Benefits Of Undergraduate Research Reach Far Beyond Campus
Published: April 13, 2021
Undergraduate research may foster valuable skills in young researchers, but does it really impact life beyond the college campus?
Yes, say these authoritative voices:
- Chemists David S. Rovnyak and George C. Shields, writing for Inside Higher Ed, link dozens of undergraduate research projects to advances in chemistry.
- Physicist Chad Orzel, writing for Forbes, cites influential undergraduate work in areas of astronomy and the spectroscopy of transition metals.
- A team of scientists presenting a study in BioScience correlate undergraduate research with successful careers in STEM research.
The news bodes well for students at Greenville University like Logan Dameris, Lucas Hopkins and Noah Matthews, who will analyze the quality of well water from properties throughout southern Illinois this summer. Their research, part of G.U.s 2019 Summer Research Experience, combines data collection with a valuable service to property owners.
Other student-researchers on campus hope to have broad impact too. Filling the six-week appointments in math, biology, chemistry or physics are:
- Collin Kessinger,Ye Jin Han and Johnny Wang,whose research in quantum cryptography has the potential to impact data security.
- Ethan Clements and Gabriella Pflederer, whose research in phylogenetics (the study of how organisms or genes are related) has the potential to explain how species relate to each other.
- Emmanuel Nava, whose research into kava has the potential to relieve depression, ADD and other emotional disturbances.
- Kristin FraileyandBrenna Wiens,whose research into the corrosion of copper piping in geothermal units has the potential to prolong the pipings lifespan.
- Gabe CarterandKatie Webb,whose research into agricultural versus natural habitats will set the stage for eventual restoration of the prairie surrounding G.U.s Ayers Field Station.
These students will not only expand their exploratory horizons and develop a wide range of skills, they will also strengthen their positions as candidates for graduate school and jobs in government, industry and the health professions.
Will their research impact life beyond G.U.s campus? It just may. Current students recall G.U. students Juliana Phillips 17 and Kellie Steele 18, whose research as undergraduates in Snyder Hall of Science drew international attention.
Learn MoreResearch Team to Publish in Stanford U. Scientific Journal
Students Discovery Draws Interest From International Scientific Community
GU Gives Undergrads Much-Needed Research Experience in STEM
University Students Continue Testing Well Water in Southern Illinois
Harvard U. Invites G.U. Bio-Chem Major Jessie Chappel to Present
Your gift to Greenville Universitys Catalyst Fund fully supports student research for undergraduates like our summer 2019 student-researchers. Thank you for giving.