Faculty, students connect at Undergraduate Research Fair

October 15, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 4)
Article by Annie Pettit

two people talk across a table at the undergraduate research fair

two people standing to talk in the background is the Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement vertical banner

Steven Dorland, assistant professor of anthropology, meets a student during the Undergraduate Research Fair, held October 1 at the Kirkhof Center.

Photo Credit: Ashley Streeter

Faculty members from across campus met with potential young scholars at the 15th annual Undergraduate Research Fair, held October 1 in the Kirkhof Center.

Dantya Jennings, associate director of scholar engagement, said the event is held early in the fall semester to gain the attention of first-year and sophomore students.

"The learning experience provided by undergraduate research teaches students to think critically and succeed when given real-world problems," Jennings said. “Students involved in research typically have higher GPAs and are more likely to pursue graduate level degrees.”

Zamari Hardnick, a first-year cell and molecular biology major, attended the fair. Hardnick said they chose to attend Grand Valley because of the opportunities offered to undergraduate students. “[My advisor] told me about how the programs on the Health Campus use real case studies,” Hardnick explained.

Christina Quick, associate professor of nursing, said the fair is also important to faculty members.

“It’s a nice opportunity to step outside of our department and see what other programs are doing for research,” Quick said.

Jennings said the Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement offers students research workshops, one-on-one counseling with faculty fellows and group advising sessions to help them connect to opportunities.