Transcript Presentation to Drs. Evans and Doblin
Undergraduate Research and Human Factors, Ergonomics and Safety
Presentation on Undergraduate Research Fall 2014 Brian Craig, PhD, PE, CPE Professor and Chair Department of Industrial Engineering
Undergraduate Research Agenda
Why Undergraduate Research?
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Previous undergraduate research How to get involved?
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Definition of Industrial Engineering
Why Undergraduate Research?
Why Should an Undergraduate Student do Research?
• Participating in undergraduate research expands your academic experience at the Lamar University. There are many benefits to becoming an undergraduate researcher, including: –
Working
closely with a faculty mentor –
Enhancing
your understanding and knowledge of your academic field – –
Clarifying
your academic, career, and personal interests
Gaining
academic credentials that help expand your resume, such as presenting at the UCF Showcase or other conferences, publishing, and working with a research team –
Learning
skills in communication (written and oral), critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management – –
Exploring
research techniques
Earning
academic credit, scholarships, stipends, and/or awards for having conducted research 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 5
Why Should an Undergraduate Student do Research?
• Learn new things • Apply what you learn in class • Learn valuable skills for class and life • Meet new people inside and outside LU • You could get paid • Potential journal/conference publications • Create a well-rounded resume 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 6
Frequently Asked Questions
• •
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
Q: Why should I do research as an undergraduate?
– A: On previous slides
Q: I’m not a scientist or an engineer. Can I still do research?
– A: Absolutely!
– One of the greatest myths about research is that it involves supercomputing and lots of test tubes. The truth of the matter is that research is limitless and has unbelievable freedoms. Professors in the humanities and social sciences can support undergraduate research as well – There are also many interdisciplinary projects that transcend departments 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 8
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: Do I have to wait until I’m an upper class student to conduct research?
– A: No – Many freshmen and sophomores decide to explore their options by volunteering in labs and networking. Through this process, they develop the necessary skill set and move on to the positions that really interest them during junior and senior year – Get involved in undergraduate research when you’re ready 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 9
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: What if I have my own project in mind?
• A: Make use of LU OUR resources and pursue an outlet for your interests http://www.lamar.edu/undergraduate-research/ – Your goal is to find someone to help you with your project by first developing your interests – The first step involves developing familiarity with your field of interest. You’d benefit from taking classes that relate to the project you someday hope to complete. This will introduce you to the elementary material and to the professors who love the subject. Read on your own and pursue your project as the passion that it is. Attend lectures on campus and speak with faculty. Eventually you will find someone who works in your field of interest and may even take you under his or her wing – Once you’ve proven your interest and commitment, he or she may help you with the project that got you started in the first place. Along the way, you’ll have gained an understanding of your project in relation to so much more 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 10
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: How do I find out about research opportunities?
• A: Keep your eyes open – If you ask any LU researcher on campus where they found their job, chances are they'll tell you a story full of persistence on their part and often, a friend of a friend. Research opportunities are posted on student listings through LU’s OUR http://www.lamar.edu/undergraduate-research/ – Students can even find research opportunities through speaking with their professors. They may start out doing background research for the professor, and eventually it could lead to great things. Sometimes professors will announce in class that they need help – The most valuable resources, however, are fellow students. Networking is a great tool that enables you to learn about the opportunities immediately available 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 11
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: How do I find a faculty advisor for my project?
• A: Just like finding any opportunity, you must network to find an advisor you are comfortable with – Faculty advisors are committed to help you learn – Some students work well with constant direction and others work with almost none – Generally, professors that you’ve had in class are a great place to start – You may also consider asking student researchers who their faculty members are and consider joining their team 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 12
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: How do I know which faculty are doing research?
• A: Take the initiative to do your homework – Faculty are involved in dynamic work that changes from day to day. There is, usually, a theme and a particular niche in which a given faculty member will work. This is what you must look for.
– Start by visiting department websites. If you're interested in the aerodynamics of winged insects, consider visiting Entomology. Sometimes it may not be that straight forward. For example, where would you look if you were interested in 3D Printing or Mariner Safety? Go to lamar.edu and search. You'll find a list of faculty and brief bios or contact LU’s OUR. Read about their publications and in that way you'll learn about what they've done – Once again, hone in on networking – Also, http://www.lamar.edu/undergraduate-research/research information/index.html
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Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: Can I do a project outside of my home department?
