Undergraduates, non-majors and even high school students will soon have the opportunity to participate in more research projects at UB, if a program proposed by Provost Elizabeth Capaldi takes effect.
Under the new proposal, every student will be allowed to register for research opportunities, regardless of major, as a course, independent study or work-study program.
The provost cited other universities, such as the University of Berkley, University of California Los Angeles, and the University of Michigan, which have implemented these programs.
"This is done at some of the finest research institutions," said Capaldi.
According to Capaldi, student involvement in the projects is usually limited to graduate students and members of the department conducting the research. Providing more research opportunities, she said, would diversify education and encourage the pursuit of minors.
Students interested in participating in a research project would need to select a course and obtain permission from the professor in charge of the project. Professors would retain the option of limiting their course to students within the department in which the professors are teaching.
Ari Eisner, a senior biology major, believes it is fair to require prospective research students to ask for permission from professors leading the projects before engaging in research.
"I don't think (positions for research projects) should be posted online," said Eisner. "I think you get people who are more motivated if they go directly to the professor. Professors want motivated students."
According to Capaldi, most professors, including herself, enjoy working with students from other departments because it often provides a fresh perspective. In addition, she said, working in a research lab is one of the best ways for students to meet faculty.
Because students do not realize what opportunities are currently available, undergraduate participation in research is very limited at UB, Capaldi said. She plans to promote the new opportunities through a variety of media, including the Internet, email and academic advisors.
"I believe this is a good way to improve the quality of students we attract," she said.
Eisner agreed but said it might be difficult for professors to work with high school students.
"If (research) is opened to high school students, they must be qualified," Eisner said. "Most likely, high school students will not be qualified, although if the professor has patience, it should be OK."
While Joe Gobeyn, a junior physics major, said it would "nice" if undergraduate students could participate, he believed majors should get priority for research positions within their department.
"I don't understand why a non-major would want to get into the research programs," said Gobeyn.
Andrew Freeman, a graduate student in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, believes the proposal is a good idea and will not interfere with opportunities for students who are required to participate in research.
Capaldi also believes the program would enhance the quality of education at UB and ultimately lead to higher enrollment.
"Improving quality will require more professors, which will require more money, which translates to more students," said Capaldi.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
