From the classroom to the real world: Showcasing student research

By Rebecca Kirkman on April 17, 2019

With the support of faculty mentors, every student at Towson University—undergraduate or graduate, in every college—has the opportunity to conduct research.

On April 17, more than 135 student research projects were showcased at the Research and Creative Inquiry Forum.

Held each spring, this celebration of student scholarship allows undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines to present their research and creative activities to the university community.

For many undergraduate students, research projects are an opportunity to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to the real world.

Kristian Brown ’20, an applied mathematics major and marketing minor, teamed up with mathematics Professor Alexei Kolesnikov during the spring 2018 term to conduct a statistical analysis of donations to the Baltimore Humane Society. Brown’s research allowed the organization to see which fundraising events bring in the most donations.

“At first, I felt like I didn't know enough to do this type of research project,” says Brown of conducting research as an undergraduate student. “But I realized that's not a reason not to do it.” The experience has bolstered her skills, confidence and professional network. “In addition to this event, I've presented at conferences. These events are a great opportunity to network, meet faculty and learn about new opportunities.”

Students interested in research and unsure where to start should join the Undergraduate Research Club. Founded in 2017 with logistical and financial support from the Honors College, the club provides a space to discuss undergrad research opportunities at TU, peer-to-peer support, professor partnerships and publishing opportunities.

From The Towerlight: Undergraduate Research Club forms, busts myths

This year, the Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry Committee presented the inaugural Research Impact Awards. Fifteen students across the university's six colleges were recognized for the impact of their research on a significant disciplinary topic and the impact of their work on the university's scholarly community.

Kierstin Ekstrom ’20, an economics and political science major, received the Research Impact Award for her project investigating the connection between displacement and government trust in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

A member of the Honors College, both Ekstrom and Brown are earning upper-level experiential and advanced learning Honors College credit for their research projects.

Ekstrom worked closely with Associate Professor of Economics Seth Gitter over a year to conduct her research. “Dr. Gitter is super supportive. I hang out and work at the conference table outside the faculty offices in the economics building, and just ask Dr. Gitter questions whenever I need to.”

In addition to developing mentorships with faculty, conducting research allows students to go beyond the classroom.

“Research allows you to connect with things you learn in class,” says Ekstrom. “It's a way of taking and modeling and building on what I learn, and combining my interests in economics and political science.”

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland.