Anthropology Students Present Research in Baltimore

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Dr. Chad Morris and five of his Anthropology students traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to present at the national meeting for the Society for Applied Anthropology. Alex DeLaricheliere (sophomore) presented her paper topic Beyond Forced Volunteerism: Assessing Student Attitudes Toward Service Learning; Amelie Rives, Shapreka Clarke, and Ethan Guebert (all juniors) presented a poster presentation on “Studying Away” at Roanoke College: Toward a Culture of Off-Campus Learning Opportunities; and Ashley Dameron (senior) presented a poster on Exploring the Intersection of Tourism and Religion among the Eastern Cherokee.

The “Studying Away” group looked at how to make studying away more appealing to students by asking students what they thought the advantages and barriers to studying away were. A random sample of the student body was taken based on five categories; 1) Freshman 2) Sophomores and Juniors 3) Seniors 4) Science majors 5) Humanities majors. The results from the sample showed that the advantages most students saw to studying away were cultural reasons, personal growth, academic benefits, and career benefits. Minor barriers students saw were difficult application processes, credit transfers, home sickness, language barriers, safety issues, and lack of desire. Major barriers were financial issues, time constraints, and lack of opportunities. This particular research project was part of Dr. Morris’ Anthropology 380 course and while the students did the actual research they did “work closely with Dr. Morris in preparing for the presentation as well as submitting portions of the research process along the way for his approval” says junior Ethan Guebert.

When asked what the student/faculty research experience was like for him, Dr. Morris stated that it is part of the reason he is here. “Anthropology is learned best by doing, hands on is the best way to get knowledge. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to work one-on-one with students because it allows them to pursue their own interests.”

Dr. Morris has been attending these national meetings for over a decade now and while there are not a lot of anthropologists here at Roanoke, he enjoys getting to go to hear new ideas and bring them back for his classes and research here at Roanoke. When asked what is was like presenting at the conference Ethan Guebert said that “presenting to professionals was stressful…but it was also very rewarding because I had the chance to see how the professional anthropology world works and I got to meet authors of some of my text books.”

Dr. Morris’ message to freshman about research is that there are “so many faculty members willing to do this work but it is important to understand that research will not fall in your lap. Be proactive and search out faculty members about research.” Ethan’s message is that “the opportunities are there if you look for them. The process won’t be easy but it is ultimately rewarding.”

For more information on the Society for Applied Anthropology visit: https://www.sfaa.net/

Roanoke College Senior Presents Thesis in Charleston, SC

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Roanoke College senior Kayla Klingensmith presented her senior thesis, Immune Response to Acute Bacterial Exposure in the American Lobster, in January in Charleston, SC at the national meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology.  Having the opportunity to present at this national meeting (among 3-4,000 people) was a very prestigious honor as the majority of presenters are graduate students and faculty. Kayla’s project is far enough along and close to publication which is why it was eligible for this meeting. Kayla also presented last month at this year’s RC Research Conference.

Kayla has been doing student research since her freshman year (as well as summer research) but has only had this project (which she inherited from another student) by herself for the past two years. “Normally one student cannot take a project like this to publication. It takes multiple students working on different parts of a bigger question” notes Dr. Darwin Jorgensen, Kayla’s faculty mentor.

When asked about what the student/faculty relationship in research is like Kayla mentioned that she “really enjoyed working one on one with a faculty mentor because you get a hands on experience”. Dr. Jorgensen also mentioned that it is “completely different from the classroom because you are working on a product together, you are actually doing science and you get an intellectual connection that you can’t get in the classroom.”

 

Kayla’s advice to incoming freshman about research is “don’t be afraid to talk to professors about research, put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to go for it.” Dr. Jorgensen also notes that “it can be an important component of a student’s college experience. It’s time consuming and difficult and students should make sure they do well in the classroom first but at a place like Roanoke it’s more possible and if they can do it, it can be tremendous.”

For more information on The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology you can visit: https://www.sicb.org/

Come to the RC Conference on Student Research & Creativity this Friday

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Roanoke College invites you to the “RC Conference on Student Research & Creativity”, which takes place on Friday, March 30, 2012 at the Roanoke College Colket Center. Students from all disciplines will be sharing their research and creative works on a variety of topics. The conference will be from 4pm-7pm. All are welcome. Free to the public.

