Researcher of the Week: Kimchi Nguyen Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! How did you find your mentor for your research project?
I have always been interested in research. In the summer of my sophomore year, I emailed Dr. Richard Karpel expressing my interest in his lab. It was a very exciting moment when Dr. Karpel emailed me back to set up a date to talk about his research. As a result, since fall 2012 I have been working in Dr. Karpel’s lab.
How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?
I started out working on projects with other undergraduates in my lab, familiarizing myself with the experiments and how to work the different instruments needed for our research. Dr. Karpel approached me one day and asked me if I wanted to work on my own project. I have always wanted the experience of independently leading a project, so I accepted. I knew I wanted to work on the project Dr. Karpel suggested because it is the same concept to which I have been exposed while working with other experienced undergraduates. However, this project will be a new learning experience for me because instead of working with ssDNA, my project will focus on dsDNA. I hope that my project will further our understanding of the interaction of dsDNA with gene 32 protein.
Is this your first independent research?
No, this is not my first independent research project. However, it is my first project that involves funding.
How much time do you put into it?
I started to work on my URA project in the spring 2012. I have been working about 10 hours a week in the summer. I plan to work 5-8 hours a week during the academic year.
How did you hear about the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) program?
Many of my undergraduate friends who work in various research labs recommended that I look into the Undergraduate Research Award. Dr. Karpel gave me a research topic, emailed me the URA application, and encouraged me to give it a try. He said to try my best and even if I was not accepted, the application process would give me experience in the future with writing proposals and asking for funding.
What academic background did you have before you applied for the URA?
I had already finished Biochemistry and was taking Biochemistry II at the time, so I felt like I was prepared for this project.
Was the URA application difficult to do?
The application was not hard to do. It was very straightforward. The process of filling out the application allowed me to expand my ideas on the topic and I was able to understand more about my project as a whole.
How much did your mentor help you with the application?
Dr. Karpel helped me proofread my application. He also gave me suggestions to improve the background information section on my application. He was very helpful and supportive.
What has been the hardest part about your research?
The hardest part of my research so far is my attempt to produce DNA cellulose because the absorbance of dsDNA was too low, so I had to repeat the process. This process requires much time because the DNA cellulose takes weeks to dry.
What else are you involved in on campus?
I have been a volunteer of Health Leads for three semesters now. Health Leads is a volunteer group that addresses the socio-economic needs of patients in impoverished areas. We help patients at St. Agnes Hospital obtain resources that can help them access employment, health insurance, adult education, and many more benefits. Starting in fall 2012, I will be a Campus Coordinator of Health Leads. In addition, I am peer mentor for Psychology 100 and President of the Vietnamese Student Association.
What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
Do not be afraid to approach faculty members about being a part of their research. If they see that the student is passionate and sincere about their research, then they will happily let the student in their lab. Our campus is full of research resources, you simply have to ask, and someone will guide you. ]]> How did you find your mentor for your research project? I have always been interested in research. In the summer of my sophomore year, I emailed Dr. Richard Karpel expressing my interest in his... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/kimChiNguyen.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/25128/guest@my.umbc.edu/43599391ed346d9af966be80c96d7a4c/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://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/025/128/c06debb249d4e75425c7f2c2c9e96a5c/xxlarge.jpg?1362410714 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/025/128/c06debb249d4e75425c7f2c2c9e96a5c/xlarge.jpg?1362410714 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/025/128/c06debb249d4e75425c7f2c2c9e96a5c/large.jpg?1362410714 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/025/128/c06debb249d4e75425c7f2c2c9e96a5c/medium.jpg?1362410714 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/025/128/c06debb249d4e75425c7f2c2c9e96a5c/small.jpg?1362410714 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/025/128/c06debb249d4e75425c7f2c2c9e96a5c/xsmall.jpg?1362410714 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/025/128/c06debb249d4e75425c7f2c2c9e96a5c/xxsmall.jpg?1362410714 53 3 true Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:25:39 -0500 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:03:23 -0500 URA deadline extension Must e-mail intent today
The URA deadline was Monday, March 4 at 5 p.m.
The deadline is changed to Tuesday, March 5 at 5 p.m.

Students who e-mail their intent to apply for an Undergraduate Research Award (URA) can have the deadline (set for 5 p.m. today, March 4) extended to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 5. In special circumstances, a 9 a.m. Wednesday delivery of all materials may be approved. 

Students MUST e-mail mcglynn@umbc.edu today to state their intent to apply and the projected time of delivery of the completed application and mentor support to AC IV A 114.

Student application forms and mentor support forms are linked from http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/URA/forms.html, along with guidance on developing a strong proposal. ]]> The URA deadline was Monday, March 4 at 5 p.m. The deadline is changed to Tuesday, March 5 at 5 p.m. Students who e-mail their intent to apply for an Undergraduate Research Award... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/25114/guest@my.umbc.edu/9e838060231a686cbc8affbdbbc3e5c9/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 16 0 true Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:43:23 -0500 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:18:53 -0500 Researcher of the Week: Matthew Newcomer Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! How did you find out that you could do research in your field in the summer?
My neighbor is an employee at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and suggested that I apply.

How did you know that research at NIST was what you wanted to do?
All I knew was that NIST would be an incredible place to work.

Did you apply to other places?
No, however I plan on applying to many internships this upcoming February for next summer.

