Newswise — Undergraduate research experiences abound at Virginia Tech, with numerous opportunities funded by research sponsors and faculty member research programs. Now, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences has launched the Undergraduate Research Institute (URI).
"This initiative shows that we are serious about undergraduate research," said Jerry Niles, dean of the college. "We formed an undergraduate research faculty committee back in 2005, and under the direction of Diana Ridgwell, our director of Student Development, we have moved quickly to put this opportunity into place for our undergraduates and our faculty."
While the primary benefits for the undergraduates are refined inquiry skills and an enhanced resume, the URI will also help students understand how research differs across disciplines. The institute will hold workshops in quantitative, qualitative, combined, and creative approaches to research. Many services will also be web-based, including a database of available research opportunities " one that matches college faculty with potential student researchers. "It has been documented that undergraduate research increases students' ability to think, learn, and work independently," said Ridgwell. "Research also strengthens oral and written communication skills, and sharpens critical thinking. In addition, students gain confidence and often find a faculty mentor."
But it's a win-win situation for both students and faculty. Faculty members not only gain assistance with current research projects, but they are able to foster positive learning experiences with students and generate excitement and interest in their discipline. They can also help students contribute new knowledge to a field.
Peter Wallenstein, a professor of history at Virginia Tech, has encouraged and shared undergraduate research for years. "My students' work has made its way into -- and has been cited in -- my book on Marshall Hahn's presidency of Virginia Tech as well as other publications," said Wallenstein. "Various undergraduates have presented their work at the annual conference of the Virginia Social Science Association and elsewhere, and one of these students published an article in the Virginia Social Science Journal."
The new institute in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences will offer small grants (from $300-$1,000) for undergraduates and their mentors to obtain books or computer programs they need for their research projects or to travel to conferences to present their work. The college's students have already shown a great interest in undergraduate research, with 27 percent of those presenting at last year's university wide Undergraduate Student Research conference hailing from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
Members of the college's Undergraduate Research Faculty Committee include Gena Chandler in English, Bradley Hertel in sociology, Kee Jeong Kim in human development, Ridgwell, and Wallenstein.
Learn more at http://www.uri.clahs.vt.edu.
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