Some of the topics include the Healthcare Reform, the use of technology and social media, reflections of student researchers, oral presentations on Sri Lanka, the Campaign for Children Poster Walk, and much more!! Be sure to check back here next week for my “blogger highlights” from the conference.

A short version of the program is available here: https://orgsync.com/custom_pages/46574/show/7005

A longer version (including abstracts) of the program is available here: https://orgsync.com/custom_pages/46574/show/7006

 

February RC Research Newsletter

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PDF version

Ms. Sarah Ahlbrand and Dr. Steve Powers

RC Senior Co-Authors Publication with Faculty Mentor

Congratulations to Dr. Steve Powers (faculty member in Biology Department) and Ms. Sarah Ahlbrand (senior in Biology Department ) for the recent acceptance for publication of their study titled “Systematics of the Ashy Darter, Etheostoma cinereum (Teleostei: Percidae) species complex (subgenus Allohistium)” in the international journal Zootaxa.  Ms. Ahlbrand: “It was a great experience and really helped me realize that I want to pursue a career in biology lab research.”  Sarah’s participation in the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP) and Summer Scholars at Roanoke College gave her the opportunity to do research with faculty members and allowed for the completion of this project.   Due in part to her experience with research at RC, Sarah was able to secure admission and financial support to some of the premier Ph.D. programs in the country and will continue her research this fall as a graduate student.

Dr. Stella Xu and 4 RC Students to do Fieldwork in China this Summer

Congratulations to Dr. Stella Xu (History Department) for winning a Freeman Foundation Fellowship for Summer 2012. Dr. Xu and four Roanoke College students will be doing field work in China this summer. Read the blog post about this award.

Apply to Summer Scholars Program by March 15

Would you rather flip hamburgers (or paint houses or mow lawns) or spend a summer on the Roanoke campus using your mind? Would you like to get paid $2,500 (and free housing and independent study credit) for feeding your curiosity? Roanoke’s Summer Scholar Program is designed for serious students who want to use their summers wisely and work one-on-one with faculty. Every year, students compete to receive one of the coveted slots. Applications are due March 15, 2012. P.S. The application has changed, so see the Summer Scholars page for new details on what is required.

Top 5 Reasons RC students Should do REU Summer Research

  1. REU experience looks great on a grad school application.
  2. You can apply for RC Summer Scholars and REUs to decide whether you’d like to stay at RC or go elsewhere for research this summer.
  3. You experience what “big school” research is like.
  4. You will be paid a stipend to do research.
  5. You will get a realistic preview of graduate school.

Students, if you’re interested in doing research at a different college, you should look into NSF’s REU programs (REU = Research Experiences for Undergraduates). REUs are fantastic preparation for graduate school. The application process varies by school, but you can search for opportunities through the following website:

https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm

Find a Faculty Member to Work with on Research or Creative Works

Faculty research interests are posted under the “Faculty Research” section of the website.

Need Money to Present at a Conference? Apply now.

Students are eligible for funding to present their research or creativity at professional conferences. To apply, students should submit a request (including budget numbers) via: https://tiny.cc/travelfund. Funding is capped at $500 per student per year. Students planning to travel before June 30th should apply now for priority consideration.

Faculty Awarded External Grants

During  Fall 2011, the following faculty were awarded external grants:

  • Dr. DorothyBelle Poli was awarded a grant from the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for her project, “Bryological Respiration & Photosynthetic Comparisons: A Case to Connect Virginia High School Students to Active Research.”
  • Dr. Timothy Johann was awarded a renewal of his grant from the Jeffress Memorial Trust for his study, “Characterization of the Active Site of MTHFS.”
  • Dr. Catherine Sarisky was awarded a renewal of her grant from the Jeffress Memorial Trust for her study, “Purine Biosynthesis in Archaea.”
  • Dr. Gerry McDermott received a grant from the Gaillot Center for Newman Studies for his project, “Typology in the Thought of John Henry Newman.”

Present at on-campus Conference on Research & Creativity in March

Save the date: Friday, March 30, 2012, 4-7 p.m. in Colket.
Submit an Abstract by the Priority Deadline:  March 13.
We will begin reviewing submissions and making decisions on that date, though you can submit through March 20th at 11:59pm.

Online submission: https://tiny.cc/Conference2012

Any Roanoke College student can present research or creative work at the conference. Projects from class, independent study, URAP, honors, etc. are welcome.

