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For most people, the word "research" invokes images of test tubes, lab coats, clipboards, and scientists with doctoral degrees. But at the University of Minnesota, undergraduate students, including freshmen, also develop research. Recently, these undergraduate students abandoned their lab coats and field gear for business attire at the annual Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium.
At the April 27 research symposium, student researchers presented their work to their peers and the public. As Dr. Rogene Schnell, associate director of the honors program in the College of Biological Sciences explains, "The symposium provided a window into a research process that's normally hidden, bringing students and faculty out of [their] labs."
Research projects included everything from diabetes education in the Latino community to DNA testing for Mad Cow's Disease. This year, there were a total of 115 projects--the most in the 19-year history of the symposium.
Freshman Eric Cross, a genetics, cell biology, and development and microbiology double major in the class of 2008, chose to present his findings after working for a year on his research project. With a hypothesis and faculty mentor at hand, Eric used one of the University's state-of-the-art research laboratories to examine his theory about the growth of hairs on the flowering Wall Cress mustard plant.
Was Eric's hypothesis correct? No. But for Eric, the research experience was far more important than whether his hypothesis was right or wrong. As Eric explains, "[My experience] has provided me with knowledge that you couldn't get out of reading a textbook."
The students worked one-on-one with professors who specialize in life science research. The interaction between professors and undergraduate researchers helped the students choose topics and develop their research.
"Dr. Marks wasn't aiming to get huge grants and manage a huge team of researchers," Eric explains. "Instead, his lab was small and had only two grad-students and a couple undergrads working a couple times a week. It was great because when I went to work he was right there by my side helping me and teaching me."
Many of the students focused their projects on major research themes in the laboratories of University of Minnesota life sciences faculty. For students, it was an invaluable opportunity to experience some of the innovative research happening at the University of Minnesota.
"This is what distinguishes the University of Minnesota as a public research institution," says Robert Elde, dean of the College of Biological Sciences. "Other Minnesota colleges just can't provide opportunities to work in real research labs with scientists who have National Institute of Health and National Science Foundation funding."
Students involved in research projects find that their experiences provide an opportunity to earn money through stipends, work with professors, and gain invaluable work experience.
"My undergraduate research project gave me the opportunity to experience an office environment, meet deadlines, and develop my communication and computer skills," explains Sean Elder, a former research participant. "Now, I can use these skills in any career I want to pursue."
While Eric is just beginning his undergraduate experience, many people like Sean are already using their research skills in the career world.
See more undergraduate research projects and participants from the 2005 Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium.
-Nathan Kass
The 2005 Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium was sponsored by the College of Biological Sciences; Institute of Technology; College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences/Natural Resources; and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
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