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Foreword
13
Research represents the systematic, original
inquiry into a field that leads to new knowledge.
The drive for seeking knowledge, embodied in all
members of the UMass Dartmouth community, is
a signature component of the UMass Dartmouth
educational experience and research is the
expression of this search.
Since its inception in 2011, the Office of
Undergraduate Research has promoted
undergraduate research in the arts, humanities,
social sciences and all engineering and
science fields. The office has financially and
intellectually supported student-researchers
on their journeys to global fieldwork or travel to
national and international conferences. Travels
to faraway destinations for conducting research
have been transformative for many students.
Extensive fieldwork in Okinawa, Japan,
compelled the dual major in Photography and
Political Science, Lizzy Santoro ’17 to pursue a
career in photojournalism.
Through individualized advising sessions
students have received feedback on research,
beyond what is normally available to them
through mentors in their home departments.
Over the years, students have learned to solve
problems in their areas of interest, make
new discoveries and create new artifacts,
interact with research faculty outside of the
classroom, and demonstrate their intellectual
dedication and academic skills to future
employers, graduate programs, and internship
directors. Workshops, roundtables and lectures
on undergraduate research in all fields have
brought prominent scholars and researchers
to our campus. Additionally, the office has
assisted with the dissemination of the products
of student research through peer-reviewed
publications, blogs, videos, poster sessions,
competitions and conferences.
Above all, the Office of Undergraduate Research
has committed itself to supporting UMass
Dartmouth undergraduates in all aspects of their
research endeavors by offering research awards.
These awards have helped offset the costs of
performing research projects, with research
being broadly conceived and taking place in
any and all disciplines. Many of these awards
are commonly granted during the academic
year. However, our office has also offered a
competitive stipend initiative to facilitate the
fulltime research activity of UMass Dartmouth
undergraduates during the summer break.
Through engaging in research activities that
are often beyond the expected coursework,
undergraduate students at UMass Dartmouth
have also learned to improve time management,
enhance their analytical abilities, and embark
on leadership roles. Biology major Deborah
Dele-Oni ‘18 (Honors), whose work is featured
in the present book, was granted an Endeavor
Scholarship in leadership. Thus in addition
to being a successful Biology student, she
became the president and the founding
member of a campus organization that
supports Black female students. Sometimes