Ohio State seeks a few good undergraduates
Undergraduate students at The Ohio State University are learning what it means to test their limits. That is because many from a whole array of disciplines are undertaking undergraduate research.
"Once they've done a research project, they have a lot of confidence to go on and do graduate work," explains Professor Allison Snow, who serves as director of the Undergraduate Research office on the Columbus, Ohio, campus.
Roughly 70% of participating students are in the honors program. Honors status is not required, however. Participating students become integrated parts of an academic community.
In fact, many of these students cite the importance of being part of a group as an important reason for doing undergraduate research.
"In the sciences, students work with a graduate student or a postdoctoral researcher," says Professor Snow, adding that many professors like to work with graduate students on a one-on-one basis.
The program, which is indicative of a growing trend to merge research with the undergraduate curriculum, is attracting students to Ohio State.
"For students, it gives them tangible hands-on experience that they don't get in the classroom," says Professor David Tomasko, who is a professor of chemical engineering at the Ohio State College of Engineering. "It is also open-ended in that it involves exploration and the scientific method."
The program offers students an outlet for test-driving a career in research. The faculty members benefit, too. Undergraduate students often ask obvious questions, which help faculty members keep a fresh perspective.
"Students come in without any preconceived notions," explains Professor Tomasko.
"You can discover a new way of looking at things," he adds in describing opportunities for faculty members to grow in their comprehension of subject matter.
The topics of undergraduate research tend to range. Recently, Ohio State University undergraduate student Rebecca Routson worked with assistant professor Robert Siston in basing the design of an assistive walking device on a child's gait and daily activities.
Civil engineering major Kevin Baird evaluated the fate and toxicity of engineered nanoparticles in soils, under the direction of advisor John Lenhart, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering and geodetic science.
Some students eventually go on to do an honors thesis, while 60% to 70% of students enroll in graduate school. Many students have landed industry jobs with companies such as Kodak and Procter & Gamble.
"I'm always on the lookout for good undergraduates," concludes Professor Tomasko.
Using technology to advance education
At Duke University in Durham, N.C., students are using iPods for more than just listening to tunes. As part of the Duke Digital Initiative, students are using the technology to help reinforce learning.
David Schaad, who is a professor of engineering at Duke University, teaches a course entitled "Natural Catastrophes: Rebuilding from Ruins." The course is divided into four parts. The class discusses the underlying science behind disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, disease outbreaks, floods, and other forms of natural disaster.
Then, the class looks at the response to the disasters and how to rebuild. Afterwards, assorted experts are brought into the class to talk, and students share their experiences.
During spring break, many students enrolled in the class traveled to New Orleans to help with the rebuilding effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
"Students used i Pods for audio recordings to capture an audio snapshot of the Katrina experience," explains Professor Schaad.
One student put together a particularly memorable audio recording, which opened with jazz. Then, it went into the President's discussion of the aftermath, concluding with both the thoughts of survivors and the student's own reflections.
"It was poignant and emotional," says Professor Schaad. "It connected that experience to their education."
The course drew from a variety of academic disciplines, including economics, publie policy, engineering, history, and environmental studies. The technology benefits students in that it helps broaden their understanding of the educational experience.
"We webcast each lecture," adds Professor Schaad. "So students can download lectures with iPods to help reinforce learning."
Many of the students enrolled in the "Natural Catastrophes" course will go to New Orleans over spring break in 2008.
The state of science and engineering research
On January 15, 2008, members of the National Science Board delivered to President Bush and Congress Science and Engineering Indicators 2008, the Board's biennial report on the state of science and engineering research and education in the United States.
The report is the most comprehensive source of information on research and development conducted by universities, industry, the federal government, and the international science and engineering enterprise.
In addition to SEI '08, the board, concerned that the data revealed disturbing trends with serious policy implications, published a companion piece entitled Research and Development: Essential Foundation for U.S. Competitiveness in a Global Economy. In this policy statement, and in presentations in the U.S. House of Representatives, National Science Board Chairman Steven Beering, Subcommittee Chairman on SEI '08 Louis Lanzerotti, and SEI '08 Subcommittee Member Arthur Reilly stressed the need for increased government and industry sharing of funding for basic research.
Students stay connected digitally
The classrooms at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Mich., are no longer bound by time and location, as evidenced by the posting of courses on iTunes U.
"Students who study abroad, serve time in the Peace Corps, or travel for athletics can stay connected," explains Patty Lins, the director of educational technology and online learning.
Educational Technology Services records the lectures in a special classroom that features an overhead camera and computer connections. The lectures may also feature graphics and music.
Perhaps the people who appreciate the opportunity to download courses the most are the students enrolled in them. Thus far, introductory astronomy, polymer rheology, and mechanical properties of materials are just some of the courses available to be downloaded.-Joseph Hoff
© 2008 Barks Publications Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Source: Electrical Apparatus
