Friday, Sept. 22, the College of William and Mary hosted a research symposium in Earl Gregg Swem Library for students who participated in undergraduate research over the summer. Students presenting their research displayed tri-folds and digital media during two time slots. The symposium was open to visitors for a four-hour period.
Students crafted interactive displays, prompting engagement with visitors. Projects covered a broad range of topics in the arts and sciences fields.
As viewers walked by the tables, researchers encouraged active participation and openly answered questions about their research. After researchers presented their projects and gave a general overview of their research process and findings, viewers had the opportunity to discuss topics, ask questions and engage in presenting further ideas and perspectives to the research field.
Director of the Roy R. Charles Center Elizabeth J. Harbron described the array of benefits that stem from undergraduate research, acknowledging the differences between a typical classroom experience and an in-depth research project.
“Research is so different because the answer isn’t known,” Harbron said. “Your advisor doesn’t know the answer. You don’t know the answer. You’re out there figuring it out or doing some kind of analysis that no one’s ever done before, and when you experience challenges in that process, sometimes it’s a little different to process that, and so I think students often find that they have a stubbornness or some perseverance that maybe they didn’t know they had.”
“They may also find that that kind of interaction with the world is not their favorite thing, and I think that can still be the hallmark of a successful experience because part of college is figuring out what you’re about, what skills and talents you have, what things you love to do, what things you [don’t] love to do,” Harborn said.
Harborn is currently in her third year as director of the Charles Center and recognizes the importance of undergraduate research for career discernment.
“They may also find that that kind of interaction with the world is not their favorite thing, and I think that can still be the hallmark of a successful experience because part of college is figuring out what you’re about, what skills and talents you have, what things you love to do, what things you [don’t] love to do,” Harborn said.
Many projects presented in this year’s symposium were funded by the Charles Center in the form of summer research grants. The Center offers awards of $3000 to assist students with seven weeks of research. Students who are rising sophomores, juniors or seniors can apply for a research grant in a variety of areas.
Harbron encourages students considering an undergraduate research project to pursue a research grant and communicate with the Charles Center.
“I would say they should absolutely do it, and if they need any help in figuring out what that is or how they can receive mentorship support or financial support, then they should come talk to us at the Charles Center,” Harbron said.
Karalyn Timmes ’24, a Monroe Scholar and accounting student, described a personal connection with her research project. Timmes expressed interest in learning about the different perspectives of the controversies concerning Confederate culture and its influence on Lexington, Va, where she had previously lived.
“Ultimately, it was just to build a body of knowledge for myself to participate in these conversations and discussions about this topic and have appropriate knowledge about the background because so much of this is fueled from propaganda that has lasted for generations,” Timmes said.
Timmes encouraged students to undertake undergraduate research on topics they feel inclined to explore.
“Do something really interesting,” Timmes said. “It doesn’t have to be part of your major. It doesn’t have to be something that directly advances your career.”
Allyson Lowe ’24, an English major and creative writing minor, described her research on the economies of slavery and narratives of enslaved individuals.
“My project focuses on the different economies of slavery and the slave narrative, ‘Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl’ by Harriet Jacobs,” Lowe said. “Even though we just read excerpts in my early Black literature class, I had never encountered slavery from a female perspective.”
Lowe expressed her desire to expand upon this research and incorporate it into a larger project in the future.
“I’m just really excited about it,” Lowe said. “It’s really like I’m doing my own research. I’m doing something I’m proud to be doing.”
Lowe also gave some encouragement to students who are considering an undergraduate research project.
“Do it, you won’t have any regrets,” Lowe said. “It’s worth all the effort and time and energy you’re going to invest in it. There were some nights when I was researching, you know, reading till I felt like my eyes were going to melt out of my brain, and I was like, ‘This is never going to get done. Like, what am I really doing? Like, have I lost sight of my project?’ and it all comes back. Just find something you’re passionate about and really go for it.”