NIU’s Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning will continue its Student Engagement Colloquia Brown Bag series at noon Friday, March 25, when Shanay Murdock from anthropology and Suzanne Serrano from history will present in Altgeld Hall 125.
The series showcases research, artistry and community engagement projects completed by students who have received funding through the Student Engagement Fund and Undergraduate Special Opportunities in Artistry & Research program.
During the March 4 edition, sophomore physics major Wataru Hashimoto discussed his recent research, titled, “The Effect of Themed Learning Community on Physics Students’ Performance on Force Concept Inventory.”
Hashimoto has been involved in many programs through OSEEL, including Research Rookies, Themed Learning Community peer mentors, Student Engagement Fund and McKearn Fellows. He is interested in this research because to his desire to pursue a Ph.D. in physics education research and become a professor following graduation from NIU.
His advice to other students: “Be ready to look at a lot of data through Excel, but make sure you enjoy your project and get the most out of it.”
Junior biological sciences major Maria Weston discussed her recent research project, “Landscapes of Fear on the Prairie: Bison Wallowing Impacts on Seed Predation.” She is a Student Engagement Fund award recipient for the fall 2015 and spring 2016 semesters.
Weston’s plans after graduation are to earn a Ph.D. and work as a conservation scientist.
Her advice to other students: “Definitely do it. Conducting field research is so fulfilling and you would regret it if you don’t. If you do not want all the responsibility of doing your own project, volunteer with one of the graduate students who goes out in the field. They are always looking for volunteers and love taking students out and showing them how do collect data in the field. You won’t regret it.”
Interested in engaged experiences involving research, service learning, study abroad or traveling to conferences or competitions? Apply for the Student Engagement Fund by Tuesday, March 15.
For more information, call (815) 753-8154 or email engage@niu.edu.
