Undergraduate Research Applications, a seminar by Prof. Abdulla Ismail

Prof. Abdulla Ismail; the Chair of AURAK Engineering Advisory Council delivered a lecture entitled “Undergraduate Research Applications” to engineering students and faculty on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. In his presentation, Prof. Ismail stressed the importance of undergraduate research for engineering students and faculty; engineering students are strongly encouraged to pursue undergraduate research opportunities before completing their degree.

More than ever before, institutions of higher learning are embracing undergraduate research for its ability to engage students, reinforce critical thinking, promote problem-solving skills, encourage team work, and develop effective communication skills. Research experiences help undergraduates connect theory to practice and also can increase their self-efficacy and motivation, thereby increasing their persistence in the face of academic challenges. The undergraduate experience is greatly enriched by attaining research experience early and often. Recently this has been demonstrated empirically and discussed at length in a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to engineering and applied science. Bright career opportunities depend largely on the capability of our graduates in seeking new innovative venues for future competitive markets. The experience of research and creativity at the undergraduate level has to be emphasized and planned as an integrated component of our higher education programs.   In this seminar we will enlighten our students and advocate for the importance of undergraduate research both at school and after graduation.

The school of Engineering works toward ensuring that all AURAK engineering undergraduates who wish to enrich their education with research obtain such experience. According to Prof. Ismail, undergraduate research provides students with a safe place for intellectual risk-taking, practice in formulating good questions, confidence in themselves as creative participants in their fields, an opportunity for active learning, rather than the passive reception of knowledge and an opportunity to think about the relationships between knowledge and methods across disciplines. For faculty, undergraduate research will provide faculty with a sense of undergraduates as partners in uncovering new knowledge, rather than as the recipients of what the faculty member already knows, the chance to communicate their joy and passion about their research to students and an opportunity to bring new students into their fields. Undergraduate research opportunities are available during any semester during the academic year, including summer.