[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/usra_06.jpg” caption=”Harris Switzman, left, discusses his research on crime and restorative justice in Hamilton with David Januczkowsky, a visitor to campus, at Monday’s Undergraduate Student Research Awards. Photo credit: Eileen Liu”]Until last summer, Harris Switzman, a second-year arts & science student, didn't have any research experience. But with the help of the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA), he got the opportunity to explore the world of academic research as well as engage with issues of crime and justice in the Hamilton area.

Like Switzman, more than 120 other McMaster undergraduate students spent last summer studying issues from determining the effect of endurance training on cardiac output to analyzing electrophotonic materials to assessing the need for targeted funding and intergovernmental relations in health care.

The students – USRA recipients – had 15 weeks, $5,000 and the advice of a faculty advisor to delve deep into their research. Their results were on display on Monday, January 16 from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Marketplace in the McMaster University Student Centre.

Sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Faculties of Social Sciences, Humanities and Business, and the Office of the Vice-President (Research & International Affairs), the USRA awards are designed to help undergraduate students explore career opportunities in the research environment, investigate and learn more about an area of interest, enhance their academic experiences and prepare for work at the graduate level.

“It was a little overwhelming at first,” said Switzman about his experience. “But I learned an incredible amount about researching and writing. Now, writing 10 page essays for class is easy compared to what I did for my project.”

Engaging students in research at the undergraduate level is an essential part of creating an innovative and stimulating learning environment, says Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president (research & international affairs). “These awards afford our students the opportunity to pursue research which is relevant to their own field of study and to learn, early on, if graduate work is right for them. The USRA program really illustrates what the McMaster experience is all about – bringing research and education together.”

“If people are interested in research, they should just apply,” says Switzman. “People told me that I wouldn't get (the award) because I was in first year. But I applied anyway and had a great time.”

Fred L. Hall, dean of the School of Graduate Studies, met with a number of the USRA recipients and was impressed with the calibre of their research. “I commend these students on their achievements and encourage them to consider pursuing graduate studies.
It's an opportune time to pursue graduate education. There is not only demand for master's and doctoral degree holders but also significant support from the provincial and federal governments to increase the number of spaces available for graduate students.”

The School of Graduate Studies is hosting two graduate recruitment events at McMaster focusing on undergraduate students interested in exploring graduate education. Students will have an opportunity to meet with faculty, staff and graduate students from each of
the academic areas in which graduate degrees are offered.

The graduate recruitment event will be held for the School of Business, Faculty of Humanities, and Faculty of Social Sciences on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the market Place of the McMaster University Student Centre. The second event will be held for the faculties of engineering, health sciences and science on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ewart Angus Centre foyer, McMaster University Medical Centre.

McMaster USRA applications are available through the Faculty of Social Science Experiential Education office in KTH 102 and are due on Feb. 28. NSERC USRA application and deadline information is available at http://www.mcmaster.ca/ors/sources/nserc/usra_intro.htm