalachian music. Through his time in the program he’s improved his presentation skills, developed a unique teaching style and feels more prepared for graduate school.

“Through RAP, I’ve been able to connect with my passions for research, presentation and teaching and develop them into real, usable skills. Without this program, I would not have grown into the researcher, teacher or person I am today,” McCarthy said. The Office’s investment in RAP has paid off. In a study, the Office found that involvement in RAP led to higher student retention rates than institutional averages. Additionally, data revealed higher retention rates for participants from historically marginalized populations. From 2017 to 2022, a total of 868 students participated in the program. Ninety-two percent of first-year students returned to WVU for their second year.

“We are increasing retention through undergraduate research because WVU has a very particular pool of students who are different from students in other institutions,” Pacheco said. “We have the Appalachian region, right? These students are different. They have different struggles. We are increasing their retention rates.”