Growing Spaces

The phrase “research” evokes images of a laboratory or fieldwork requiring experiments with scientific equipment or the collection of data from individuals concerning their personal experiences.  California Lutheran University students learn about the research process in their coursework, which involves defining a problem; developing a hypothesis; designing and conducting research; reviewing, analyzing, interpreting and reporting data; and then presenting it. 

Nevertheless, research involves other critical steps. From building a network of peers and prospective funding sources to understanding potential ethical quandaries, those embarking on research-centered professions must learn skills outside of the laboratory to thrive and establish successful careers.

Cal Lutheran’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship (OURCS) and the McNair Scholars Program hosted a series of undergraduate research workshops in June and July to introduce students performing summer research projects on campus to additional areas of research. 

“These workshops served as gatherings where students could actively delve deeper into the research process and learn its applications to societal issues,” said Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences Timothy C. Hengst, MA. “They may have also discovered career options they might not have previously considered.”  

Diverse pathways 

According to Andrea Sell, PhD, these professional development workshops “serve as a valuable supplement” to the exceptional guidance faculty mentors give to the growth of students. Sell has served as Director of Undergraduate Research and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Research and Creative Scholarship in OURCS.

“Workshops like these are a staple in strong undergraduate research programs nationwide. Effective communication, problem-solving, ethical decision-making and collaborative teamwork are essential to succeed in research and academia, in addition to discipline-specific technical skills,” she said.

In-person and virtual workshops, which were open to all undergraduates conducting research on campus during the summer, focused on various topics. Some included: 

• “CV and Resume Building”

• “Developing Resiliency and Support” (Developing mental wellbeing and peer support and managing adversity)

• “Research Poster Presentation”

• “Thank You Note Writing”

Students attending these events had an opportunity to partake in a designated “share time” segment where they could discuss their research achievements, successes or challenges with their peers. “This summer, faculty members like Dr. [Kate] Hoffmann, Dr. [Megan] Fung and Dr. [Mary] Oksala also visited to share their insights and experiences,” said Sell. 

The advice professors provided undoubtedly helped students better understand research.  Psychology major Jordyn Todd, the recipient of a Culver Behavioral Science Summer Research Fellowship, found value in interacting with her professors, her mentor Nicole Talarico, PhD, staff and other Culver Fellows.

Todd admits she established more personalized connections with faculty and her fellow researchers. “I was also able to learn how to put all my work together to bring my research to a higher standard,” said the fourth-year student, whose topic explored what influences young adults’ attitudes toward reproductive and sexual health behaviors.

“These workshops allowed me to refine my skills in professional communication and networking,” said Anthony Garay, a Ronald E. McNair Research Scholar. The biochemistry and molecular biology major plans on pursuing a medical degree or enrolling in an MD/PhD program after graduating from Cal Lutheran in May 2024. 

“Having scheduled time to work on my research proposal and elevator pitch ensured that I was thoroughly prepared to apply the scientific method and explain the background and significance of my work in Dr. David Marcey’s Genetics Lab,” Garay said. 

Sell’s experiences have shown her that every research student possesses unique strengths and weaknesses. “Each has a different experience in their research journey. While presenting their work might prove daunting for some, others could grapple with navigating setbacks and some struggle with the creativity and independence of research,” she said. She believes it is important for students to acknowledge these varying challenges “as they underscore the diverse pathways to growth and development in the research process and highlight the unique role of mentors in tailoring their instruction to each individual research student.”

Beyond the lab

As a faculty mentor to psychology majors engaged in research, Sell enjoys watching her mentees broaden their knowledge while they amass new abilities. She acknowledges the most rewarding aspects of this role involve witnessing students’ enthusiasm for their ideas and empowering them to apply their newfound skills to explore these ideas. 

“Our students possess a wealth of insights and experiences that contribute to the research landscape,” said Sell. “Their optimism and potential for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations are truly inspiring.”

Garay, whose project is entitled “Molecularly Mapping the Genomic Insertion Site of a Transgene with a Novel Expression Pattern in the Eye of Drosophila melanogaster,” involved the study of a genome of the common fruit fly. His research has potential implications for humankind.

“It is fascinating that a fly the size of a grain of rice can tell us so much about our own genome,” he said. “It is my sincere goal to utilize the knowledge I learn in the lab to aid me in creating a comprehensive and compassionate healthcare model.”

Garay, a first-generation student who will be the first in his family to earn a medical degree and/or doctorate, noted his aspirations have always been deeply rooted in medicine, driven by his desire to contribute to the advancement of bilingual and accessible healthcare as Spanish is his first language. He states the workshops he attended have profoundly affected his research project and professional goals.

“The experience provided by McNair and OURCS has shown me that research is not just a complementary aspect of medicine, but rather an essential pillar that propels the boundaries of medical knowledge and innovation,” he said.

The lone virtual workshop involved the participation of three Cal Lutheran alumni with careers in research, Nathan March (22’, biochemistry and molecular biology), Darren Peshek, PhD, (07’, psychology) and Sharena Rice, PhD, (’15, biochemistry and molecular biology). The trio engaged in a panel discussion entitled “Research in the Real World,” where they offered their expertise and insights to more than 40 students, faculty members and staff attending the event. Each of them emphasized the importance of subject matter mastery, professional connections and hands-on experiences through internships.

Peshek, a cognitive scientist who holds 147 global utility and design patents and has worked with apparel brands such as Lee, The North Face, Vans and Wrangler, discussed how he has navigated career challenges and a resume gap due to the COVID pandemic. He advised students to “stick with it” and tailor their skill sets and experiences on their resumes when applying to different jobs. 

Opportunities for advancement

After she graduates this spring, Todd intends to continue her studies in psychology with the long-term goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. The workshops, she says, propelled her out of her comfort zone and into new experiences.

“The workshops helped me to gain confidence in activities I’ve never done before, like creating a collaborative research project and even presenting it among my peers and staff,” she said. 

Garay expresses his gratitude for the workshops and how they empowered him to establish goals and better present his findings as well as prepare for ensuing academic endeavors. 

“Attending a graduate school preparation workshop organized by OURCS and McNair was a particularly meaningful experience for me as it allowed me to bridge undergraduate studies to a graduate program,” he said. 

Students are not the only ones who benefit from research and these workshops – their faculty mentors also reap the rewards. 

“Working with research students outside the classroom is time-consuming but rewarding. It is not just an educational endeavor but also absolutely essential for the advancement and resilience of our communities and society,” said Sell. “Teaching the next generation of researchers how to analyze data, communicate effectively, work with others and make informed decisions fosters critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning and innovation, which is pivotal for our rapidly changing world.”

This year, Cal Lutheran will expand OURCS to an inclusive “Office of Research,” according to Sell. She added the new office will encompass graduate students and faculty. 

“This transition enables us to extend workshop opportunities and conference funding support to graduate students. I am enthusiastic about the University's decision to establish the Office of Research, which enables us to better support all research on campus, ultimately elevating the student experience,” she said.

Interested in seeing and learning more about Jordyn Todd’s, Anthony Garay’s and other student researchers’ projects? Attend the 21st Annual Student Research Symposium during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, October 7.