When I was an undergraduate at a smaller public university, I had the chance to get to know my professors and jump into research early in my degree. Looking back, I honestly can’t imagine what my college years would’ve been like without that experience.
Now, as a Research Educator (RE) in FRI, those memories really remind me how transformative research can be for students just starting out. For so many students, research is where science starts to come to life. It’s not only about applying what you learn in class, it’s about learning to think critically, work closely with others, troubleshooting challenges, sharing discoveries and results with stakeholders in a variety of formats. Most importantly, it's about connection. The relationships that develop among the people on the team (faculty, peer mentors, and students) are something unique, authentic, and impactful. Community is the core of FRI.
About the Author
Dr. Tony Dylla is the Research Educator for the Materials in Colors stream in FRI and the recipient of a 2025 CNS Teaching Excellence Award. In collaboration with Principal Investigator Dr. Zak Page in the Department of Chemistry, the stream's research explores advanced materials for color-changing technologies, pigments, and sustainable coatings that push the boundaries of visual and functional innovation in chemistry.
