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Winthrop University Undergraduate Research Initiative
The
Winthrop University Undergraduate Research Initiative (WUURI)
supports a student-centered learning environment that fosters
student research, scholarship, and creative activities. The
Initiative encourages students and faculty mentors to collaborate in
the design and implementation of projects and the dissemination of
results.
What is
Undergraduate Research?
(Questions about how and
why you should be involved in undergraduate research, and how to
find a faculty mentor).
What is Undergraduate
Research?
In the College of Arts
and Sciences, we recognize undergraduate research as
student research, scholarship, and/or creative
activities where students and faculty mentors
collaborate in the design and implementation of
projects and the dissemination of results.
(Undergraduate Research and Deep Learning Statement,
2006)
Why Do Undergraduate
Research?
How Can You Find a Mentor?
Why Do
Undergraduate Research?
Participating in undergraduate research will help
you:
(adapted from
http://undergradresearch.missouri.edu/for_students/benefits/php)
DEVELOP
a one-on-one mentoring relationship with a faculty
member that will earn you a great
recommendation letter--a necessity for acceptance
into medical school, law school, and most other
professional and graduate programs.
Help
CLARIFY your academic and career interests and
goals.
ACQUIRE
knowledge in your academic field that transcends
classroom study.
ENHANCE
critical skills in communication, independent
thinking, creativity, and problem solving.
ENHANCE
professional and academic credentials to support
applications for scholarships , awards, career
employment, and entry into graduate and professional
schools.
ENGAGE
in the creation of new knowledge on the cutting edge
of an academic discipline and apply that knowledge
to real world problems.
PARTICIPATE directly in the University's central
mission of scientific discovery, scholarly activity,
and artistic creation.
How Can You Find A Mentor?
(From
http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/finding_mentor.html)
1.
Think about what interests you.
Research the possibilities. It is likely that
you have a few topics that truly catch your
attention. Use the local media, library, and
the web to seek additional information. Talk
to your academic advisor and to your instructors for
suggestions.
2.
Find potential mentors who are working on what
interests you. Look for opportunities on
and off campus. Do your homework and find out
what they are working on. Contact them by
e-mail or phone and explain you are interested in
working with them.
3.
Prepare for the interview. Why should
this busy stranger agree to mentor your research?
The answer is simple: you would be an asset to their
research. As an undergraduate, you are not
expected to be a fully trained expert; however, you
should have a general idea (the more detailed, the
better) of what this researcher's work entails.
Bring a list of questions:
What kinds of projects might be available for you to
work on?
What kind of a commitment do you need to make?
(hrs/wk, expectations)
Is there funding available?
Can you do the research for course credit?
4.
Follow up on the interview. Make time
to call or send a note thanking the researcher for
meeting with you. A short e-mail will do.
If the researcher is unable to offer you his or her
support, do not be discouraged. Think of this
interview as good practice for the next one.
If the interview leads to an offer to collaborate,
set up a time to further discuss the project, and
ask for materials or references to help you prepare.
If you need information
about undergraduate research in the College of Arts and Sciences
contact:
Dr. Dwight Dimaculangan, Director of Undergraduate
Research (803) 323-2111, ext.6443 or
E-mail:
dimaculangad@winthrop.edu
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