The division of undergraduate research will host a forum to present EURECA and UGROW students’ findings this Friday, Nov. 22 in the Comanche Suites of the Clark Student Center.
“It’s a good venue for the students to say, ‘I spent a semester working on this and here are the results,’” Magaly Rincon-Zachary, director of undergraduate research, said.
Anik Jarvis, a senior in biology, said she is nervous to present her findings but she knows the value of her research.
“In any field there is always a question to be answered, and it can usually be investigated through research. For sciences, in particular, I think that research helps to link practical knowledge and theory as a learning experience for future research projects,” Jarvis said.
Justus Nwoko, a junior in mechanical engineering, is confident that his research will impress his fellow classmates and his professors.
“With this research, students produce new ideas and products which in turn can be used to improve any school’s technological achievements,” Nwoko said. “Undergraduate research is one of the ways to familiarize the students with real-world applications of the theoretical knowledge of their discipline.”
Rachel Whatley, a junior in radiology, addressed taxpayer complaints that too much time and money are spent on universities’ undergraduate research programs.
“I consider my research valuable to society,” Whatley said. “In regards to student development, I have seen that it helps increase our confidence, aids in the development of research skills and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. I hope that taxpayers take a closer look at what we are doing and see the value of engaging in research.”
John Eakin, a senior in biology, echoed the sentiment that these programs are invaluable in that they help transform students into more qualified graduates.
“This experience gives students an opportunity to decide if research is something they want to pursue,” Eakin said. “Students that participate in these programs receive an experience that will make them better prepared and more competitive for the real world and graduate school.
Ryian Williams, a senior in mechanical engineering, said he appreciates the chance to enhance his learning beyond the classroom.
“Undergraduate research is a different form of learning for students. There are certain things that are learned while doing research that cannot be learned during coursework,” Williams said. “Undergraduate research can also be used as a stepping stone to get students excited about research which would then open up their minds to doing further research as a graduate student, or independently.”
Rincon-Zachary said she hopes students will take advantage of the programs because it is a chance for them to be a part of something big.
“The most important thing is that this experience, I mean we know they take it seriously, but it’s important to know that this experience is transformative,” Rincon-Zachary said. “Students get to use their critical thinking skills, and they get to be creative. That as a whole will make a better citizen.”
Sam Brownwell, a senior in radiography, said she thinks her involvement with UGROW has made her a better radiology student because of the hands-on experience.
“Overall I feel that MSU will have a good rapport for producing more intellectual students,” Brownwell said. “This will encourage the enrollment rate for MSU, for students who actually want a good education.”
Kari Bickhard, a senior in geoscience and English, presented her work at the 125th Annual Geologic Society of America convention in Denver in October. She said that after receiving feedback from experts in the field, she is looking forward to the upcoming forum.
“The worth of these experiences should be measured beyond just the monetary cost,” Bickhard said. “They are rare and precious to undergraduate students who get to work with mentors to develop a sense of confidence and understanding that will help carry them for the rest of their lives, through further schooling and future careers.”
Beginning at 9 a.m., there will be 14 oral presentations of the UGROW and EURECA findings. Each presenter will have 20 minutes to highlight their project. Judges will evaluate the presentations, and the three best ones will receive a monetary award along with a plaque. Betty Stewart, provost and vice president for academic affairs and Robert Clark, vice president of administration and institutional effectiveness, will be presenting the awards.
“It is in our mission to provide students with learning opportunities,” Rincon-Zachary said. “One of the parts of our mission is to provide students with the opportunity to do research. So UGROW and EURECA and any research that is done by a student is part of what we do. So at the end, we hope that the students take this experience. Maybe, when the word gets out that MSU offers opportunities for research, high school students who are looking for a college might consider us. It can be a recruiting tool if it’s used wisely.”
