Researcher of the Week: Mary Li Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! When did you start conducting research at UMBC? How did you find a mentor and project to work on?
I started to conduct research at UMBC in February 2011. I was very lucky to find my mentor. During an Honors Orientation the summer before my freshman year, we were able to eat lunch with the professors of similar majors, so I met Dr.Liebman there. Later on in the year, we bumped into each other in the hallway, and I asked him about his research. I was interested in theoretical chemistry, and so he assigned a project to me.

What did you know about your field/project when you started? How did you learn what you needed to know?
When I started, I was only a freshman in General Chemistry, so I knew about formal charges and Lewis structures and that was about it. I had also taken up to Discrete Mathematics in high school, so I knew a little about calculations. Dr.Liebman taught me most of what I needed to know, including walking me through calculations and explaining different chemical theories to me.

Who do you work with on your project? Other undergraduates? graduate students? faculty?
I worked on my project with only Dr.Liebman and another assistant professor in Slovenia.

How did you decide to present at URCAD?
I decided to present at URCAD because this may be my last research experience at UMBC and I wanted to do something I've never done before.

Was the application difficult?
The application was not difficult at all. After completing the abstract, my professor and Ms.McGlynn made a few changes, and we were all set.

How did you know what to put on your poster?
Ms.McGlynn and Mr.Fick did a god job of giving us examples of what to put on our posters, and my research professor and I thought of some good examples to put on as well.

Were you nervous about explaining your work to so many people? How did it go?
I was not very nervous because I like public speaking. I just didn't want people getting lost in all of the equations on the board. I was a little surprised and very flattered that everyone seemed so interested in my project and in theoretical chemistry. I think they understood what I was saying, and I'm glad I got to expose people to this other side of chemistry.

Will you work in the lab during the 2012-2013 school year? How much time will you put in? Do you get paid for this? Academic credit?
I do not know if I will work during the 2012-2013 school year, because I will be in pharmacy school during that time.

What are your goals for after UMBC?
I will be going to University of Maryland Baltimore Pharmacy School, where I may pursue a dual degree in MBA, MPH, or PhD.

Would you suggest to other undergraduates that they find a research project?
I definitely would. It has been a great experience, and I learned to think more creatively about science.

What else are you involved in at UMBC?
At UMBC, I am involved with the Golden Key International Honor Society, Biology Tutorial Center, Community Orchestra, and Pre-pharmacy club, among other things. ]]> When did you start conducting research at UMBC? How did you find a mentor and project to work on? I started to conduct research at UMBC in February 2011. I was very lucky to find my mentor.... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/maryLiProfile.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/24212/guest@my.umbc.edu/ea9f3643dbf6bfac6af50527a5f65a5a/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/212/fd31e5cd85f0ec42b569b55b0b165d84/xxlarge.jpg?1361201964 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/212/fd31e5cd85f0ec42b569b55b0b165d84/xlarge.jpg?1361201964 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/212/fd31e5cd85f0ec42b569b55b0b165d84/large.jpg?1361201964 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/212/fd31e5cd85f0ec42b569b55b0b165d84/medium.jpg?1361201964 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/212/fd31e5cd85f0ec42b569b55b0b165d84/small.jpg?1361201964 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/212/fd31e5cd85f0ec42b569b55b0b165d84/xsmall.jpg?1361201964 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/212/fd31e5cd85f0ec42b569b55b0b165d84/xxsmall.jpg?1361201964 52 4 true Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:41:19 -0500 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:27:55 -0500 Writing a successful Undergraduate Research Award proposal LAST WORKSHOP Tuesday, February 12 from 4 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in AC IV A 114.

Get help with how to complete the application for an Undergraduate Research Award (URA) of up to $1,500.