Recent Student Research  Presentations Off-Campus

National Conference Presentations

  • Kayla Klingensmith presented at the Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology Annual Meeting in Charleston, SC in January 2012 on “Rapid Hemocyte Mobilization Following Acute Bacterial Exposure in the American Lobster.” Her research mentor was Dr. Dar Jorgensen  in Biology.
  • Paul Vines presented at the Joint Mathematics Meeting in Boston, MA in January 2012 on “Computational Model of Iron Metabolism in Breast Epithelial Cells.” Paul’s research mentor was Dr. Anil Shende  in Computer Science.

State Conference Presentations

  • Margaret Anderson presented at the Virginia Assessment Group conference in Williamsburg, VA in November 2011 on “Assessing Applied Learning Programs: The Role of Reflection.” Maggie’s research mentors are Dr. Kimberly Filer, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment and Dr. Julie Lyon of the Business Administration & Economics Department.

For more details on student-faculty research at Roanoke College, see https://roanoke.edu/research 

Roanoke College History Professor and Students will Travel to China thanks to Freeman Foundation Fellowship Award

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Photo Credit: Jonathan Kos-Read / Flickr

By: Sam Smith

Dr. Stella Xu of the history department and four of her students will be taking part in the ASIANetwork-Freeman Foundation Student-Faculty Program for Collaborative Research in Asia this summer for three weeks (May 22 to June 12, 2012). Their project title is “Reinvented Tradition in the Age of Globalization: the Silk Road and its Legacy in Contemporary China.”

The program’s main goal is to support student driven research in Asia under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The organization provides up to $5,000 in research funds for each student and faculty member.

The Freeman Foundation Fellowship is a national competition where only 300 members are chosen to go and make up 14 different research teams in countries all over Asia. This is the first time Roanoke students and faculty are taking part in this and being chosen from numerous other applications is a very prestigious honor. Dr. Xu, Roanoke College’s first East-Asian specialist, attributes being chosen partly to the strong letters of support of the administration, faculty advisors, and the department chair, but mostly to her “strong group of students who show a real interest in East-Asian studies.”

Dr. Xu and her students began planning for this project in March of last year and the final application was submitted in December. Even though each student has a separate research topic Dr. Xu states that she “knows all of the students well and they are already a team”. All four of Dr. Xu’s students have taken classes in East Asian history and two of them are part of the East Asian Concentration program.

The students traveling with Dr. Xu are Kathleen Ouyang (senior) who will be examining “the complexity involved in the recent opening of the National Museum of China”, Mathilda Nassar (freshman) who will focus on “Chinese traditional medicine”, Zachary Hottel (senior) who will examine “European missionaries to China, and their impressions and interactions with Mongol elites in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries compared to contemporary China”, and Thomas Emerson (Junior) who will be conducting research on “the domestication of Buddhism as well as the revival of Buddhism in contemporary China.” While in China these students will get the opportunity to conduct interviews with scholars as well as visit museums, temples, churches, mosques, and Buddhist grottoes.

Dr. Xu is very proud of her students and is excited about this trip that should be as she says “an effective experience with very productive research. The students will be outside of their comfort zone in China but this will be the best experience of their college life.” The students will present their research reports at three different programs on campus next year but they will also present at the ASIANetwork’s annual conference in March of 2013.

For more information on the Student-Faculty Fellows Program for Collaborative Research in Asia you can visit: https://www.asianetwork.org/programs/freeman/students.html

Submit Entry for Best Student Work in Gender & Women’s Studies by Monday Feb 20

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Roanoke College Gender and Women’s Studies Concentration Prize

Purpose: To honor the best student work in Gender and Women’s Studies from 2011

Deadline for entries: Monday, February 20th

Students are invited to submit their work in four categories:

  • Best Major Research Project (including senior thesis projects, summer scholars, honors projects, honors in the major, or other papers longer than 20 pages)
  • Best Course paper (under 3,000 words)
  • Best Creative Work (including creative writing and fine arts)
  • Best Community Service Project – (projects that specifically attempt to better the lives of women or girls, and/or projects that promote gender equity or understanding across gender lines (male, female, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered). Students should submit a 3 page description of the project along with any pertinent support materials.

Cash prizes will be awarded!

Entries must date from 2011 (Spring, Summer, or Fall) and need not have been created for a Gender and Women’s Studies course.

Winners will present their work at our showcase on March 20th, 11:50-1pm.

Please send 3 copies of your work and a description of the assignment to Dr. Mary Henold, History Dept., 316 Bank Bldg.

