Biography:
Alli Grunkemeyer is a program manager at the Perry Initiative.
"I'm a Ph.D. candidate in Biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (graduating this year!), where I study how people perceive and interact with the world through touch and movement. My research explores how the brain uses sensory information to judge properties like the weight and length of objects, and whether gentle vibrations can improve that perception. By better understanding how our sensory systems work, I hope to contribute to new approaches that can improve rehabilitation, motor learning, and human movement. My passion for biomechanics also led me to The Perry Initiative, where I now serve as Program Manager. In this role, I have the opportunity to combine my love of research, engineering, and medicine by helping introduce thousands of young women to STEM careers and connecting them with the mentors and experiences that helped shape my own journey."
What first inspired you to pursue research or STEM?
I was always interested in both medicine and engineering, but I wasn't sure how those two fields could come together in a career. Once I discovered biomechanics, I realized it was the perfect combination of both disciplines and gave me the opportunity to use engineering principles to answer questions that could ultimately improve patient care. My involvement with The Perry Initiative further reinforced that passion by showing me how engineering and medicine intersect in the real world and by connecting me with mentors who demonstrated the many ways STEM can make a meaningful impact. Looking back, I didn't have everything figured out in high school—it was through staying curious, seeking out new opportunities like The Perry Initiative, and learning from incredible mentors that I found the path that was right for me.
How did you find your first research opportunity?
I found my first research opportunity by sending cold emails to researchers whose work genuinely interested me. I introduced myself, shared why I was interested in their research, and asked if they had opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved. One of those emails led to a summer internship in a biomechanics research lab, where I gained my first hands-on experience conducting research. Looking back, that experience taught me an important lesson: don't be afraid to reach out and ask. The worst someone can say is no, but one conversation can completely change the course of your career.
What was the biggest challenge you faced entering the research world?
One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the feeling that I wasn't experienced enough to contribute. Research can seem intimidating because you're surrounded by people with years of expertise, and it's easy to feel like you don't know enough. I eventually realized that asking questions, making mistakes, and being willing to learn are all essential parts of becoming a researcher. No one starts out knowing everything, and curiosity is often more important than having all the answers.
What surprised you most about working in a research environment?
What surprised me most was how collaborative and creative research really is. Before joining a lab, I imagined research as following a strict set of procedures, but I quickly learned that it's about asking questions, solving problems, and working with others to discover something new. I was also surprised by how often experiments don't go as planned, and that's okay. In research, unexpected results aren't failures; they're opportunities to learn, adapt, and move one step closer to answering your question.
Can you share a meaningful moment or accomplishment from your experience?
One of the most meaningful moments in my research journey was realizing that I had discovered something no one else had described before. After months of designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results, I was finally able to answer a question that didn't have a known answer. That moment reminded me that research is about contributing even a small piece of new knowledge that can help others build on it in the future.
What advice would you give to high school students hoping to get involved in research?
Stay curious, don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't wait until you feel "ready" to pursue an opportunity. Reach out to teachers, professors, or researchers whose work interests you- many are excited to mentor students who show genuine enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Remember that every researcher started as a beginner, and no one expects you to know everything on day one. The email you almost don't send, the question you're nervous to ask, or the opportunity you think you're not qualified for might end up being the one that changes your life.
How has your research experience shaped your goals or identity as a scientist/student?
Research has shaped me into a more curious, resilient, and collaborative scientist. It has taught me to embrace uncertainty, think critically, and see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Just as importantly, my research experiences have inspired me to become an educator and mentor, helping make STEM more accessible to students who may not yet see themselves in these fields. My goal is not only to contribute new knowledge through research, but also to encourage and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals.
If you had to describe your research experience in three words, what would they be?
Curious, collaborative, and impactful
Note: Consent was received to sharing full name and position