Includes funding for students in the arts and humanities.
]]> Tuesday, February 12 from 4 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in AC IV A 114. Get help with how to complete the application for an Undergraduate Research Award (URA) of up to $1,500. Includes funding for... http://umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/URA/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/23679/guest@my.umbc.edu/c7ec53da8c21223686f5d96c8c9a5aaf/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/679/135781112da49675bbf837615b1ac977/xxlarge.jpg?1360617182 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/679/135781112da49675bbf837615b1ac977/xlarge.jpg?1360617182 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/679/135781112da49675bbf837615b1ac977/large.jpg?1360617182 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/679/135781112da49675bbf837615b1ac977/medium.jpg?1360617182 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/679/135781112da49675bbf837615b1ac977/small.jpg?1360617182 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/679/135781112da49675bbf837615b1ac977/xsmall.jpg?1360617182 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/679/135781112da49675bbf837615b1ac977/xxsmall.jpg?1360617182 21 0 true Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:17:40 -0500 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:18:48 -0500 Researcher of the Week: Yekaterina Pidgurskaya Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! When did you join the Ronald E. McNair (REM) program?
I joined the McNair program in the spring semester of 2011.

How did you find out about McNair?
I found out about the McNair program from a friend who was also planning to apply.

What have you gained from being a McNair scholar?
Being a McNair scholar helped me learn to handle homework in addition to doing research on my own. The program still helps me plan for my future, providing resources to research potential graduate schools and jobs that I could apply for. Additionally, I gained a wonderful group of friends and some memorable experiences that I otherwise would never be able to have.

What is your most recent independent research project?
My current research project is on Central American immigrants: how they perceive their job and lifestyle circumstances and whether their expectations of immigrating to the United States have been fulfilled. In the future I plan to focus on other groups of immigrants.

How did you find your mentor for this project?
I found my mentor by asking for referrals from professors with whom I have had classes with. One of my very recent professors told me that Dr. Sara Poggio would be a great mentor because her research was on immigration as well. After she agreed to be my mentor, she was and still remains one of my biggest supporters in my research process.

How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?
I was interested in immigration because of my personal experience. I arrived to the United States in 2000 with my parents, and have experienced many things that immigrants of any country go through, especially the process of obtaining a citizenship. These experiences, as well as my love for learning new languages guided my research interests to what I am doing as my project now. I am interested in learning how groups of people from different countries experience their arrival and adjustments while living in a new country.

How much time do you put into it?
In a way, I put a lot of time in my project because the topic is constantly on my mind. Everything I see I can basically relate to the subject of immigration. The research project is not just about writing the paper. It is about scheduling meetings with my mentor, reading numerous articles and keeping up with the news on immigration, as well as formulating the methodology of obtaining the data to prove hypotheses. I could feel accomplished about my project just by talking to my mentor about what sort of questions I could ask in an interview, or reading up on other immigration groups and their adjustments in the United States. There are so many levels of doing my research that I feel like I never stop putting time into it.

What academic background did you have before you started?
I received an Associate of Arts in International Relations from Montgomery College in 2010. Since then, I have pursued Political Science as a minor, and putting Russian and Spanish languages as my majors. I am interested in linguistics and communication with different languages. Learning languages does not just mean learning the linguistics; it involves learning history and culture of the people who speak the language as well. The topic of immigration in the United States definitely ties in political science (particularly immigration and foreign policies) as well as cultural and linguistic adjustments of the people who arrive into the country.

How much did your mentor help you with your research?
If I had to describe the help and advice I receive from my mentor with my research, I would say that Dr. Poggio is the one person who keeps me level-headed. Meetings with Dr. Poggio provide me with a sense of direction: I know what I have to do, what I have to work on, and what I have to plan to do in the future. She is always there when I need advice, and her sense of honesty and clear mindedness helped me learn about myself and how exciting a research project can be. She taught me responsibility in addition to many lessons about life in general, like how to remain calm during times of hardship.

What has been the hardest part about your research?
The hardest part of research has been getting the methodology approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), creating the questionnaire for interviews, and actually finding people for the interviews. It has been very time consuming, and it is highly probable that conducting interviews themselves will take a long time as well. It is also hard to be able to include all the articles I read about into the literature review without getting off topic.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
My advice is to make sure that you know exactly what you are doing for your research. If you know you need to do something that is time consuming like getting IRB approval, do it as soon as possible. Do not leave things to be done on the last day before the deadline. Lastly, find things that you are truly interested in as potential research projects: if your heart is not in it, then it is harder to put effort into the work.

What are your career goals?

My career goals involve working in the government, particularly Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense. I would be interested in working as a translator or have a position in the United Nations, as well.

Read more about Yekaterina's research by clicking the link below...

