In a previous blog, I shared the importance of high-impact practices (HIPs) in higher education. Individually these practices are critical for student success. Undergraduates who participate in a research program under faculty supervision gain invaluable experience.
The word “research” often provokes us to think of STEM disciplines, however research encapsulates much more than the sciences. Of course, research does include biology, chemistry, physics, and other “STEM” fields, but it also includes history, art, and creative writing, just to name a few. With this, the high impact practice of undergraduate research can benefit students of all areas of study, not just in the research heavy STEM disciplines.
The impact undergraduate research under the mentorship of a faculty member can be far reaching. Conducting experiments that help advance our knowledge of a discipline may ignite a passion that can lead to one’s dream vocation. It may also help students decide that a career in research is not their dream job. In my own experience, the critical thinking and applied problem-solving skills I acquired during my two years of undergraduate research under Dr. Joel Sheffield at Temple University helped shape my professional career. At the conclusion of this life-changing undergraduate research experience, I decided to pursue a doctorate in the same lab. My career trajectory, including my current position as university president is only possible due to the skills gained in the lab, and it all started with my undergraduate research experience.
However, I see a much greater benefit to undergraduate research besides just aiding in career aspirations. When an undergraduate embarks on a research project with a faculty member, they are fortunate to work with that faculty member, a professional in their respective field, on a one-on-one basis. This can foster the mentor-mentee relationship between faculty and students that is difficult to replicate in a classroom environment. This was exactly the experience I was privileged to have my mentor and PhD advisor.
You might now be wondering about how accessible undergraduate research is for our students. At our three campuses of Commonwealth University, we offer a multitude of opportunities for our students to engage in research, whether that be during the semester or over the summer through grants and scholarships. I greatly encourage students to participate in research, regardless of their area of study, during their time at university. I’ve seen the benefit it can have in my own life, in my children’s lives while they are in college, and in thousands of other students I’ve interacted with, and I hope you, our CommonwealthU students can reap the same benefits.