Academic researchers at PUIs are in ideal positions to serve as role models to future scientists. We must apply for funding for student research, such as the Council on Undergraduate Research's Summer Research Fellowships and other extra- and intramural support. By instituting a weekly colloquium where guest speakers present their data, students would interact with scientists involved in cutting-edge research and be exposed to a variety of research areas, new methodologies, and novel treatment approaches. A byproduct of the interactions is a stronger, well-rounded department. Potential Advantages of Undergraduate Research Students develop the ability to solve situation-specific problems in research models.
Undergraduates can use the skills acquired during research as a springboard for many careers.
The skills of critical thinking, problem identification, and technical proficiency are highly valued by employers. Engagement in science is important in the maturation of undergraduate students. When they participate in research, students carry out a type of detective work that involves gathering evidence and hypothesizing to explain the mechanisms that regulate certain fundamental processes, such as apoptosis. Experimental results can affect hypotheses by confirming them, extending them, modifying them, or rejecting them. Learning is intense when one is doing research.