• A: ABSOLUTELY!
– LU, with a strong focus on research, has ample opportunities to pursue any and all interests. Taking time to pursue research outside of your major and department is a great chance to explore and become a well rounded student. Often, you’ll learn that the techniques and principles applied in a given field relate to the one you are studying – Interdisciplinary synthesis is a powerful tool that you will develop 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 14
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: How can I get funding?
• A: A faculty advisor will be your best resource in this regard – Well-developed ideas have a greater chance in securing funding. A faculty advisor will be the greatest help with regards to funding – Although small levels of funding may be secured internally, funding most often comes from external resources. Professional societies (American Society of Mechanical Engineers, etc.) offer scholarships for student papers and work. A faculty advisor can be a great help in applying for these prestigious awards – OUR also provides grant funds: http://www.lamar.edu/undergraduate-research/apply now.html
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Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: How much time will a project take?
• A: It depends – When you were initially considering whether to become involved in undergraduate research, you should have considered what level of commitment you are willing to provide – Undergraduate research is a mutual arrangement between you and your sponsoring faculty advisor – Some students work in excess of twenty hours per week; generally they are working towards an honors thesis or for credit. Students volunteering in a lab may work about two to three hours per week. It is really a decision that you and a faculty advisor must make. There are varying levels of commitment that will fit into you schedule. Communicate your level of interest and commitment 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 16
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: Does undergraduate research help me get into graduate school?
• A: Well...
– Maybe… undergraduate research will help you get into graduate school by identifying your strengths and interests – Maybe not… undergraduate research won't simply get you in because you’ve gone through the motions – Undergraduate research is an invaluable experience that confers understanding more about yourself than anything else – More importantly, you will become more knowledgeable about your research skills and personal qualities 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 17
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
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Q: How do I decide whether to go abroad?
• A: Going abroad and undergraduate research are not mutually exclusive
– While they are separate support services and offices, they actually enhance each other – Going abroad may not necessarily involve literally working in an international lab. Rather you will develop skills in a foreign country that may enhance your undergraduate experience 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 18
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: Are there any university-wide requirements for doing research as an undergraduate?
• A: Yes – All researchers, from students to faculty, should receive safety and possibly other training. It is important, once you've begun working with your faculty advisor, that he/she makes these trainings available to you – In some sessions, you may learn about standard practices, safety measures, and confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements, etc. – In others, you may be issued protective devices (i.e. a radiation safety badge) and informed on what your responsibilities include – Finally, if you work with humans or animals, more in-depth training will be provided 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 19
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergraduate Research
•
Q: What if I no longer enjoy doing my research?
• A: Students leave their research for a variety of reasons, such as change in research interests, not enough time in their schedule, or if the dynamics between their advisor or lab group just aren’t right – Be truthful with yourself and to your faculty research advisor. Faculty research advisors may depend on your contribution!
– However, if you feel you can no longer commit to your research for whatever reason, it is ok to either stop or switch to something else. There are several resources you could contact to discuss your situation, such as your academic advisor or research advisor from your college. Communicate! They are there to help you make your transition 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 20
Previous Undergraduate Research
Previous Undergraduate Research
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Psychosocial Risk Factors Related to Back Injury in the Material Handling Industry
– McNair Scholar • Craig, B., Congleton, J., Beier, E., Kerk, C., Amendola, A., and Gaines, W., Occupational Risk Factors and Back Injury.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics
, 19(3), 2013 – Honor’s Thesis • Mariner Personal Safety Project – Interested, hard-working IE students 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 22
How to Get Involved?
How to Get Involved?
• Contact me – Brian Craig, PhD, PE, CPE – Professor and Chair – Industrial Engineering – [email protected]
– (409) 880-8804 • Resume • Interview • Requirements and signed forms – Confidentiality, etc.
– Non-disclosure agreements • Excellent work ethic 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 24
Current Projects
• PROLIT – Safety culture in maritime – Leading safety indicators in maritime • OSCAR (new) – Safety culture in offshore – Leading safety indicators in offshore • Mariner personal safety – Worlds largest database of maritime injuries and near misses and growing (~80,000 international records) 4/24/2020 Department of Industrial Engineering 25