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I’ve learned with doing research that nothing is linear,” shares Jones. “There are multiple ways to get from point A to point B; you just have to be open to learning those new ways and be willing to think outside the box. It also has shown me that failure is not an end. I cannot begin to tell you how many ex- periments I have performed that have ‘failed,’ but I had to keep going, keep switching up my thinking and tweaking the ex- periment until I achieved success. I also have learned to be more independent and not rely on someone to help me. All these qualities I can take with me wherever I choose to go and be successful.”
For Singiser’s research students, empowerment goes beyond the classroom and the laboratory, allowing students the oppor- tunity to collaborate with peers in their future fields.
“If they work in my lab with me for one year, I have commit- ted to find a way to get them to a conference to present the work they have done,” explains Singiser. “We have attended international conferences where they present their poster pres- entation to the world. Conferences are a place where students
can see what other undergraduates are doing.”
Conducting research, sharing findings with peers and adding to the knowledge base in his or her field of study is also a component within the Clayton State University Honors Pro- gram. Clayton State honors students participate in research opportunities through contract courses and research assistant-
ships.
“Student researchers engage their stud-
ies at a level that offers unique rewards.
Because research often results in schol-
arly productions such as articles and
presentations, there is pressure beyond
the drive to earn an ‘A.’ Articles are
peer reviewed and talks or poster ses-
sions put a student’s work on display, Hall sometimes before experts in the field,” says Honors Program Director Dr. Alexander Hall.
“Aside from affording students the opportunity to build their portfolios, sharpen critical thinking skills and make important connections, participating in research can help make students’ dreams real by giving them a track record of academic success that bolsters confidence,” Hall concludes.
Honors student and senior in the Clayton State nursing pro- gram, Elizabeth Medina, recognizes that empowerment.
“The honors program has helped make my academic dreams real... I am able to complete course contracts with my instruc- tors in the nursing program. This enhances my understanding of the material because I do research, create PowerPoints, and then lecture to my classmates.”
Whether it’s research in a science lab to further our under- standing of the natural world, or research to add to a specific field’s discourse, Clayton State students are empowered by their academic experiences to think critically in their profes- sional and personal lives.
Clayton State students conduct scientific and scholarly research and present their findings at events on and off campus. Above, students present their academic research to peers and faculty in the James M. Baker University Center.
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