Download - EMS Energy Institute - Penn State University

People
Undergraduate Students find
research offers a learning
experience unlike anything else
Understanding the Benefits of Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research opportunities can open doors for students as they take the next step in their journey. For
students considering graduate school, a research experience can help make that decision by giving the student a
taste of what’s to come. Students who have never even considered graduate school might realize they have an affinity
for research. Even students who don’t plan to continue with a graduate education, can gain a huge edge in the
job market from having a experience with research. As students begin to enter the job market, they are realizing
that employers are looking for potential employees who have real-world experience and an understanding of the
research process. Research gives students a greater understanding of the concepts and ideas they study as part of their
coursework and working through an individual research project forces students to look for answers beyond their
textbooks and navigate through issues, developing essential critical thinking skills.
Although the majority of the students working at the Institute are graduate students, we take every opportunity
to support undergraduate research for interested students. We offer research experience for wage payroll students,
students enrolled in the senior research-focused Energy and Geo-Environmental Engineering (EGEE) 494 or the
industrial-oriented capstone energy design course (EGEE) 464 as well as for students completing independent
coursework or honors thesis projects. The students that work at the Institute benefit from working along side faculty,
research staff, and graduate students. They receive guidance and training, but are pushed to think for themselves
through processes and outcomes.
Educating Students on Research Opportunities
As part of our outreach and recruitment efforts, the EMS Energy Institute participates each year in the Earth and
Mineral Sciences Exposition (EMEX). Sharon Falcone Miller, director of the Office of Student Development at the
Institute, coordinates the effort. She is usually joined by one or two students currently working on research projects
at the Institute who are able to discuss their work and answer questions on their experience. Dr. Miller spends the
day talking to attendees and providing an overview of the opportunities available through the Institute in one of our
nine research focus areas with the goal of educating potential students on the benefits of having a research Institute
available to them. Many students are unaware of the option to complete research as an undergraduate and how that
experience can benefit them in the future.
EMEX is the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences annual open house. All high school students, current Penn State
students, and transfer students who are considering an EMS major are invited to attend. Faculty, staff, students, and
alumni answer questions and talk to attendees about EMS majors, curriculum requirements, career opportunities,
student life, and special features of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. This year the event was held on March
16 and over 425 prospective students and their families participated.
For more information on student research or the opportunities
available through the EMS Energy Institute, visit the Office of
Student Development website, www.energy.psu.edu/osd/index.html,
or contact Sharon Falcone Miller, sfm1@psu.edu.
14 Energy Innovation