Research Experience Transforms Student’s Career Path

When Anjuli Chatrath applied for the Undergraduate Research Training (URT) program, she never thought it might change her career trajectory.

The College of Education’s URT program provides research experiences for undergraduates who are interested in research on teaching and learning. Each trainee works with a professor in education for two semesters.

Anjuli, a junior studying math education, worked with Matt Della Sala, assistant professor of educational leadership and policy studies. They studied how school finance lawsuits impacted educational funding throughout states within the United States.

“Our research opened my eyes to education law,” Anjuli said. Because of her research with Della Sala, Anjuli decided she wanted to do that kind of work on a national level. She spent last summer in Washington D.C. for George Washington University’s Semester in Washington Politics program.

Through the program, Anjuli interned at D.C. Public Schools. Working in project management in the office of the chief operating officer, she created a system to track professional development for teachers from more than 100 schools.

“Everyone I met in Washington was so passionate about changing something within our legislative system and making America a better place to live. It was a wonderful experience to be surrounded by people who shared a passion for changing the world.”

“The URT program opened my eyes and set me on a new path that is rewarding and intriguing,” Anjuli said. She plans to teach math after graduation, but knows that educational policy may be in her future. She is currently applying for summer internships in Washington.