Undergraduate Research at the University of Tennessee Knoxville

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Undergraduate Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville …Where Students Can Pursue Their Interests!

Undergraduate Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville …Where Students Can Pursue Their Interests!

When most people think of UT. . . Not many people think of research,

When most people think of UT. . . Not many people think of research, and even fewer think of UNDERGRADUATE research.

Caliber of Students Class of 2014: • GPA - Average 3. 81 • ACT

Caliber of Students Class of 2014: • GPA - Average 3. 81 • ACT Score – Average 26. 5 Many with 4. 0+ • 4, 200 freshmen (500 more than last year) – 17% minority – 90% in-state (99% of whom qualified for HOPE scholarship)

F ure Opportunities • Faculty-driven research projects • Student-driven research projects • Honors programs/

F ure Opportunities • Faculty-driven research projects • Student-driven research projects • Honors programs/ degree requirements • Optional course work

Expanded Honors Options • Chancellor’s Honors • Haslam Scholars • College Scholars • Baker

Expanded Honors Options • Chancellor’s Honors • Haslam Scholars • College Scholars • Baker Scholars • Departmental Honors

Benefits of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities • 1 of 10 high-impact activities •

Benefits of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities • 1 of 10 high-impact activities • Creates benefits for: – – Students Faculty Institution The nation

Unifying Features • All undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity characterized by four unifying

Unifying Features • All undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity characterized by four unifying features: – – Mentorship Originality Acceptability Dissemination

Benefits to Students • Advancing cognitive and intellectual growth – Gains in knowledge and

Benefits to Students • Advancing cognitive and intellectual growth – Gains in knowledge and skills – Academic achievement and educational attainment • Fostering professional growth and advancement • Personal growth • High-impact learning experiences

Benefits to Faculty • Enhancing mentoring and teaching • Achieving research, scholarly, and creative

Benefits to Faculty • Enhancing mentoring and teaching • Achieving research, scholarly, and creative outcomes • Integrating scholarship and teaching • Increasing job satisfaction and personal development

Benefits to UTK and Nation • Building a community of scholars • Deepening relationships

Benefits to UTK and Nation • Building a community of scholars • Deepening relationships with alumni • Fostering innovation and cross -talk • Sharing a sense of purpose and achievement • Enriching curriculum • Providing opportunities to engage with local community

Impact!

Impact!

“Undergraduate research prepared me for my future studies and research. It gave me hands-on

“Undergraduate research prepared me for my future studies and research. It gave me hands-on experience and an advantage over others when it came to getting a research-based scholarship to graduate school. ” Bobby Haines Manager of Knoxville Office CSA, Assoc. Structural Engineers

“Undergraduate research has given me a community I belong to. It’s been an invaluable

“Undergraduate research has given me a community I belong to. It’s been an invaluable experience. I know so much more about my classes. I have more people as resources, and it makes me work harder. ” Cara Turski Sophomore, Class of 2013 Microbiology

“Undergraduate research helped to close the gap between the real world and academia. I

“Undergraduate research helped to close the gap between the real world and academia. I was able to see materials I was testing in the lab being used on a real bridge, a very satisfying experience. ” William Ragland B. S. , M. S. , Ph. D. , UTK Structural Engineer at CSA, Assoc.

“Undergraduate research has given me a sense of persistence and a new perspective as

“Undergraduate research has given me a sense of persistence and a new perspective as I learn through others’ experiences. ” Liz Morrow Senior, Class of 2010 Microbiology

“Undergraduate research took my education to a level that the classroom could not. ”

“Undergraduate research took my education to a level that the classroom could not. ” Ross Shaver Structural Design Engineer, BWSC, Inc.

Current UTK Program • • • Summer Internships Research Week EURe. CA Pursuit Journal

Current UTK Program • • • Summer Internships Research Week EURe. CA Pursuit Journal Posters at the Capitol Web-based opportunities database

Summer Internships • This year, 88 undergrads participated in the UT Office of Research’s

Summer Internships • This year, 88 undergrads participated in the UT Office of Research’s Summer Internship Program • Students came from: ― Natural Sciences ― Communication ― Engineering ― Language ― Social sciences ― Art ― Education

Research Week / EURe. CA • 15 th Annual EURe. CA, Exhibition of Undergraduate

Research Week / EURe. CA • 15 th Annual EURe. CA, Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement, March 30 -31, 2011 • 2 nd Annual Research Week March 27 -31, 2011

 • Written, edited, and published by undergraduate students • First issue published Spring

• Written, edited, and published by undergraduate students • First issue published Spring 2010 • Fall 2010 issue currently in editing process

Posters at the Capitol • Typically held the first Wednesday in February • In

Posters at the Capitol • Typically held the first Wednesday in February • In 2010, six undergraduate scholars from UTK were among 45 students from across the state that showcased their research to members of the Tennessee Legislature

Web-Based Opportunities Database • Hundreds of undergraduate research and creative activities occur on UTK

Web-Based Opportunities Database • Hundreds of undergraduate research and creative activities occur on UTK campus each year • New resource will help students identify opportunities and apply for positions online

F • Office of Undergraduate Research • Endowment for Undergraduate Research ure Plans

F • Office of Undergraduate Research • Endowment for Undergraduate Research ure Plans

Questions? ? ? Visit research. utk. edu/under grad

Questions? ? ? Visit research. utk. edu/under grad