Was the application difficult to do? Did you have help with this?
No, the application was very easy to fill out. I put a good amount of time into my personal statement, but other than that it was quick and easy.

What was your summer research project?
This summer I have been working on military handhelds (smart phones). I have had the opportunity to work on these handhelds, testing them, finding bugs, and reporting back to the developers. The really cool thing about this project is that what I am doing really matters right now. These are being used in the military and have been saving lives.

Who was your mentor for this project?
Dr. Brian A. Weiss in the NIST Engineering Laboratory Manipulation and Mobility Systems Group

How much time do you put into this work?
I do a lot of testing and a lot of writing test plans or scenarios and work 40 hours per week for this 11-week summer program.

Where do you live during the summer research?
They pay for us undergraduate researchers to live in a very nice hotel right up the street from NIST. I have greatly enjoyed living with other undergraduate researchers. Living with people you have so much in common with makes things fun.

What academic background did you have before you started?
I have completed two years in the Mechanical Engineering Program at UMBC.

How did you learn what you needed to know for this project?
My advisor is extremely helpful and patient with his interns. He got me up to speed quickly.

What was the hardest part about your research? What was the most unexpected thing?
The hardest part is getting used to the 9-to-5 style of this job. Sitting in the office and staying focused and on task for that long is a difficult thing to do. I’ve been doing well with it, but I don’t quite think I could handle it for more than a summer. The most unexpected thing is making so many great friends.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
Be creative. Think of many different ways to contribute to the project. If all you do is what your boss tells you, you will likely complete the task then sit around bored. Instead, if you do what your boss asks of you, then do a handful of things that you think may help too, you will impress your advisor, and not waste time at work.

What are your career goals?
I would like to become a successful Mechanical Engineer working on the latest automotive technology.

Are you a transfer student or did you start at UMBC as a freshman?
I started my first semester at UMBC, then got in to UMD College Park spring semester, and went there. After one semester at UMD I hated everything about it, and I quickly rushed back to UMBC. UMBC is a great school. ]]> How did you find out that you could do research in your field in the summer? My neighbor is an employee at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and suggested that I apply.... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/matthewNewcomer.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/24644/guest@my.umbc.edu/3ced616234a1bc4355f4855370f5a9d2/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/000/024/644/906bfeb41f18ba446fd104702e4f0997/xxlarge.jpg?1361803524 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/644/906bfeb41f18ba446fd104702e4f0997/xlarge.jpg?1361803524 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/644/906bfeb41f18ba446fd104702e4f0997/large.jpg?1361803524 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/644/906bfeb41f18ba446fd104702e4f0997/medium.jpg?1361803524 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/644/906bfeb41f18ba446fd104702e4f0997/small.jpg?1361803524 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/644/906bfeb41f18ba446fd104702e4f0997/xsmall.jpg?1361803524 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/644/906bfeb41f18ba446fd104702e4f0997/xxsmall.jpg?1361803524 13 0 true Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:53:59 -0500 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:59:14 -0500 Research Opportunities in Physics See Research Projects of Your Fellow Majors! Are you a Physics major interested in doing research? You may want to check out The Office of Undergraduate Education's "My Majors" page which will keep you up-to-date on new opportunities and give you a glimpse at interesting research your fellow majors are doing! ]]> Are you a Physics major interested in doing research? You may want to check out The Office of Undergraduate Education's "My Majors" page which will keep you up-to-date on new opportunities and... http://umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/URCAD/PhysicsResearchOUE.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/24565/guest@my.umbc.edu/28eca8317630ce2809d710a949609f17/api/pixel oue physics research 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/000/024/565/00f42382da08bb47df2585a2590be0a7/xxlarge.jpg?1361566040 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/565/00f42382da08bb47df2585a2590be0a7/xlarge.jpg?1361566040 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/565/00f42382da08bb47df2585a2590be0a7/large.jpg?1361566040 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/565/00f42382da08bb47df2585a2590be0a7/medium.jpg?1361566040 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/565/00f42382da08bb47df2585a2590be0a7/small.jpg?1361566040 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/565/00f42382da08bb47df2585a2590be0a7/xsmall.jpg?1361566040 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/565/00f42382da08bb47df2585a2590be0a7/xxsmall.jpg?1361566040 7 0 true Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:47:49 -0500 Apply Now for an Undergraduate Research Award (URA) Up to $1,500 for Research in all Majors: Deadline March 4 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.

DEADLINE MARCH 4
]]> 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... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/URA/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/24378/guest@my.umbc.edu/99f3f2e7674807e5fc37c2b5e432cdfd/api/pixel oue 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://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/378/32153e1da6193298c513fbac96c77241/xxlarge.jpg?1361389241 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/378/32153e1da6193298c513fbac96c77241/xlarge.jpg?1361389241 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/378/32153e1da6193298c513fbac96c77241/large.jpg?1361389241 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/378/32153e1da6193298c513fbac96c77241/medium.jpg?1361389241 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/378/32153e1da6193298c513fbac96c77241/small.jpg?1361389241 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/378/32153e1da6193298c513fbac96c77241/xsmall.jpg?1361389241 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/024/378/32153e1da6193298c513fbac96c77241/xxsmall.jpg?1361389241 28 0 true Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:41:14 -0500 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