The best thing about Cornerstone research is the way it breaks the ice and gets you ready for more reserach at Texas A&M. The opportunities for research involvement here are endless, and they're a wonderful way to learn about something you enjoy or have a passion for. Seriously, you could research almost anything here! Don't believe me? Take a look at my apartment the other night...
A friend, a roommate, and me.
Between the three of us we had research happening on 1) The spinal cord and its capability to learn without the brain, 2) Models of diseases and how they spread, and 3) Solar panels and satellites. It was like a little factory for knowledge. These are all topics we jumped into because we were interested in them, and we're getting the chance to work with professors we really connect with.
So what do Kim and I have to say about all of this? Well...
What sort of research have you been involved in since Cornerstone?
Katie: In addition to various projects for classes, I spent last Spring and Summer as a research assistant in the Doss Psychology lab for PSYC 485 credit. I helped with a study on couples' therapy for veterans, and a study on couples having their first child. I also completed a literature review on couples' therapy issues for elderly couples for PSYC 491 credit. Currently I'm researching the spinal cord's ability to learn independently of the brain as part of a course I am Honors contracting.
Would you recommend undergraduate research?
Kim: I would absolutely recommend undergrad research to other students because I feel it is a fantastic way to learn how to do research and really apply it in a form that can be shared with others. It gives you an opportunity to think far more deeply about a subject than you ever would have had you not been researching it, and it sheds light on new perspectives based on the reading you do.
Katie: I would definitely recommend undergrad research! Being involved in research has not only allowed me to learn about things I really care about, but it has also provided me with a clearer understanding of how research works, and how our society goes about increasing our knowledge of a subject. I would especially recommend doing research for class credit (485 and 491 classes)...485s and 491s are wonderful ways to obtain elective hours, and they aren't like any other class you'll take!
So in summary, undergrad research is an amazing thing, and Cornerstone gives you a great introduction! Oh, and one more thing...if you ever have a research party in your living room like we did, make sure to grab some Hot N' Ready pizzas so you don't go hungry!
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