Considering mentoring an undergraduate researcher this semester?
“…undergraduate research opportunities [in STEM fields] help clarify students’ interest in research and encourage students who hadn’t anticipated graduate studies to alter direction toward a Ph.D.” – Russel et al. (2007)
Many faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students find themselves mentoring an undergraduate researcher at some point in their career. These research experiences have been shown to have a significant impact on the undergraduate researcher. Specifically in the STEM fields, undergraduate research experience has been linked to increased understanding of how to conduct a research project, increased confidence in their skills as a researcher, and increased awareness of what graduate school is like (Russell et al. 2007).
Interested in learning about effective methods for mentoring undergraduate researchers in STEM disciplines? The Kaneb Center for Teaching and Learning is hosting a panel discussion titled “Mentoring Undergraduate Research in STEM Disciplines” on Wednesday January 23, 2013. For more information (and registration) please visit http://kaneb.nd.edu/events/ All disciplines are welcome.
Russell, S.H., Hancock, M.P., and J. McCullough (2007). Benefits of Undergraduate Research Experiences. Science Vol.316 No.5824 pp.548-549.
