Forum gives 'scoop' on research

Entering the intimidating field of research got a little easier last night after a panel discussion, "The Inside Scoop on Research." The event, held in McClelland Hall, was sponsored by the EFFECT Project for Undergraduate Research. EFFECT aims to guide interested students through the process of undertaking both independent and faculty-sponsored research projects. The panelists -- students who are currently conducting research in various fields -- shared their experiences of entering the research field with the audience and encouraged others to do the same. Engineering senior Clayton Lane became involved in research while taking an Urban Studies class. "I didn't even consider what I was doing was research," he said. "I just became really interested in my work and decided to continue with it beyond the class." College and Engineering senior Raj Iyer also did not intend to begin research projects. He said he first became interested in research in high school after reading an article about computers in a scientific magazine. "I didn't wake up one day and say, 'I want to do research'," he said. But Joseph Markowitz, a College junior, knew at an early age that he was interested in research. His early studies ranged from growing fungi around the house to examining water samples from around the East Coast for pollution. While some of the audience members had prior research experience, most were new to the field and were seeking guidance to begin projects. College senior Josh Klein reassured the more inexperienced members of the audience. "I went into a research position without a real idea of what to do," he said. "The best learning is definitely hands-on learning." The panelists also advised the audience on how to get faculty help in conducting research projects. According to Iyer, the best way to begin a project is to ask professors if they are interested in helping to conduct research. "Don't be afraid of the faculty," he said. "They don't bite. You just have to ask around, seeing if anyone is interested." Klein shared similar sentiments. "I just went around, knocking on doors," he said. "Usually, the faculty are receptive to students interested in research." EFFECT, which was established last spring, has its roots in the CAUSE Program, a project modeled after the living-learning programs and designed to encourage and advise researchers. Although the CAUSE program was never created, the idea sparked the development of EFFECT, which is entirely student-run. The program is based in the Van Pelt College House and has members throughout campus. The panel discussion is one of a series of events EFFECT plans to hold to encourage student research.