Cheyenne Joyner
Allison Schumacher, a sophomore studying zoology, chats with Dr. Craig Layman about future opportunities in research.
The fifth annual NC State Speed Data-ing research fair brought hundreds of students to Talley Student Union Wednesday. Attendees were interested in speaking with professors and faculty members about pursuing undergraduate research.
The fair, which hosted 55 faculty members and more than 200 students, gave undergraduates the opportunity to talk one-on-one with faculty members about undergraduate research in an informal, conversational setting.
The purpose of the fair was to get students in contact with faculty members by seating them across from each other and rotating students around the room, much like actual speed-dating. The faculty members had 10 minutes to discuss their areas of research before a timer stops, signaling the students to move on to the next table.
“It’s more comfortable for students to come to this casual event rather than navigating websites and webpages trying to find professors to talk to,” said Catie McVey, a senior studying animal science and statistics.
McVey came up with the idea of Speed Data-ing her freshman year when she was interested in undergraduate research but didn’t know where to start. She teamed up with the Department of Undergraduate Research, and together they created the annual event.
Students come from all different backgrounds with interests in many different fields of research joined the event. Many already know the kind of research they want to conduct and come prepared to learn how to get involved.
“I’d definitely love to get into undergraduate research,” said Kelly Roche, a freshman studying genetics. “I’m here to find out more about the field genetic research and start learning as much as I can.”
Other students have no idea what kind of research they want to do or if they even want to at all.
“Honestly I probably won’t get involved in undergraduate research,” said Elizabeth Carter, a junior studying microbiology. Carter said she’s here just to see if something interests her.
Many students and faculty understand that conducting undergraduate research is very helpful for getting into graduate school.
“Undergraduate research opens the doors for many opportunities, especially graduate school,” said Judy Day, the associate director of undergraduate research at NC State.
Many students interested in graduate school or the workforce came to the research fair to learn more about their discipline and gain more experience in the field.
“I want to do undergrad research to help me prepare for graduate school,” said Antonio Gonzalez, a sophomore studying electrical engineering with plans to attend graduate school.
The Speed Data-ing research fair can be helpful for all students despite their majors. Many students who do undergraduate research do so in a disciplines other than their main courses of study.
“Every student attending must sign up for three different disciplines of study,” Day said.
Students need to open new doors that aren’t related to their major and Speed Data-ing helps them accomplish that, according to Day.
Most importantly, the coordinators and organizers of the event encouraged students to just come out and explore.
McVey said just participating would open new possibilities that students haven’t thought of before.
“Don’t be afraid to step out of what you’re studying or what you know,” McVey said.