Undergraduate Research Week is set for April 15-19, and the U of A is celebrating with a slate of information sessions, panel discussions and advising opportunities, in addition to its annual poster competition. The schedule is as follows:
MONDAY, APRIL 15
Research Basics
12-12:30 p.m. | GEAR 243
This session is an introduction into the required Honors research experience, perfect for freshmen, sophomores or juniors who want to know how to get started. Presented by Chelsea Hodge, director of Graduate and Research Innovation for the Honors College.
Library Resources
12:30 – 1 p.m. | GEAR 243
This session is an overview of the resources and services available through the University Libraries for anyone seeking to incorporate new and helpful options into their research practice. Presented by Jay McAllister, Engineering and Honors College librarian.
Introduction to Python (Option 1 of 2)
1-4 p.m. | Zoom
The best way to learn how to program is to do something useful, so this introduction to Python is built around a common scientific task: data analysis. While this is an introduction to Python, its real purpose is to introduce the single most important idea in programming: how to solve problems by building functions. Attendees will learn about the mechanics of manipulating data with lists and file I/O so that their functions can do things they actually care about. This session is specially designed for undergraduates who would like to explore. Participants will need access to a computer for which they have administrator privileges. Further information on preparing for the session as well as links will be sent before the session to those who register. Presented by Lora Lennertz, director of Open Education, Data, and Publishing Services for the University Libraries.
Finding STEM Research Opportunities Off-Campus
3-3:30 p.m. | Zoom
Interested in spending your summer researching at another institution? Come learn about opportunities such as REUs, AMGEN, DAAD Rise and others. Presented by Jonathan Langley, director of STEM and Pre-Med Professions for the Honors College.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16
Why Libraries?
12-1 p.m. | MULN 439
Learn about the purposes of the University of Arkansas library system, the services and resources provided to support students, and the differences between the Libraries’ online subscriptions and what can be found on Google. Presented by Ellen R. Urton, director of Research and Instruction Services for the University Libraries.
AI Research Tools
1-2 p.m. | MULN 439
Curious about using AI research tools? Join librarians Jay McAllister and Molly Boyd for an overview of some commonly available research tools, including what they do and the pro/con, reliability, and accuracy of each. Tools covered include: Consensus, Elicit.org, Scite.ai, Research Rabbit, ChatPDF, Chatmind and Gemini (formerly Bard).
How to Find a Research Topic
2-2:30 p.m. | GEAR 243
Developing a research topic is one of the first steps in your Honors research. Join Chelsea Hodge for a quick intro to how to find and develop topic ideas.
Identifying a Faculty Advisor or Mentor for an Honors Thesis or Capstone Project
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Teams
Attend this session to learn about the research that is ongoing or has been completed at the University of Arkansas in various subject areas. Identify the faculty and staff who are conducting this research and study their scholarly publishing. This session will also provide tips and guidance on how to identify and approach faculty when seeking mentors or advisors. Presented by Luti Salisbury, distinguished professor and director of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Library.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17
How to Find a Research Mentor
1-1:30 p.m. | GEAR 243
Choosing a research mentor doesn’t need to be scary! Chelsea Hodge will cover guidelines for who can be your mentor, as well as tips on finding prospective mentors and how to approach them.
The Importance of the Undergraduate Research Experience
2-4 p.m. | WCOB 0257
Come listen to Paul Adams, professor of Biochemistry, speak on the importance of participating in undergraduate research and how it can benefit students both academically and professionally.
Final Countdown with ScholarWorks@UARK (Option 1 of 2)
2:30 – 4 p.m. | MULN 410
The University Libraries and the Honors College invite all Honors undergraduate students to an in-person Final Countdown event. No appointment is necessary, and swag bags will be provided while supplies last. Students can drop in to learn about the U of A’s institutional repository, ScholarWorks@UARK, and receive information about submitting their Honors thesis. Jay McAllister and Chelsea Hodge will be present to answer questions.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18
Mastering the Lit Review
10-11 a.m. | MULN 439
Do you have trouble knowing how to start your literature review for your research? In this workshop, learn some helpful steps in mastering the lit review plus some search strategies to get you started. Presented by Megan York, Education librarian.
Undergraduate Research Symposium
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Union Ballroom
Join us for a drop-in research symposium, featuring undergraduate students’ research posters. Come see great examples of research and chat with students about their work. Cookies, coffee and lemonade provided. Hosted by the Honors College, Office of Undergraduate Research and University Libraries.
Final Countdown with ScholarWorks@UARK (Option 2 of 2)
2:30 – 4 p.m. | GEAR 130
The University Libraries and the Honors College invite all Honors undergraduate students to an in-person Final Countdown event. No appointment is necessary, and swag bags will be provided while supplies last. Students can drop in to learn about the U of A’s institutional repository, ScholarWorks@UARK, and receive information about submitting their honors thesis. Jay McAllister and Chelsea Hodge will be present to answer questions.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19
Introduction to Python (Option 2 of 2)
9 a.m. – Noon | Zoom
The best way to learn how to program is to do something useful, so this introduction to Python is built around a common scientific task: data analysis. While this is an introduction to Python, its real purpose is to introduce the single most important idea in programming: how to solve problems by building functions. Attendees will learn about the mechanics of manipulating data with lists and file I/O so that their functions can do things they actually care about. This session is specially designed for undergraduates who would like to explore. Participants will need access to a computer for which they have administrator privileges. Further information on preparing for the session as well as links will be sent before the session to those who register. Presented by Lora Lennertz.
Undergraduate Researcher Panel
1-2 p.m. | MULN 439
Have you been interested in gaining research experience as an undergraduate student but are unsure how to get started? Maybe you are a faculty member wondering how you can work with undergraduate students on meaningful research projects? This is an opportunity to ask questions and listen to the experiences of undergraduate students who have presented their own research. Please join panelists Yodalys Aguilar Quiros (senior, Psychology), Ashton Payne (sophomore, Public Health), Victoria Rike (sophomore, English) and Jayakumari Nair (junior, Arabic, Middle East Studies, Asian Studies) to learn more about their research as well as what the process of presenting was like for them from idea to conference. This panel will be moderated by Kim Larsen, Undergraduate Engagement librarian.
Undergraduate Research Week at the U of A is a collaboration among the Division of Research and Innovation, the Honors College and the University Libraries.