WashU Research Ambassador Program (WRAP)

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 Fall 2026 WRAPers

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!

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!

Grace Lin

(she/her)

  • Email: grace.lin@wustl.edu
  • Appointments: https://calendly.com/grace-lin-wustl/wrap-office-hours
  • Year & major: Senior in Statistics & History
  • Research area: Statistics, History
  • Research topic: I am studying the application of statistical methodology to the analysis of the medieval inquisition at Toulouse 1245-1246. 
  • Relevant experience: Planning interdisciplinary research and coordinating an interdisciplinary senior thesis; creating research presentations; navigating research and funding opportunities as an international student. Experience with the summer undergraduate research program (Statistics and Data Science).
  • About Grace: I enjoy hiking, crocheting, identifying clouds, and video games. My fondest research memory is studying R libraries in a hotel room after a tornado went through my apartment. 

Deborah Theophile

(she/her)

  • Email: d.c.theophile@wustl.edu
  • Appointments: https://calendly.com/d-c-theophile-wustl/30min 
  • Year & major: Senior in Psychological and Brain Sciences: Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Research area: Developmental neuroscience, maternal and child health, prenatal stress, and health disparities.
  • Research topic: Examining how socioeconomic status, race, psychosocial stress, and maternal inflammation contribute to adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
  • Relevant experience: Applying for summer research programs and SURGE. Exploring and adapting to different research approaches across the social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary fields. Navigating transitions between research projects or starting in a new area. Building confidence and effective strategies when learning unfamiliar research methods and skills.
  • About Deborah: I enjoy music and have been playing the cello since my junior year of high school. I’ve continued playing throughout my time at WashU, and it has become one of my favorite creative outlets outside of academics and research!