ENGAGING INTRODUCTORY STUDENTS IN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH AT A TWO-YEAR COLLEGE

Involving students of the University of Wisconsin 2-year colleges in authentic research experiences has benefits and challenges for both the students and the faculty members. Students report that having research experience early in their academic career allows them to strengthen their writing and verbal communication, enhances self-confidence in individual problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and eases the transition to a baccalaureate program. Early exposure to research experiences helps students understand more clearly what scientists actually do, can expose them to the joy and excitement of contributing to one's field, and may help them make career change decisions before they have invested time and money in graduate school.

Many of our students at the 2-year colleges are first generation non-science minded students who may not be used to thinking scientifically and don't know how to ask scientific questions. A major challenge in conducting research with students at two-year colleges is the limited pool of students who have had sufficient training in a discipline to be effective researchers. By the time a typical student at our 2-year institution has had the preparatory course work needed to build a foundation in the geosciences, he or she is ready to transfer to their next academic institution. Faculty need to develop a keen sense for identifying those students who may be able to participate in research early during their first or second semester of college.

Other hurdles common to 2-year colleges include the lack of necessary resources and facilities to carry out research, as well as sufficient department supply budgets. One solution to these challenges that has worked for me in the UW System is collaborating with colleagues at our four-year institutions. This has made it possible for my students to travel to and use equipment at a colleague's campus that is not available on our campus. I have also received collaborative research grants from the UW System.

Students have a variety of opportunities to present their scholarly work including two annual events: “Posters in the Rotunda”, a poster session held in the state capital building; and the “UW System Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity” where students can present their work to a state-wide audience in the form of oral and poster presentations.