Lauren Henrikson is pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science and international studies. She plans to attend the WSU Graduate School to pursue a master's in public administration with a focus on nonprofit management. Her undergraduate research led her to create The Free Store, which allows individuals direct access to food, clothing, household items, and other necessities free of charge, and she is working to establish her organization Free Detroit as a nonprofit. For details, visit www.free-detroit.org.

"My research began by talking with individuals who have been active in the community so I could understand the city, its history, and the roots of the problems it faces," she says. "Through this process, and through the first-hand experience that running The Free Store has provided, I've gained an understanding of what I could to best confront the problems that I have found, which culminated in the desire to create the nonprofit organization Free Detroit.

"Without Wayne State, I don't think this project would have ever come to fruition. Although I wanted to start The Free Store since I was in high school, I didn't think it was feasible until I got into Honors. Our last project during freshman year was to create a service-learning proposal, and that challenged us to come up with solutions to the problems that confronted us in Detroit. My incredibly naive proposal was to start a Free Store in the city. After running the Free Store for a number of months, I applied for an Undergraduate Research Grant to push the project forward. The grant ultimately helped to facilitate The Free Store, (gave me funding to) create two short films, and provided me with the insight and confidence needed to improve the project and expand my vision.

"Wayne State has provided a truly unique opportunity through the Office of Undergraduate Research. I can't imagine where I would be if it were not for Wayne's research program; it has completely re-shaped my thinking. I wish every undergraduate student had the chance to pursue research. The experience has not just taught me to analyze the world critically; it has challenged me to create solutions to the problems I discover."