UA undergrads to receive money for research this summer

Charles C. Labenz Arizona Daily Wildcat Deborah Fisher, sculpture and printmaking senior, is one of many UA students receiving a $1,000 grant for their work. Fisher sits behind her bronze metal work, "Don't Stop Now."

"We wanted to do something for the students," said Marlys Witte, professor of surgery at the Arizona Health Sciences Center. Witte was part of the faculty research committee that created the undergraduate research program.

She said the program began about 11 years ago with a $30,000 budget.

"UA has continued to enhance the idea of uniting teaching and research through undergraduate research projects," Witte said.

"It is a positive thing to have fellowships for students in the summer."

Witte said all types of scholarly endeavor are included in the University of Arizona's definition of research. Music, art, anthropology and biology are just a few.

"Research is not just the orthodox definition of science," Witte said.

Deborah Fisher, a senior in sculpture and print making, received $1,000 to work with faculty adviser and art professor, John Heric. She used the grant to purchase materials and take time off work to focus on her art projects.

"I gained some time to work on things I wouldn't normally get to complete," Fisher said.

After conducting research in the summer, students present their findings at a forum.

Fisher presented her work yesterday at the undergraduate research forum in the Memorial Student Union Arizona Ballroom.

"I think it's really important that art gets seen in other places than galleries," Fisher said.

Lucia Barton, program coordinator for the vice president's undergraduate administration, said this program is an example of the commitment the UA has to undergraduate research.

The program gives students the chance to conduct their own research and learn the details of a specific idea they are studying.

"The best way to learn a scholarly process is to do it," Barton said.

Students also publish abstracts, which will help their resumes in the future, Barton said. Students have received job offers through participating in the undergraduate research program.

"The program highlights roles undergraduates can play in developing new knowledge," Barton added. The program recognizes and picks the best students to do research. Students can receive grants worth up to $1,000, she said.

The grants are available to any undergraduate of any major. A student must submit a statement from a faculty adviser, an application and a two to three page proposal, said Patricia MacCorquodale, chair of the Undergraduate Research Grant Committee.

Application forms are available in the Honors Center and the deadline for this summer's research program is March 12.

The funds are allocated by the vice president for research and graduate studies, Michael Cusanovich.

"They're investing back into the UA," MacCorquodale said. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity for students to be involved in creating new knowledge."