How to get involved with undergraduate research
By Ally Ortolani// Organizations Editor
High Point University’s Research Rookies Program is an opportunity for undergraduate students to get immersed with research and creative work. Students can establish research-related skills while furthering one’s educational development. More importantly, by participating in undergraduate research students can diversify their credentials from other job applicants. A 2008 International Journal of Exercise journal article entitled, “Undergraduate Research: Importance, Benefits, and Challenges,” states, “Incorporating a research component along with a sound academic foundation enables students to develop independent critical thinking skills along with oral and written communication skills. The research process impacts valuable learning objectives that have lasting influence as undergraduates prepare for professional service.” Consequently, HPU prides itself on the fact that 96 percent of postgraduates are employed or attend graduate school. And by joining Research Rookies, one can easily increase his or her likelihood of obtaining a job or attending graduate school.
For those who wish to participate in Research Rookies, freshman or first semester sophomores are welcomed to apply; however, be sure to contact Dr. Joanne Altman, director of Undergraduate Research and Creatives Works. Those who join the program have two consecutive semesters (not including summer) to complete 15 activities, along with a mini-research project. Activities include online assignments, attending seminars and discussions, as well as intellectual discussions on an array of topics. Not all activities are required for the completion of Research Rookies. Members can freely select differing events, while some are mandatory. Satisfactory completion of the program will result in receiving a certification, giving them the status of a Research Apprentice; students also receive a medallion worn at graduation.
Alan Hsueh is a sophomore at HPU and successfully completed the Research Rookies Program during his first year. Hsueh says, “Research Rookies is about learning what goes into being a researcher. You learn about the ethics, methods and good examples of what other researchers have done.” Because of his participation in Research Rookies, he was introduced to tremendous opportunities and met with a variety of faculty members.
“Getting certified as a Research Rookie helped get me into SURPS, which is a HPU Summer Research program. This Summer I had the opportunity to go to Wyoming where I dug up fossils and analyzed how climate change affected prehistoric animal populations,” Alan said. His involvement in undergraduate research and SURPS distinguishes him from the millions of other students across the nation.
“Attending seminars, critical thinking discussions and online courses on a variety of topics helped me grow as a researcher, and hopefully, will assist me with getting into medical school upon graduation,” said Alan. Further, as a Research Rookie, students attend High-Purcs–an HPU hosted event–which is a presentation of student-faculty research and collaboration. Research includes chemistry, biology, sociology and even psychology.
The Reseach is designed to heighten student’s skills in many aspects. Some characteristics involve the prevalence and importance of research, adequate research ethics skills, understanding data and analyses, writing and presenting research and exploring a plethora of research opportunities. Students who are interested in such events can contact Dr. Altman at jaltman0@highpoint.edu.
The High Point University Research Rookies provides students with the opportunity to get involved in undergraduate research. Photo by highpoint.edu