Week shines light on student research
USU has the second oldest undergraduate research program in the nation, behind the program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and will show students what it has to offer during Research Week, said Anna McEntire, the public relations and marketing specialist for the Research Office.
The week will have two events from March 28 to April 1 that focus specifically on student research, an undergraduate research showcase, and a graduate research symposium. At both of these events students from all eight colleges at USU will present their research projects. In addition, there will be awards ceremonies, lectures, workshops, and more, all dedicated to research at USU, McEntire said.
“We’re unique in the nation in that we pair student research with faculty research,” McEntire said, “It’s really amazing to see the types of projects that students do.”
“Research is beneficial, it is something that can vastly improve your education,” said Jylisa Doney, a senior in sociology. “It allows me to further discover what my interests are.”
Doney, who will present her research about direct democracy and gay relationship rights on Tuesday, said research makes her education more complete.
“Research really matters, and it is first and foremost for the students,” McEntire said.
McEntire said on March 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a student showcase dedicated to USU undergraduate research in the TSC International Lounge with more than 60 poster presentations and 15 oral presentations.
She said there will also be a graduate research symposium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 31 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 1, where the work of more than 140 graduate students from various universities will be displayed.
While research is important at the graduate level, McEntire said, undergraduate research is of equal importance in higher education.
“Utah State has this tradition of having professors work with undergraduates on research, and that’s not typical at other schools,” said Kayla Woodring, a senior double majoring in political science and journalism.
“All of the professors I have worked with have been supportive,” Woodring said, “They’re here to develop your research skills.”
Jason Carlisle, a senior majoring in wildlife science, said working with professors is one of the greatest benefits of undergraduate research, because they can help you find jobs, find other research projects, and write letters of recommendation.
“You get to develop relationships with people who become assets to your future career and also become close friends,” he said.
“There are three professors in the music therapy program, and I’ve gotten to know all three of them very well,” said senior Rebecca Tanner. “I wouldn’t have had these relationships with my professors if I hadn’t done research.”
McEntire said several students and faculty members will be recognized throughout the week for their work in research. Students and faculty can find the schedule of events online, at the Research Week website.
“It’s important for students to know what other students are doing, these students have put in time and effort and we can learn a lot from them,” Tanner said.
Woodring said all research fields can benefit from any given undergraduate or graduate research project.
“It’s about the experience and development of yourself as someone who can ask meaningful questions and find relevant answers,” Carlisle said.
– keaton.reed@aggiemail.usu.edu