Dec 18, 2007 - Claremont, Calif. - In her role as president of the Council for Undergraduate Research, Professor of Chemistry Kerry Karukstis was featured on a one-hour live audio broadcast hosted by "Inside Higher Ed" on Wednesday, Dec. 12. She discussed how an institution can promote a culture of undergraduate research.

During the broadcast, which included questions and answers with faculty from around the country, Karukstis made many points about the benefits of research to the undergraduate learning experience for students, faculty and the institution. An MP-3 audio file of her presentation is available for listening. The PowerPoint slides of her presentation can be downloaded as well.

Here are a few excerpts from Karukstis’s remarks:

The involvement of undergraduate students in collaborative research with faculty has gained national significance in view of the many educational benefits gained by students. Most significantly there is disciplinary learning that takes place beyond that achieved in traditional courses. Furthermore, there is professional and personal growth in ways not possible through traditional classroom settings. Research additionally increases the confidence of students, contributes toward student retention in undergraduate studies, and directs students toward specific career paths.

From a professional point of view, collaborative research with undergraduates should also aim to enhance the faculty member’s professional growth and development. When research ventures satisfy these two objectives, introducing students to a research experience as well as advancing the faculty member professionally, then both student and faculty mentor have a vested interest in the research experience. This dual commitment of both student and professor ultimately also produces the most successful research experiences.

In order to freely share ideas and to take risks where the possibility of failure is acceptable, the community must have come together around a common vision and a clear sense of purpose. That kind of environment is most easily achieved by building around the institution’s mission. As a consequence, each institution will have its own change agenda as an undergraduate research program is crafted to mesh with an institution’s goals, vision and practices.

Yes, you need faculty conducting research and scholarship with undergraduates. But those faculty who are not positioned to do so can still enhance the UR culture. Research involves many different components. Perhaps some faculty members would be willing to conduct workshops to develop students presentation skills. Library staff can help students with literature searching skills. Perhaps some faculty have contacts at local industries to arrange for tours so that students can get a sense of research outside academia. Everyone can suggest colleagues as seminar speakers to develop students' understanding of the important questions in the discipline.

Recognition is a powerful motivator. All human beings want to know that they are making a difference. Employees that receive recognition tend to have higher self esteem, are more confident, have a willingness to take on new challenges, and are more eager to contribute new ideas and improve productivity. There are certainly many ways to outwardly recognize progress and achievement. While these tangible rewards are important, there are other indirect ways to insure that those seeking to enhance the research culture are supported along the way. That means insuring that there are no “hidden” factors that drain the enthusiasm and passion of innovative thinkers and support accepting the status quo.

Innovation needs to occur in individual classrooms as well as across departments. Innovation will be spurred when faculty sense that new ideas are valued and when practices don’t create a fear of failing. For example, with revisions to curricula, faculty will need time for changes to take hold and may need nurturing and support if student evaluations express a displeasure with change. As always, a sense of community will create a strong network of support and reinforce progress.