Name: Brittany Cross
Hometown: Edmond, OK
Credentials: Freshman Research Scholar
Department: Nutritional Sciences
Major/Minor: Pre-med
Graduation year: 2012
Research project: Nutrition and bone health obesity prevention
Professor/faculty: Edralin Lucas

What has been the most valuable aspect of your research project?
I think the most valuable aspect of being a part of research is getting to see how research is really conducted in a lab setting and how these studies can then be   used to solve human problems. 

How has this experience influenced your education?
Research is important because it helps us to better understand the world around us. My education has been influenced by research in nutrition because it has allowed me to see that what I am learning in my nutrition classes is applicable to real life. 

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?
Nutrition is an aspect in life that impacts everyone. As someone who plans to become a health professional, having a background in nutrition will allow me to give better care to my patients. 

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?
To students considering a research opportunity, I would strongly encourage them to participate in research because it is an opportunity to take what you have learned and apply it to new areas of interest.

Name: Ashlee Dowdy
Hometown: Plano, TX
Department: Design, Housing and Merchandising
Major/Minor: Interior Design, Facility Management
Graduation year: December 2011
Research project: sustainable light survey for Argonne National Laboratory
Professor/faculty: Paulette Hebert

What was the subject of your research project?
I conducted a sustainable lighting survey that addressed energy saving opportunities at Argonne National Laboratory. The purpose of my study was to gather data about existing lighting conditions and to offer informed recommendations for improvement. The tasks included gathering existing light fixture and lamp attributes locations and energy consumptions. I then surveyed light levels and compared them to industry standards, and finally, determined opportunities for energy and cost savings.

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you?
For me, the most valuable aspect of the research was the field studies. It helped to go out in the field and visit the facilities personally. The facility managers I met with were also very helpful.

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
The experience definitely influenced my education with regards to sustainability. I have always been interested in sustainable design and this internship has taught me a great deal about the importance of energy efficiency. It was also interesting to note how easily significant changes can be made that will lead to energy conservation.

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?
I plan on becoming LEED accredited and I'm sure that the experience and education I gained from my research will help me achieve this goal.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?
I would suggest that prospective students take advantage of research opportunities because it is a great way to learn more about your field by gaining actual hands-on experience.

Name: Jessica Erickson
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
Credentials: Freshman Research Scholar
Department: Design, Housing and Merchandising
Major/Minor: Interior Design
Graduation year: 2014
Research project: How Color Affects Emotion and Wellness on College Students
Professor/faculty: Randall Russ

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you?
I thought that was a good program because it really just familiarizes new students with research projects. I especially enjoyed it because I thought it was great experience to actually do research on something that overall can really benefit me in pursuing my career.
      
How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
I think that this experience has really influenced my education by opening up that window of interest for research. Studying abroad and doing more research is something that I believe I would enjoy doing and it is something that could also strongly impact my career. After doing the FRS program, I feel more equipped and knowledgeable about the process of how to go about conducting a research study.
        
How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?
This experience will prepare me for my career because the demographic of the environment is always changing and now after conducting my own research study with Dr. Russ, I am prepared to constantly be aware and make myself knowledgeable of the current wants and needs of the environment.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?
I would tell the scholar to choose a topic that truly interests you, not just a topic that will get the job done or is something that will be really easy to complete. Doing research on color and emotion was really exciting for me and I find it to be very beneficial for my future.

Name: Kathleen Fell
Hometown:  Flower Mound, TX
Credentials: Freshman Research Scholar
Department: Nutritional Sciences
Major/Minor: Allied Health/French
Graduation year: 2012
Research project: the relationship between body image and alcohol consumption in female college students
Professor/Faculty: Stephany Parker

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you?
The most valuable aspect of the research process for me was learning how to design a good research project and working with my faculty mentor, Dr. Stephany Parker.

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
This experience showed me how much time, energy, and dedication goes into designing and conducting research. It sharpened my critical thinking skills and has bettered my abilities to evaluate research done by others and read peer-reviewed research articles.

What advice would you give a student considering a research opportunity?
I would encourage a prospective student considering research to choose a subject/study in which he or she is interested and passionate about. Research takes time and patience, and studying something you feel strongly about and recognize the relevance of will be great motivation to stay focused.

Name: Krysta Gilbert
Hometown: Hardesty, OK
Credentials: Freshman Research Scholar
Department: Hotel and Restaurant Administration
Graduation year: 2014
Research project: "Factors that Influence the Selection of Spring Break Destinations by College Freshman"
Professor/faculty: David Njite

I participated in the Freshman Research Scholars Program and designed my own research project, Factors that Influence the Selection of Spring Break Destinations by College Freshman. Through my research I was able to meet and develop relationships with professors, gain a better understanding of different types of research, and learn about all of the steps it takes to even begin researching an idea. My research has impacted my academic career because I am now not afraid of research and even hope to be able to do it again in the coming years. I would encourage all students to become involved in a research project because it gives you the chance to explore a topic in-depth, meet professors in your field, and participate in and view a different facet of the academic world.

