All students are welcome to attend Middle Tennessee State University’s Undergraduate Research Workshop put on by the Undergraduate Research Center on Monday, Sept. 25, to ask all of their burning research questions and learn how to jump-start their research journey.  

“Students from our Student Organization for the Advancement of Research will run the workshop,” said Jamie Burriss, the center’s director, about the free event co-sponsored by MT Engage. “The student-leaders will discuss research opportunities across all majors, on-campus funding opportunities, how to find a faculty mentor, how to hone presentation skills, and share opportunities to present research.” 

The event will take place from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Sept. 25 in Room 220 of the Student Union Building. Those interested are encouraged to register as soon as possible at https://tinyurl.com/mvw8kju5, though walkups will also be welcome. Bagels and light refreshments will also be served at the event, Burriss said.  

The center, part of the university’s larger Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, offers a plethora of support for students interested in getting started in research: it connects students with potential faculty mentors and projects, provides research funding through its Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity grant, houses a student research organization and hosts several workshop and research presentation events throughout the year.

The previous school year, 168 MTSU students presented at the university’s in-house Scholars Week annual research exposition. Sixteen undergraduates qualified for and participated in the National Conferences on Research in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with one student, Janna Abou-Rahma, landing a spot on a team that went on to win a competitive, pre-conference Mayo Clinic challenge. Eight students also qualified for and presented at the World Congress on Undergraduate Research in Coventry, England. 

Several alumni have credited their research supported through the center, commonly referred to as the URC, for helping them get accepted into top-tier graduate programs at schools like Wake Forest University, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University and Vanderbilt University.  

Burriss emphasized that students from all majors and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend the informational event. 

“Our goal is to help students understand that anyone can engage in research or creative activity, regardless of their experience level. We are here to support students every step of the way — from offering guidance and providing resources to building a sense of community amongst our student researchers,” she said. 

To learn more about the opportunities at the Undergraduate Research Center, visit its website at https://www.mtsu.edu/urc/. 

— Stephanie Wagner (Stephanie.Wagner@mtsu.edu)