Poster: Education

Abs # 39: A combined undergraduate research - internship program at a traditional undergraduate institution

Presenter:	Quinn, William J., quinn@acad.stedwards.edu
Authors	Quinn, William J. (A)   O'Leary, Fidelma A. (A)
Affiliations:	(A): St. Edward's University

Undergraduate research has often been cited as one of the most effective tools in helping students develop problem-solving skills. Here, we present a unique approach to undergraduate research that combines the traditional pedagogy (problem identification, experimental design, analysis, etc.) with internship preparation. This combined research-internship program covers two years, a period that allows students to develop their skills at a more realistic rate than does a traditional ten week program. Not only do students develop important scientific aptitudes and skills that they will build on throughout their professional careers, but they also become proficient in the use of techniques that they use in a required, subsequent internship at a partner research institution. By joining in partnership with research institutions, we also have overcome one of the recurring problems of traditional undergraduate research programs: there are more undergraduates than limited faculty can serve well. Thus, in this program, the benefits associated with the research experience can be spread over a large number of students, developing their skills at an appropriate rate, in an environment that consists of sound pedagogy and exacting science.