The WashU Research Ambassador Program (WRAP) aims to increase awareness of and facilitate participation in undergraduate research across disciplines at WashU. Research Ambassadors, or "WRAPers," serve as the student face of the OUR. They help develop and support the office’s goals toward building pathways for all students to engage in high-quality undergraduate research experiences.
Need advice on finding a research mentor or applying for a research program? Chat with a WRAPer - they're committed to supporting your research journey through peer mentorship. Use the appointment links below to schedule a meeting with any WRAPer, whose research interests and experiences are described in their profiles.
Meet the Summer 2026 WRAPers
Additional WRAPers specializing in social sciences and interdisciplinary research have been selected to join the WRAP cohort in Fall 2026. Stay tuned for their information!
Maria Borges(she/her)
| - Email: borges@wustl.edu
- Appointments: https://calendly.com/borges-wustl/wrap
- Year & major: Senior in Biology
- Research area: Host–pathogen interactions, immunology, molecular biology, and structural biology.
- Research topic: Investigating how small molecules bind to the Ebola virus VP35 protein using structural biology and biochemical methods to better understand viral immune evasion and support development of future antiviral therapeutics.
- Relevant experience: Applying for research programs (STARS, SURGE, EnTER). Writing research abstracts and proposals, applying for conferences, changing/starting new research projects. Developing strategies for overcoming learning curves in research.
- Summer applications: Two-time SURGE applicant and awardee; Fred Hutch Cancer Center Pathways Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
- About Maria: I love staying active, whether that’s going to the gym or going on long walks. I also enjoy learning languages and can speak Portuguese, Spanish, and French!
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Irene Herrmann(she/her)
| - Email: herrmann@wustl.edu
- Appointments: https://calendly.com/irenesongherrmann
- Year & major: Senior in History
- Research area: History, African & African American Studies
- Research topic: I’m studying the development of identity documentation in antebellum Missouri as a means of surveillance and control over the free Black population.
- Relevant experience: Finding a research topic and faculty mentor; humanities and interdisciplinary projects; applying for funding (ex. AYURA); archival research; developing a senior honors thesis.
- About Irene: I spent my full junior year studying abroad at Oxford and I also love rock climbing!
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