by
Mary Barrett ‘14
The
Sarazen Student Union was a flurry of activity as Siena students shared their
research with the College community during the Summer Research Symposium.
Siena’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA)
provides students with opportunities to work intensively with faculty on
specific summer research projects. CURCA Director Cheryl Buff ’82, Ph.D. said
the summer research program is “a good integration of content and theory.”
As
the summer unfolded, students uncovered areas of interest and developed skills
that will serve them well in their future careers. Economics major Stacey
Morris ’14 conducted a cost/benefit analysis of domestic violence programs in
Connecticut, research she’s continuing this academic year. “It helped me to see
what I want to do after Siena,” Morris said.
Chelsea
Needham ’15 spent five-and-a-half weeks in Virginia. She combined field and lab
work while studying the ecological interactions between marine invertebrates
and an invasive type of algae. “It taught me and prepared me better for
graduate school in doing hands-on research,” Needham said. She too will
continue her research this semester.
Many
students who participated in CURCA’s summer research
program recognized the benefits of their work when they returned to school this
fall. Accounting major Michael Duffy ’15 studied gun control in the United
States. Duffy said the experience helped him become more analytical in the
classroom. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience,” said Duffy. “I learned a lot
and it was good to get close with a professor and work on a topic that I’m
interested in.”
English major Shauna
Pratico ’14 and computer science major Lauren Mathews ’15 studied cyber
bullying within video gaming environments. Mathews said the project helped her
learn how to properly conduct research and surveys. Pratico hopes to apply her
research by starting a campus club that would work with local high schools to
diminish bullying.
Whether they’re finding new areas of interest,
honing skills or building lasting relationships with faculty members, students
in Siena’s summer research program are positioning themselves for future
success and personal fulfillment.
