Highlighting Research
ECU student researchers on full display around campus
East Carolina University student researchers are more visible than ever thanks to new research posters placed around campus.
The posters highlight researchers in a variety of fields including biology, biomedical physics, journalism, political science, visual arts, and communications.
The posters, developed by ECU’s Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement, include current undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni. The division plans to add more posters around campus throughout the year, giving students an opportunity to see the faces behind the university’s groundbreaking student-led research activities.
“We’re always looking for ways to highlight our student researchers,” said Mary Farwell, director of undergraduate research. “We thought these posters would be a good way to introduce students who are considering participating in research activities a chance to see others like themselves. Additionally, we wanted to highlight researchers outside of the traditional bench science fields to show that research opportunities are available across many disciplines.”
Posters will be on display on both main campus and the health sciences campus, ranging from Joyner Library to the Allied Health Building.
Additionally, student researchers will be featured on bus advertisements on ECU’s 35 on-campus buses. REDE leadership believe that by increasing the visibility of researchers and their mentors, student interest in research activities will grow as well.
“The university has outlined clear goals to increase student research participation,” said Jay Golden, vice chancellor for research, economic development and engagement. “We want to double the number of undergraduate students participating in research and lead the UNC System in the number of faculty-mentored student research projects.
“Over the past year, the Office of Undergraduate Research has participated in a number of on-campus events, including Get A Clue and meet-and-greets with students,” he said. “We hope our posters continue to keep research at the forefront of our students’ minds as they prepare for life after ECU.”
Along with informational resources from the Office of Undergraduate Research and ECU’s Graduate School, the university offers awards and competitions focusing on student research. ECU’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity awards help with the cost of faculty-mentored research projects and range from $1,500-2,500, and students can also apply for smaller undergraduate research mini awards and conference travel awards.
“We encourage all of our students to talk to their professors about research and creative activity projects,” said Ron Mitchelson, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. “While research certainly includes white coats, test tubes and beakers, it doesn’t have to be limited to the lab. These posters share the unique paths each student took to begin their research journey. Maybe they’ll help jump start another student’s adventure as well.”
Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research to learn more about student research opportunities on campus.