Please direct questions to [email protected] or [email protected]

Have your hard work recognized!!

Paid Summer Research Experiences for Traditionally Underrepresented Groups

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Sarah Ahlbrand, a Roanoke College Senior, completed a summer REU at the University of Michigan in 2011

Below is a sampling of NSF-funded summer research programs that target traditionally underrepresented groups (e.g., minorities, economically disadvantaged, women) . These off-campus research opportunities are funded by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).

Hundreds of opportunities exist, primarily in the sciences and social sciences. You can search for all off-campus summer research opportunities here: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm

Program Who should apply? Deadlines
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program at Boston University  rising Juniors or Seniors who wish to conduct research in the sciences, technology, or engineeringtalented undergraduate students, especially those from minority groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences: African-American, Hispanic, Native American/Native Alaskan, and Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian/Polynesian Apply by February 15, 2012. Program dates: June 4 through August 10
The ED-QUE2ST: Enhancing Diversity, Quality, and Understanding of the Ecological and Evolutionary Sciences for Tomorrow University of Michigan Current freshman and sophomores with an interest in ecology and/or evolutionary biology and who come from underrepresented backgrounds Apply by January 31, 2012. Program dates: Summer
Minority Research Opportunities in Science and Engineering at the US Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, DC)No official website yet, but here is the contact info for the program Research Topics/Keywords: Materials science and engineering, biosensors and biofuels, optical materials.
Summer Research Projects in Contemporary Physics for Minorities and Women University of Chicago Undergrads with a concentration in physics or related engineering fieldThe program is particularly intended at encouraging participation by members of underrepresented minority groups (African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans) and women. Apply by February 15, 2012.
The Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) University of California, Berkeley Program was established to promote access to graduate education among undergraduates who have been educationally or economically disadvantaged, and who may not have had exposure to the academic environment of a research university.Areas: arts and humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences for sophomores, juniors, and seniors (not graduating)Students who have shown potential for success, but may have had limited access to graduate research or other preparatory opportunities; the applicant should indicate his/her potential for success particularly as it relates to educational achievement while overcoming obstacles, which may include, but are not limited to economic, social, or educational challenges. Hard copy applications must be received by February 1, 2012. Program dates: June 3 through July 28

You must usually be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply–check the fine print.

Top 5 Reasons You Should Apply for Non-RC Summer Research Programs:

  1. REU experience looks great on a grad school application.
  2. You can apply for RC Summer Scholars and REUs to decide whether you’d like to stay at RC or go elsewhere for research this summer.
  3. You experience what “big school” research is like.
  4. You will be paid a stipend to do research.
  5. You will get a realistic preview of graduate school.

Talk to Dr. Lyon (Director of Student/Faculty Research) if you are even remotely interested in applying for one or more of these opportunities ([email protected]; 238 West Hall). If you have a faculty research mentor already, talk to that professor, too. More details from the NSF website are available here: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/index.jsp

 

Top 5 reasons Roanoke College students should do REU summer research

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  1. REU experience looks great on a grad school application.
  2. You can apply for RC Summer Scholars and REUs to decide whether you’d like to stay at RC or go elsewhere for research this summer.
  3. You experience what “big school” research is like.
  4. You will be paid a stipend to do research.
  5. You will get a realistic preview of graduate school.

Learn more about Summer Research / REUs by attending one of the following sessions:

This Wednesday, 1/25, West Hall 111, 5:45-6:30pm
This Thursday, 1/26, West Hall 117, 12:00-12:45pm
This Thursday, 1/26, West Hall 228, 5:45-6:30pm

Students, if you’re interested in doing research at a different college, you should look into NSF’s REU programs (REU = Research Experiences for Undergraduates). REUs are fantastic preparation for graduate school. The application process varies by school, but you can search for opportunities through the following website: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm

Talk to Dr. Lyon (Director of Student/Faculty Research) if you need someone to chat with about these opportunities ([email protected]; 238 West Hall). If you have a faculty research mentor, talk to that professor, too. More details from the NSF website are below.

