SURA 2026 Student Blog
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Each summer since 1998, the Institute for Policy Research (IPR) has run the Summer Undergraduate Research Assistants (SURA) program, which gives undergraduate students first-hand experience in the conceptualization and conduct of policy-relevant social science research. In a series of blog posts this fall, SURA students are sharing their summer research experience from their own perspective
Shaili Das: Exploring the Links Between Financial Security, Housing, and Health
Shaili Das worked with IPR health psychologists Edith Chen and Greg Miller to investigate how economic stability and housing assistance affect physical and mental health.
This summer, through IPR’s Summer Undergraduate Research Assistant (SURA) program, I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Greg Miller and Dr. Edith Chen at the Foundations of Health Research Center (FHRC) by supporting operations for the Every Dollar Counts and Connections studies. The Every Dollar Counts study examines the multifaceted effects of economic stability on participants' physical and mental health, while the Connections study similarly investigates the effects of government housing programs and assistance agencies such as Connections for the Homeless. This changemaking research is particularly relevant as healthcare professionals and policymakers work to better understand the social determinants of health and recognize that socioeconomic circumstances are deeply intertwined with immediate and long-term wellbeing. The findings from these studies can help inform public policies and interventions that address the root causes of health disparities.
My experience at FHRC has allowed me to apply what I have learned in my biology and laboratory courses to real-world research. As a wet lab research assistant, I process participant blood samples and conduct analyses such as flow cytometry. These responsibilities have strengthened my technical skills while teaching me the importance of precision, sterility, and attention to detail. Beyond the laboratory, attending meetings and learning from peers and faculty members has exposed me to perspectives that have broadened my understanding of collaborative research.
Among the most important lessons I have learned is adaptability. When working with human participants, we frequently encounter unexpected challenges. For example, participants may cancel unexpectedly, or blood collection may be unsuccessful due to difficulty finding veins or needle anxiety. These experiences have taught me that there is always a solution to be found, and that working jointly with participants and within the lab is essential to determining what can be done.
This experience has also reaffirmed the importance of humility for me. There is a steep learning curve in wet lab research, and recognizing when to seek guidance has been essential to my growth. I am grateful to be surrounded by knowledgeable and supportive mentors who have encouraged me to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and continually improve. Ultimately, this inspiring experience has further invigorated my commitment to multidisciplinary research that advances health equity and translates scientific findings into meaningful improvements in people's lives.
Shaili Das is a third-year student from the Chicago suburbs studying biological sciences and psychology. She has an interest in public health with a focus on healthcare inequities and trauma-informed care, and has previously supported research regarding the effect of chronic stress on community violence intervention workers. In her free time, Shaili enjoys exploring new cuisines, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.
Published: October 19, 2026.
