Michael Santoroski

Kaitlyn Bell (’14) is a Spanish major with a minor in Education. Her project dealt with code switching, which is a change from one language to another, and the impact it causes in the way that young children learn a second language.

“I focused on switches between the English and Spanish languages and was even able to write my own set of children’s stories because of it!”

Kaitlyn notes that

“I really loved my Summer Scholars experience because it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and gave me the chance to investigate a subject area which I am very passionate about. I loved having the opportunity to meet other highly motivated students who were researching different topics; I learned so much about many topics because of it! However, one of the hardest parts about doing research was developing my own schedule and staring at a stack of books, sometimes not knowing where or how to begin. It was a challenge, but it helped me to grow.”

Kaitlyn’s faculty advisor was Dr. Dolores Flores-Silva. Kaitlyn’s advice to new students starting research is to

“develop a plan and stick to it. Also, find a faculty member who knows you well and don’t be afraid to ask them for help or advice when you are stuck.  Professors and faculty want to see you succeed and will motivate you to get there! Finally, remember to relax and take some time to enjoy time with friends and take a break.”

Kaitlyn plans to do student teaching in the upcoming spring semester and she is currently serving as the President for the Honors Program and Omicron Delta Kappa.

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Talk more with Kaitlyn and other student researchers at:

Family Weekend Showcase of Experiential Learning on Friday, September 27, 2013 6-8pm in Fintel Library

Roanoke College students from all disciplines will showcase their research, creative works and experiences from intensive learning travel courses.

The event kicks off with a social at 6 p.m. and a keynote speaker at 6:15 p.m. Students will stand at their posters at 6:45 p.m. Attendees should roam throughout Fintel Library and stop to talk to students.

Drop by the registration table for more information on experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, service-learning, study abroad, creative and artistic works and research.

Students, present at the showcase by submitting a short form.

Latest program information

Find more information about Roanoke College Research:

https://roanoke.edu/research
https://facebook.com/RCResearch
https://twitter.com/RCResearch
https://RCResearch.org
[email protected]

Alex DeLaricheliere (’14) is a sociology major with an anthropology concentration. Alex’s Summer Scholars project was centered on ways to fight childhood obesity in the Republic of Palau, “a small island nation in the Western Pacific with childhood obesity rates over 30%.”

For her research she surveyed and interviewed parents and teachers at a K-8 school in Palau.

“I looked at the nutrition education programs and polices in place in Palau, and talked to parents and teachers about how they could be expanded or improved to help Palauan children and their families learn about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits.”

Her research was then used to make recommendations to the school in an effort to improve their programs and policies.

When reflecting back over the experience, Alex noted that

“Summer Scholars was an incredible opportunity for me because it taught me how challenging and rewarding conducting your own research can be. In graduate programs, most students come into it without experience in completing their own research from start to finish. I was able to see how all of the steps fit together, and work through it in a safe environment where I could seek advice and guidance. I also completed research that was used to really help people and address a serious global health concern, which is something not very many 21 year-olds can say!”

Alex’s faculty mentor was Dr. Chad Morris who she stated was

“so understanding and worked with me, gave me helpful books and extra information, and helped me build a skillset that I will be able to use in college, grad school, and in my career.”

She also advises other students doing research with faculty to

“ask questions and be honest if you’re not quite sure how to go about doing something.”

Alex plans to apply to PhD programs in Applied Anthropology with a focus in nutrition and community health. Alex mentions that her

“research has really helped me shape my personal statement and my resume for those applications!”

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Talk more with Alex and other student researchers at:

Family Weekend Showcase of Experiential Learning on Friday, September 27, 2013 6-8pm in Fintel Library

Roanoke College students from all disciplines will showcase their research, creative works and experiences from intensive learning travel courses.

The event kicks off with a social at 6 p.m. and a keynote speaker at 6:15 p.m. Students will stand at their posters at 6:45 p.m. Attendees should roam throughout Fintel Library and stop to talk to students.

Drop by the registration table for more information on experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, service-learning, study abroad, creative and artistic works and research.

Students, present at the showcase by submitting a short form.

Latest program information

Find more information about Roanoke College Research:

https://roanoke.edu/research
https://facebook.com/RCResearch
https://twitter.com/RCResearch
https://RCResearch.org
[email protected]

Samantha Garst (’15) is an International Relations major with a concentration in Global Business. Her research is based on the question of

“what can governments do to attract more foreign capital at a time when they need it most–as they recover from civil conflict?”

As for the Summer Scholars program, Samantha notes that

“I loved having the opportunity to study something that I was interested in. In any class, you are demanded to abide by a syllabus with certain requirements. I could do everything in my own way, at my own pace.”

Samantha’s faculty mentor for this project was Dr. Andreea Mihalache-O’Keef. Samantha advises other student researchers to get to know your faculty mentor on a personal level.

“It’s nice to come into a meeting and catch up with talk about my family and friends and what I’m doing in my life. It makes me feel more comfortable and more willing to put more work in.”

Samantha plans to continue her research this year and to present her findings at a regional conference. She also plans to prepare for possible internships to ultimately attend  Officer Candidate School after graduation.

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Talk more with Samantha and other student researchers at:

Family Weekend Showcase of Experiential Learning on Friday, September 27, 2013 6-8pm in Fintel Library

Roanoke College students from all disciplines will showcase their research, creative works and experiences from intensive learning travel courses.

The event kicks off with a social at 6 p.m. and a keynote speaker at 6:15 p.m. Students will stand at their posters at 6:45 p.m. Attendees should roam throughout Fintel Library and stop to talk to students.

Drop by the registration table for more information on experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, service-learning, study abroad, creative and artistic works and research.

Students, present at the showcase by submitting a short form.

Latest program information

Find more information about Roanoke College Research:

https://roanoke.edu/research
https://facebook.com/RCResearch
https://twitter.com/RCResearch
https://RCResearch.org
[email protected]

As a result of an idea generated by the Professional Life Cluster, a Grants Workgroup is forming this fall. The group will meet once a month to discuss topics related to identifying funding sources, writing effective proposals, collaborative efforts, learning from rejections and much more. The group will also serve to encourage one another throughout the process and provide feedback on proposals when requested.

The group will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Our first meeting will be Tuesday, September 17 in Pickle Lounge. We’ll meet over lunch provided by the Academic Grants Office. If you’d like lunch, sign in and grab a tray in Sutton Commons at 11:45 so that we can begin the meeting by noon. Please contact Ed Hamilton ([email protected], 375-2409) if you’re interested in participating.

More information on academic grants can be found here:
https://roanoke.edu/a-z_index/academic_grants.htm

Showcasing Opportunities for 2013-2014

Family Weekend Showcase on Friday, September 27, 2013 from 6-8pm in Fintel Library focused on research, artistic/creative work, and 2013 Mayterm travel courses. Apply to present by Sept 15.

Showcase on Thursday, November 21, 2013 from 6-8pm in Fintel Library focused on service-learning, internships, and study abroad. Apply to present by November 8.

Showcase on Friday, November 22, 2013 from 6-8pm in Fintel Library focused on research and artistic/creative work. Apply to present by November 8.

Showcase on Thursday, April 10, 2014 from 6-8pm in Fintel Library focused on service-learning, internships, and study abroad. Apply to present by March 28.

Showcase on Friday, April 11, 2014 from 6-8pm in Fintel Library focused on research and artistic/creative work. Apply to present by March 28.

For updated information and submission guidelines:

• Website: roanoke.edu/research
• Twitter: @RCResearch
• Facebook: facebook.com/RCResearch
• Email: [email protected]