A sampling of REUs for 2012:

Biology: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5047
one option of many: Ecology and Physiological Ecology in Alaska, University of Alaska Anchorage

Chemistry: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5048
one option of many: Making, Measuring, and Building Devices: Chemistry Applied to Real World Problems, Colorado State University

Computer Science / Co-sponsored by DoD: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5049
one option of many: Computer Vision, University of Central Florida

Psychology: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5054
one option of many: Training Veterans to Conduct Trauma Research with Fellow Veterans, Syracuse University

Other searches available include:
Astronomical Sciences
Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
Cyberinfrastructure
Department of Defense (DoD)
Earth Sciences
Education and Human Resources
Engineering
Ethics and Values Studies
International Science and Engineering
Materials Research
Mathematical Sciences
Ocean Sciences
Physics
Polar Programs
Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences

SYNOPSIS

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. This solicitation features two mechanisms for support of student research: (1)REU Sites are based on independent proposals to initiate and conduct projects that engage a number of students in research. REU Sites may be based in a single discipline or academic department, or on interdisciplinary or multi-department research opportunities with a coherent intellectual theme. Proposals with an international dimension are welcome. A partnership with the Department of Defense supports REU Sites in DoD-relevant research areas. (2) REU Supplements may be requested for ongoing NSF-funded research projects or may be included as a component of proposals for new or renewal NSF grants or cooperative agreements.

Undergraduate student participants in either Sites or Supplements must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.

Students may not apply to NSF to participate in REU activities. Students apply directly to REU Sites and should consult the directory of active REU Sites on the Web at https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm

https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm

For more information contact: Dr. Julie Lyon, Director of Student/Faculty Research (540) 375-493

Call for Papers: 2012 Virginia Humanities Conference, hosted at Roanoke College, Theme: Children and Childhood in the Humanities, Deadline February 15

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Call for Papers

2012 Virginia Humanities Conference

Theme: Children and Childhood in the Humanities

Location: Roanoke College, Virginia

Date: March 23–24, 2012

Submission Deadline: February 15, 2012

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

The Virginia Humanities Conference invites proposals for papers and panel sessions that address the theme “Children and Childhood in the Humanities.” (Humanities disciplines include philosophy, religion, art, art history, cultural studies, communication, history, literature, music, and the performing arts.)

Although children have always been an integral part of the humanities, they have often been overlooked in scholarship. Yet it is not hard to find children inhabiting most of the central works—from the Odyssey, the Gospels, the Hindu epics, and the Tao te Ching, to coming-of-age novels and fantasy films.

Our concepts about childhood are central to our understanding of what it means to be human. Philosophers, religious leaders, creative artists—all have constructed arguments about the nature of children and childhood. Children have been regarded as miniature adults, sinful creatures, innocent minds, and creative beings. Childhood is here broadly defined but could include any stage from infancy to second childhood and even the inner child.

We want to encourage interdisciplinary exchange on this topic from a variety of fields. Contributions from the social sciences are welcome if they are focused on aspects of the humanities (e.g., a sociological reading of a novel or work of art).

Please submit a 250-word proposal by email to [email protected] or by mail to Marwood Larson-Harris, Religion Department, Roanoke College, 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153. Proposals for panel sessions should identify all participants and include both an overview and a brief abstract of each presentation.

Faculty-directed undergraduate submissions are also welcome.

For more information, please visit www.vahumanitiesconference.org

Latest Issue of RC Research Newsletter

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I’ve created an newsletter (called “RC Research”) to highlight Roanoke College students’  success and to communicate programs to Roanoke College faculty, staff, students, and others. Our December 2011 issue (pdf) has just been published. Previous issues are available here:  August 2011 issue (pdf) and September 2011 issue (pdf).

Detailed tables of contents are below. If you have suggestions on content, format, etc., please let me know!

Thanks for reading!
Dr. Julie Lyon, Director of Student/Faculty Research
(my email is my last name at  roanoke.edu)

 

December 2011 issue of RC Research Table of Contents:

  • Student/Faculty Showcase of Research & Creativity a big success
  • This year’s new Faculty Scholars
  • Welcome new URAP Scholars
  • Need money to present at a conference? Apply now.
  • Present at RC Conference
  • Recent off-campus research presentations

September 2011 issue of RC Research Table of Contents:

  • Attend the Family Weekend Student/Faculty Showcase of Research & Creativity
  • Work-study research assistantships available
  • Need money to present at a conference? Apply now.
  • Summer off-campus research presentations

August 2011 issue of RC Research Table of Contents:

(note: this issue’s contents were directed primarily at faculty)

  • Family Weekend Student/Faculty Showcase of Research & Creativity
  • Send students to MARCUS
  • Opportunity to pay students to do research
  • Apply for a URAP student
  • Funding for students to present at conferences

For more information on our programs, please visit: roanoke.edu/research