There is no such thing as merely 'undergraduate' research.
"Research is research," said Amir Hoveyda, professor in the chemistry department, in an e-mail. "When an undergraduate scholar joins one of the research groups in the chemistry department at Boston College, they are treated as a respected member of that group."
In an effort to become one of the top liberal arts schools, BC unveiled its strategic plan in 2005 - which provided the foundation for the master plan - placing research among the forefront of the University's agenda and sparking an increased interest in research opportunities by both faculty and students.
"The statement aims at fostering a better liberal arts education and setting an example for other universities. A number of things are in place for that: Advanced Study Grants and Undergraduate Faculty Research Fellowships," said Donald Hafner, vice provost for Undergraduate Affairs and political science professor.
Advanced Study Grants are given to students by the University Fellowships Committee for students' original research projects. These grants are used solely for the student's personal project and are independent of faculty research. Roughly one out of every four students obtains funding every year for their summer research project, with grants ranging from $500 to $2,000. Although freshmen and sophomores are primarily encouraged to apply for these grants, juniors may also apply and conduct their research the summer before senior year.
Students who received advanced study grants last summer are expected to give presentations on their research the first week of February at the second annual undergraduate research symposium.
"The Advanced Study Grant is one of the best resources available to students, especially to freshmen and sophomores," said Scott Jelinek, A&S '10 and 2007 recipient.
Working with fellow BC student Chelsea Jacobs, A&S '11, Jelenik conducted field-based research that analyzed the socio-economic impact of a higher standard of living on the transformation of women. Jelinek worked as a research consultant for a global micro-finance organization, Opportunity International, and designed a program to encourage HIV/AIDS testing for the Africa Regional Director of Opportunity International.
2008 Woodie Awards