]]> When did you join the Ronald E. McNair (REM) program? I joined the McNair program in the spring semester of 2011. How did you find out about McNair? I found out about the McNair program from a... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/yekaterinaPidgurskaya.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/23667/guest@my.umbc.edu/2d2a19a51c5945931f88902423a5b897/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/667/a26508d81dd3592b9b8dd27bf8c82e80/xxlarge.jpg?1360609191 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/667/a26508d81dd3592b9b8dd27bf8c82e80/xlarge.jpg?1360609191 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/667/a26508d81dd3592b9b8dd27bf8c82e80/large.jpg?1360609191 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/667/a26508d81dd3592b9b8dd27bf8c82e80/medium.jpg?1360609191 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/667/a26508d81dd3592b9b8dd27bf8c82e80/small.jpg?1360609191 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/667/a26508d81dd3592b9b8dd27bf8c82e80/xsmall.jpg?1360609191 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/667/a26508d81dd3592b9b8dd27bf8c82e80/xxsmall.jpg?1360609191 40 4 true Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:02:44 -0500 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:04:53 -0500 UMBC Student Project - you can help What would help you to have a great resume? Check out what these UMBC students are doing:
http://my.umbc.edu/discussions/6614
http://my.umbc.edu/discussions/6614

They have an interesting project that involves surveying students (four questions) about resume needs:
http://userpages.umbc.edu/~booth1/r3k/survey.htm

The survey is a class project, so the students need some survey takers right away. Their ideas to help students extend beyond the class and would fit well with current UMBCWorks services.

This is your chance to be a research subject, rather than a researcher. 


]]> Check out what these UMBC students are doing: http://my.umbc.edu/discussions/6614 http://my.umbc.edu/discussions/6614 They have an interesting project that involves surveying students (four... http://my.umbc.edu/discussions/6614 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/23574/guest@my.umbc.edu/37c1f64e5894f06bced6aea5ad8c0f73/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research 19 5 true Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:46:33 -0500 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:10:18 -0500 Thinking of presenting at URCAD? How-to session for writing the abstract/application Finished some interesting original creative work, scholarship, or research? Ready to share it with others?

Friday, February 8 at 12:00 p.m. in AC IV A 114
Workshop/work session on writing the 200-word abstract for your application to present at Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD).

This 50-minute session could save you lots of time drafting the abstract for your application.

More information: mcglynn@umbc.edu
]]> Finished some interesting original creative work, scholarship, or research? Ready to share it with others? Friday, February 8 at 12:00 p.m. in AC IV A 114 Workshop/work session on writing the... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/URCAD/forms.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/23527/guest@my.umbc.edu/3af157b756ccb7e4762452a5743e2fa7/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/527/1b0e7baae0b3154624caf0cfb717eda3/xxlarge.jpg?1360265499 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/527/1b0e7baae0b3154624caf0cfb717eda3/xlarge.jpg?1360265499 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/527/1b0e7baae0b3154624caf0cfb717eda3/large.jpg?1360265499 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/527/1b0e7baae0b3154624caf0cfb717eda3/medium.jpg?1360265499 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/527/1b0e7baae0b3154624caf0cfb717eda3/small.jpg?1360265499 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/527/1b0e7baae0b3154624caf0cfb717eda3/xsmall.jpg?1360265499 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/527/1b0e7baae0b3154624caf0cfb717eda3/xxsmall.jpg?1360265499 25 0 true Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:32:37 -0500 Researcher of the Week: Lauren Bucca Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! How did you find your mentor for your research, scholarship, or artistic project?
My mentor, Dr. Gail Orgelfinger, was my professor for a Spring 2012 Honors Independent Study. She encouraged me to develop a research project as a part of the course, and to apply for the URA.

How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?
I am very interested in medieval studies, so I knew the perfect project would be incorporating my interests in British literature and history. With these things in mind, my research became about pilgrimage during the Middle Ages, in particular about St. Cuthbert and his association with the abbeys at Melrose, Scotland and Lindisfarne, England.

Is this your first independent research project?
Yes.

Do you get course credit for this work?
Yes, the URA is part of my independent study from Spring 2012.

How much time do you put into it?
I am not sure if I can count the hours! My time has truly been filled with study, editing papers, and planning my research in England.

