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Research
Research has been a way for me to explore my academic interests and creatively discover new information. It has given me the chance to meet new people, build confidence, hone my problem-solving skills, and challenge myself in new ways. Below are a few of the opportunities I have participated in thanks to my undergraduate research experience.
Knights Write Showcase
The Knights Write Showcase at the University of Central Florida (UCF) recognizes first-year students' writing research projects. I was selected to participate after one of my assignments was submitted by my English professor. The purpose of my research was to explore the LEAD Scholars Academy at UCF. I sought to investigate how this activity system divvied up labor and used categories to fulfill its mission of providing educational experiences and leadership opportunities to prepare students both within and outside the UCF community.
National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program is a research program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The REU program allows students to participate in active research projects in a particular discipline or follow a coherent theme at REU sites. I was one of 8 students selected to participate in the Social Psychophysiology of Compassion program at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. My research projects focused on self-compassion and empathy amongst parents and non-parents and the effects of nature environments on the stress levels and executive functioning of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Southern Sociological Society Conference
The Southern Sociological Society Conference is an annual conference that allows sociologists and like-minded individuals to network, showcase research, and participate in academic sessions within the discipline. Over the years I have presented oral and poster presentations focusing on how health coverage influences a college student’s choice in primary care and the overall effect this has on their academic performance, and also how often parents reports their participation in shared decision-making when making decisions about treatment for mental health conditions when controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.
Honors in the Major
The Honors Undergraduate Thesis program offers undergraduate upperclassmen the opportunity to serve as principal investigators and undertake an original and independent project within their major. The purpose of my research was to understand how students manage demands from multiple roles and the effect it had on their health. Through this program, I researched, wrote, defended, and published an original Honors thesis.
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Florida Undergraduate Research Conference
The Florida Undergraduate Research Conference is a multi-disciplinary conference that showcases the research of undergraduate students within the state of Florida. I have participated in oral and poster sessions of my various research projects in medical sociology, health science, and psychophysiology in cities across Florida including Melbourne, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers.
Research means that you don't know, but are willing to find out
Charles F. Kettering
Publications
Journal Publication
Academic Publication
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