By Вen Li
Undergraduate students are the focus of the University of Calgary’s Researchers’ Speakers Series. Starting Mon., Dec. 2, faculty from English, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ecology and Biomedical Engineering will present their research and how it relates to real-life academic challenges as a part of the Enhancing Undergraduate Learners’ Experience program.
“We’re hoping that we can help students understand how important research is to an undergraduate education,” said EULE’s Dr. Steven Franklin who coordinates the speakers. “Speakers will present their research processes to students so they understand the importance of critical thinking and an inquiry-based view of the world.”
A primary goal of the series is to expose students to research in a number of areas of study. Franklin hopes that speakers from fields for which the U of C does not garner much attention will inspire students to pursue studies in those neglected areas.
“Prospective students know of our research only from what is in the media,” said Franklin. “We want to also expose them to what happens outside science and technology.”
According to EULE Communica-tions Coordinator Jennifer Meyers, the speakers were not chosen for their previous exposure but because of their current leading-edge research.
“These topics are ones that are really current and contemporary and are of interest to students and society in general,” said Meyers. “The topics take top researchers and connect them with undergraduate students and allow them to benefit from the research.”
Students will be able to interact informally with speakers following the lectures. Appropriate personnel will also be available to provide students with information about conducting research as a part of their undergraduate programs.
“We think students are interested in the research stars and scholars on campus,” said Franklin. “For example, if you’re interested in engineering and the environment, you’d be interested in Dr. Ed McCauley’s research on the leading-edge of ecology and environmental science.”
Students who attend can enter an essay-writing contest for a chance to have their essay reviewed by the speakers and published in the Gazette.
The first speaker in the series is Maurice Yacowar from the Department of English who will present on Mon., Dec. 2 from 12-2 p.m. at the Rozsa Centre.