How did you hear about the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) program?
I heard about it from my sister Allison, who graduated from UMBC in 2010.

What academic background did you have before you applied for the URA?
Junior status at UMBC and several classes focusing on the medieval period.

Was the application difficult to do?
The application was simple enough, save for making the statement of purpose concise and understandable. I had a difficult time putting my project in a short statement. Though overall, it is a simple application.

How much did your mentor help you with the application?
Dr. Gail Orgelfinger was very kind to edit my abstract several times.

What has been the hardest part about your research?
The most difficult part has certainly been trying to narrow down my subject and realize that I can neither understand nor cover everything I would have liked to have covered. Also, planning my trip along St. Cuthbert’s Way has posed many challenges and surprises. Although I would say that planning my research was more difficult than executing it, as I greatly enjoyed traveling through the English and Scottish countryside, visiting the abbeys, and interviewing people about my research topic.

What was the most unexpected thing?
The most unexpected thing about my research was uncovering all of the information about St. Cuthbert in Northumbria and the Scottish Borders, and how there is more relevance of pilgrimage in our times than I would have expected. While executing my research in Britain this summer, I was also surprised to see how much religious history has infiltrated contemporary culture.

How does your research relate to your work in other classes?
This project fits perfectly in my studies of religious history and pilgrimage literature.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
The opportunity to do research is something unique to UMBC. This is one of the reasons that I decided to transfer to UMBC from HCC, because it is not easy for an undergraduate to do this kind of research at any university. If you are prepared for editing papers, sleepless nights spent researching, and carrying hoards of books out of the UMBC library, then you are more than ready for a rewarding research project. I am grateful to have received the URA in order to travel to England to study what I love; it is an opportunity that should not be ignored by any serious student at UMBC.

What are your career goals?
My goal is to be a university professor, editor, and writer.

Did you transfer to UMBC from another institution? Where?
I transferred to UMBC in 2010 after taking my freshman year at Howard Community College, in Columbia, MD.

Read more about Lauren's research by clicking the link below... ]]> How did you find your mentor for your research, scholarship, or artistic project? My mentor, Dr. Gail Orgelfinger, was my professor for a Spring 2012 Honors Independent Study. She encouraged me to... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/laurenBucca.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/23251/guest@my.umbc.edu/d2fa6e41606e2a8a9c3e38d0d4abedd6/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/251/5b8c48ed0e21e38e1dcf27a0db6f23dc/xxlarge.jpg?1359990841 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/251/5b8c48ed0e21e38e1dcf27a0db6f23dc/xlarge.jpg?1359990841 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/251/5b8c48ed0e21e38e1dcf27a0db6f23dc/large.jpg?1359990841 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/251/5b8c48ed0e21e38e1dcf27a0db6f23dc/medium.jpg?1359990841 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/251/5b8c48ed0e21e38e1dcf27a0db6f23dc/small.jpg?1359990841 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/251/5b8c48ed0e21e38e1dcf27a0db6f23dc/xsmall.jpg?1359990841 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/251/5b8c48ed0e21e38e1dcf27a0db6f23dc/xxsmall.jpg?1359990841 29 6 true Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:17:21 -0500 $1,500 - URA application workshop Feb 12 Fund your creative work, senior thesis, or other research Application deadline is March 4. Attend the workshop Tuesday, February 12 at 4 p.m. in AC IV A 114 for help in creating a strong proposal. The Undergraduate Research Award (URA) program funds student research, scholarship, and creative work for up to $1,500. Applications are accepted only once each year. Come today and find out how you can receive this funding.
]]> Application deadline is March 4. Attend the workshop Tuesday, February 12 at 4 p.m. in AC IV A 114 for help in creating a strong proposal. The Undergraduate Research Award (URA) program funds... http://umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/URA/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/23234/guest@my.umbc.edu/6c9c17c94e8b4fe0e5b8eaf5f56b58f9/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/234/49831b74f7d5fe178eb7dcc33b6bc3d9/xxlarge.jpg?1359983774 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/234/49831b74f7d5fe178eb7dcc33b6bc3d9/xlarge.jpg?1359983774 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/234/49831b74f7d5fe178eb7dcc33b6bc3d9/large.jpg?1359983774 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/234/49831b74f7d5fe178eb7dcc33b6bc3d9/medium.jpg?1359983774 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/234/49831b74f7d5fe178eb7dcc33b6bc3d9/small.jpg?1359983774 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/234/49831b74f7d5fe178eb7dcc33b6bc3d9/xsmall.jpg?1359983774 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/023/234/49831b74f7d5fe178eb7dcc33b6bc3d9/xxsmall.jpg?1359983774 27 1 true Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:17:57 -0500 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 08:08:56 -0500 URA Workshop: How to Get Started! ALL MAJORS WELCOME Monday, February 4: 12-1PM, ACIV-A Wing, 114 Undergraduate Research Awards provide up to $1,500 to undergraduate students to support their research or creative work with a UMBC faculty mentor on an original project. Students of all years and disciplines are invited to apply, as long as they will continue at UMBC long enough to complete the proposed work.


