The first-ever Undergraduate Research Information Fair was held this past Friday in Capen Hall. The Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA) organized the event, which provided students with information about how to become involved in research both on campus and nationwide.
According to Hadar Borden, fellowship and scholarship advisor for the University Honors College, many students are unaware of opportunities to become involved in research projects as an undergraduate.
"We're here to demystify, to provide students with information," Borden said.
Representatives from the SUNY Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (SUNY LS AMP) and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) talked to students. Both organizations provide support for minority students within the science majors who are interested in research or continuing on to graduate school.
The workshop was useful for students with both decided and undecided majors.
"I thought the workshop was helpful to those who are set in their major and looking for experience, as well as people who are still trying to find out what area of study they would like best," said Raphael Rosenbaum, a sophomore undecided major. "Things like research would be helpful in figuring out where I am going."
However, some students would like to see the event grow to be more expansive in the future.
Stacey Lampell, a senior psychology major, expected the event to be larger because of the wide variety of research opportunities on campus.
"For how big of an emphasis there is on research (at UB), they only have three tables," she said.
CURCA also works to help students fund their research on campus. According to Timothy Tryjankowski, director of CURCA, students can apply for an Undergraduate Research Award to receive up to $500 per semester to cover the cost of lab equipment, traveling to conferences and other expenses a research project may incur.
The awards are not just for science majors, he said. Students within the arts and humanities can receive funding for creative projects.
"We're trying to break down any barriers students might encounter," Tryjankowski said.
He explained that the amount students receive is based on a detailed budget they submit with their application. There is no deadline for applying, and applications are reviewed every 30 days.
After the fair, Dr. Joseph Gardella, a professor of chemistry, gave an overview of the criteria for applying for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU). He explained that while there are numerous summer REU opportunities nationwide, they are extremely competitive.
According to Gardella, students should not limit themselves to one part of the country when looking for research positions.
"The more applications you get in and the more generous you are in thinking about where you want to be, the better chance you have of getting in," he said.
Gardella explained that most programs are looking for students with previous research experience.
"REU sites tend to take people who are in their sophomore, if not their junior year," he said.
Students who have participated in REUs also spoke about their experiences, noting benefits such as practice with giving presentations and the chance to network.
"I went to an undergraduate mathematics conference, and I was able to present to a ton of people I've never seen before," said Tracy Stepien, a senior mathematics major who participated in an REU in Erie, PA.
Dan Kraus, a sophomore mathematics major, thought the workshop could have talked more about the actual research that students in the programs get the chance to partake in.
"While the word 'research' was thrown around a lot, no one really talked about what he or she did," he said. "It would have been nice if each student explained how REUs have augmented his or her passion for the related subject."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
