Emerson Brill's winter break wasn't a break at all. Instead, it was a turning point. "My research experience was phenomenal! I got to meet cool people, make connections, and get paid. There was no downside!"
Brill is one of 21 Onondaga Community College students who participated in paid scientific research over the winter semester break as part of USURE, which stands for Science Undergraduate Research Experience. The USURE program is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. OCC students conducted their research at one of three local partner institutions: SUNY Upstate Medical University, SUNY ESF, or Syracuse University.
The students put their research on display at the Winter 2026 Symposium, held February 11 in the Gordon Student Center Great Room. Standing beside their professional research posters, they shared their work with fellow students, faculty, and staff - gaining valuable experience communicating scientific discoveries to a broad audience.
For Brill, the opportunity to present his experience and findings was very meaningful. He's a 2017 high school graduate who entered the workforce after receiving his diploma. He spent years considering higher education courses of study before coming to OCC in 2024 and choosing the Mathematics & Science degree program with a specialization in Biology. Along the way, he decided his goal was to transfer to SUNY ESF and focus on entomology, which is the scientific study of insects.
During the semester break, Brill was able to conduct research at SUNY ESF under the mentorship of Dr. Richard List. He used a high-powered electron microscope to study and identify freshwater sponge species. "My time there influenced my future plans significantly. Electron microscopy is critical within the field of entomology. ESF offers an electron microscopy minor. I'd like to make that part of my skill set, so I would be an entomologist who can also do electron microscopy."
Brill will take his first step toward achieving his career goal this May when he completes his OCC degree, then transfers to SUNY-ESF and enters its Environmental Biology program. His story reflects the broader impact of USURE: providing hands-on research experience, professional mentorship, and paid opportunities that help students clarify their academic and career paths.
Congratulations to all the 2026 USURE participants:
- Lojain Al Swidan
- Bilsan Aldaher
- Ruqaiya Ali Ahmad
- Gregory Anderson
- Dilara Aslan
- Emerson Brill
- Keria Conklin
- Vanessa Esposito
- William Fluger
- Felicity Goetz
- Mohammed Jalal
- Michael Koltakov
- Janet Pacheco-Lema
- Nicholas Pangaro
- Karley Reber
- Raegan Reed
- Arun Regmi
- Elena Villasenor
- Dominick Virag
- Jacob Weinheimer
- Jonathan Yard