 ]]> Undergraduate Research Awards provide up to $1,500 to undergraduate students to support their research or creative work with a UMBC faculty mentor on an original project. Students of all years... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/22982/guest@my.umbc.edu/5bc7cd337e57166e9f7955361c27afcc/api/pixel research ura Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/982/f2c9a31f724a08b5a42210bed4a04263/xxlarge.jpg?1359490966 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/982/f2c9a31f724a08b5a42210bed4a04263/xlarge.jpg?1359490966 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/982/f2c9a31f724a08b5a42210bed4a04263/large.jpg?1359490966 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/982/f2c9a31f724a08b5a42210bed4a04263/medium.jpg?1359490966 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/982/f2c9a31f724a08b5a42210bed4a04263/small.jpg?1359490966 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/982/f2c9a31f724a08b5a42210bed4a04263/xsmall.jpg?1359490966 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/982/f2c9a31f724a08b5a42210bed4a04263/xxsmall.jpg?1359490966 38 1 true Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:23:04 -0500 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 08:09:47 -0500 Summer 2013 Research Opportunity on Robotics GRASP Lab at the University of Pennsylvania The GRASP Lab at the University of Pennsylvania is proud to be offering eight 10-week paid summer research internships for undergraduate students. The focus of this NSF-funded REU Site is Robotics, including Machine Perception, Motion Planning, Flying Robots, Haptic Interfaces, Dynamics and Control, Humanoid Robots, Robotic Surgery, and Robot Design. Each student will enjoy the following features of our program:

- Advising by a GRASP faculty member
- Daily mentorship by a graduate student or postdoc
- Weekly lunches with program organizers and all other REU students
- The opportunity to learn fundamental skills in engineering and mathematics needed to engage in multidisciplinary robotics research 
- A $5000 stipend for the summer, plus travel and food allowances 
- Free housing on campus, just a few minutes walk from the GRASP Lab 
- Fun social and educational activities, including advice on graduate school

We welcome applications from US citizens and permanent residents.  We are particularly interested in applicants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (low-income, ethnic and racial minorities, first generation college students, and women). ]]> The GRASP Lab at the University of Pennsylvania is proud to be offering eight 10-week paid summer research internships for undergraduate students. The focus of this NSF-funded REU Site... http://reu.grasp.upenn.edu/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/22954/guest@my.umbc.edu/418afb165d33aa0dfa2f76d0d9b66ad0/api/pixel research robotics Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/954/393a0f103dfdc3798cf1cfc2e7bdbc1f/xxlarge.jpg?1359474276 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/954/393a0f103dfdc3798cf1cfc2e7bdbc1f/xlarge.jpg?1359474276 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/954/393a0f103dfdc3798cf1cfc2e7bdbc1f/large.jpg?1359474276 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/954/393a0f103dfdc3798cf1cfc2e7bdbc1f/medium.jpg?1359474276 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/954/393a0f103dfdc3798cf1cfc2e7bdbc1f/small.jpg?1359474276 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/954/393a0f103dfdc3798cf1cfc2e7bdbc1f/xsmall.jpg?1359474276 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/954/393a0f103dfdc3798cf1cfc2e7bdbc1f/xxsmall.jpg?1359474276 30 0 true Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:44:54 -0500 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:46:04 -0500 Summer Opportunity for Students in Education/Psychology Carngie Mellon/University of Pittsburgh: Deadline Feb. 15 Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh have an exciting opportunity summer research experience for undergradates (REU) available for undergraduates. 

