Transcript Document
Transforming a University Culture to Realize and Sustain Undergraduate Research Potential
Li Feng, Professor of Mathematics and Director Undergraduate Research Center Mary Wohlford, Interim Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs Louise Wrensford, Professor of Chemistry and Chair, Department of Natural Sciences, Albany State University, Albany GA, USA 31705 Summary With a core mission of ‘educating students to be outstanding contributors to society’, Albany State University has recognized the importance of undergraduate research as a crucial component in realizing this mission. Sustaining this culture through challenging times require clear communication of the importance of undergraduate research and university commitment and support across all levels of the institution for success. Establishing the importance of undergraduate research as a part of the university strategic plan can drive the transformative process. The establishment and support of the undergraduate research center which has seen increased student research across campus from 8 students in AY 2008 to 40 students across disciplines in AY 2012, is as strong indicator of university commitment to research as this period has concurrently seen yearly decrease in budget resources.
Recruitment and support of faculty motivated to participate in undergraduate research, to establish connections outside of the institution for funding research allows leveraging of time and resources to promote opportunities for student research on and off campus. In addition, revisions to the curriculum to require to provide credit for research, including requiring research as a graduation requirement allows undergraduate research to thrive at an institution.
This multifaceted approach can ensure that research opportunities for undergraduate students are sustained by an institution over time.
University Initiatives/Support External Connections and Opportunities Strategic Plan, Title III, Promotion/Tenure
Integration of Research in the Curriculum External Funding NIH, NSF, DOD Collaborations with Research Intensive Institutions Collaborations with Public/Private Sector Organizations
Undergraduate Research Center Faculty Research Development Funds Research Courses
Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics , Psychology, Sociology, English, Forensic Science
Funded Research for Education and Training for Students
Faculty funded projects, HBCU-UP, MBRS-RISE, MARC, RIMI
Student Summer Internships
University of GA Florida State University Emory University GA Tech