This REU program is sponsored by LearnLab, a Science of Learning Center funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).   We encourage applications from students who would like to conduct research in the fields of psychology, education, computer science, human-computer interfaces and language technologies. LearnLab's REU program allows talented undergraduates to spend 8 weeks during the summer in a research laboratory at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, or one of our research partners.  The REU program supports LearnLab's commitment to training a diverse set of science, technology, education, and psychology leaders.

Applications are encouraged from students who wish to learn to conduct research in a modern academic research laboratory under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers and experiment in real classroom environments. The REU program will expose students to the excitement and opportunities of a research career. This experience will provide excellent preparation for students interested in subsequently pursuing a Masters or Ph.D. degree. Although students from other years may apply, this opportunity is most fitting for a student at the end of the junior year of undergraduate studies.

Each student will receive a fellowship stipend of $4000 for the eight-week REU program. Food, housing and travel will also be provided. Students will conduct research in an area matched to the interests expressed in the student's application. Guidance and supervision of the research project will be provided by the faculty member as well as, in some cases, a postdoctoral fellow and/or advanced graduate student.

Seminars specific to those participating in the REU program will be held weekly including seminars on graduate admissions and career opportunities in science, education, computer science and engineering. In addition, LearnLab seminars and those held by Carnegie Mellon's Human Computer Interaction Institute and Language Technologies Institute and seminars at Pitt's Language Research and Development Center will be open to the students, giving them exposure to a wide range of research in learning sciences.

There are several benefits that the participating students may receive. If the student’s research in the summer is of high quality and has added value to an ongoing research project, past students have been asked to be a coauthor on the research team's publication on that subject. Addition of publications to the resume of a graduate school applicant always greatly improves the application.  If the quality of the research is high, the faculty member who advised the student would likely be willing to write a letter of recommendation for the student which could be included in a graduate school application. Research experience in one of the National Science Foundation's premier research centers will be viewed attractively. Finally, a summer spent in one of the National Science Foundation's premier project areas is a plus in an application whether it be for entry to Carnegie Mellon or the University of Pittsburgh or to any other institution.

There are scholarships available for graduate work on projects in LearnLab. The student should inquire about these possibilities during the summer program.

REU Program Dates: Students will begin their research experience on Sunday, June 2, 2013 with a welcoming reception and information session.  The REU program will end on Friday July 26, 2013 with a poster session in the afternoon. Submission of an application indicates that the applicant agrees to be present from June 2 to 4pm July 26, 2013 inclusive.

Application Deadline: Deadline for applications is February 15, 2013. Students will be informed of our decision by March 1, 2013.

Minimum Requirements: Students should have a minimum of 3.5 GPA out of 4.0 although we will consider students who show by other measures that they are exceptional and who have GPAs over 3.2. Class standing and grades in specific subjects that are close to the field of research will also be considered, as are recommendations.

Number of slots/ positions available: LearnLab can accommodate as many as 10 positions, although in any given year, we may decide to fund less than 10 applicants ]]> Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh have an exciting opportunity summer research experience for undergradates (REU) available for undergraduates. ... http://www.learnlab.org/opportunities/LearnLab_Summer_REU.php https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/22944/guest@my.umbc.edu/bb45bf77be14d537492d5281ec09ae03/api/pixel carnegie education mellon psychology research summer Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/944/dcb72788ee48cf08faca5dd9ea45513a/xxlarge.jpg?1359470521 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/944/dcb72788ee48cf08faca5dd9ea45513a/xlarge.jpg?1359470521 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/944/dcb72788ee48cf08faca5dd9ea45513a/large.jpg?1359470521 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/944/dcb72788ee48cf08faca5dd9ea45513a/medium.jpg?1359470521 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/944/dcb72788ee48cf08faca5dd9ea45513a/small.jpg?1359470521 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/944/dcb72788ee48cf08faca5dd9ea45513a/xsmall.jpg?1359470521 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/022/944/dcb72788ee48cf08faca5dd9ea45513a/xxsmall.jpg?1359470521 30 0 true Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:42:20 -0500 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:43:42 -0500