Name: Sheri (Yost) Glazier
Hometown: Kingfisher, OK
Department: Nutritional Sciences
Major/Minor: Dietics
Graduation year: Undergraduate-May 2010, Graduate-May    2012
Research project: Better Outcomes for Oklahoma Babies
Professor/Faculty: Tay Kennedy

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you?
Having the opportunity to be involved in a well-rounded research experience that was hands-on. I was able to communicate and actually do portions of the research that dealt with the actual subjects themselves, while at the same time collecting data, and analyzing it for future research use, as well as attending the important research meetings.  I feel that having this experience as an undergraduate has greatly prepared me for my graduate research experience

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
Going into this undergraduate research experience, I was anticipating furthering my education career by achieving a master's degree.  Not really knowing what exactly I was getting myself into (the undergraduate research experience), I knew that it was going to be crucial for my success and experience in graduate school.  It has prepared me for my graduate research more than I could have imagined.  When preparing for grad school, I already knew what went into a successful research project, that planning and communicating over all aspects of the project, (with other researchers, with subjects) is one of the most crucial aspects.  From there, having consistency in data collection, as well as from those who were analyzing all play an important role in the success of the project. Aside from preparing me for graduate research, I have since realized that it has also helped me in my graduate level courses.  I have a better understanding of the different types of research that is read about in classes, as well as knowing all of the efforts that are involved in publishing a piece of the research.  

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?                  
Knowing what goes into a research project, from preliminary planning, recruiting subjects, actually performing the tests on the subjects, then taking that data, analyzing it, and finally producing information that will be useful to other researchers and the public is an important part of the science world that needs to be understood.  I have a much greater understanding and respect for researchers that produce information for the rest of us to use.  We know that the field of nutrition is diverse and new information in constantly being produced, having an understanding of what goes into a credible research project may allow for the recognition of information that is reliable, versus the information out there that is not.  Having this hand-on experience of an entire research project has greatly prepared me for my graduate school career, and I feel that this information will be of great importance in my future career as a registered dietitian.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?           
Although you may be unsure of what you are getting yourself into, go for it!  This type of experience is useful in any kind of education, or career that you may pursue.  I would advise to look into the different types of undergraduate research that are available to you, find something that you find interesting, and then get involved.

Name: Kelsey Hembree
Hometown: Haskell, Oklahoma
Major: Nutritional Sciences
Graduation year: May 2012
Research project: Currently: The Role of Exercise in the Prevention of Bone Metabolic Changes Associated with Diet-Induced Obesity
Previously: The Effects of Dried Fruits' Ability to Reverse Ovarian Hormone Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss in C57BL/6 Mice.
Research Advisor: Brenda Smith

What has been the most valuable aspect of your research project?
The most valuable aspect of my research experience has been working with faculty and other graduate students. Working with dedicated scientists has motivated me in my own research projects. 

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
I have been able to apply much of what I have learned through research to my course work. I have had the opportunity to have hands on experience with concepts that I have been introduced to in class.

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?
Through this experience I have improved my critical thinking skills but most of all created a strong work ethic that I will continue to build upon. 

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?
I would encourage students to participate in research because it is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge in your field of interest. Also, it is a chance to meet faculty members and expand network opportunities.  

Name: Kristi Hlubek
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
Department: Human Development and Family Science
Major/Minor: Child and Family Services/ Sociology
Graduation year: December 2011
Research project: Moms and Tots
Professor/faculty: Robert Larzelere

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you?
The most valuable aspect of the research process seeing the research being put together at the weekly meetings we had. It was great experiencing what it was like to be a part of a research team and even though I was a volunteer they treated me like I was a team member.

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
This experience has allowed me to add more research to my resume. Helping out with research for a semester will look good on my resume for graduate school. Also, being a part of this experience let me put my research methods knowledge from my classes to use. As a research volunteer, I did a lot of coding and it was helpful to know what coding was before volunteering. After my experience with the research study, I gained an even better knowledge of what coding is by experiencing it in a real study.

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?
I think it will look great on my resume to get a job to have some research background.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?
At first, it may seem to be very time consuming to be a part of research, but in the end it is great knowing that you helped out with results of a study. If you ever have an opportunity to do research, I recommend doing it.

Name: Danica Johnson
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
Credentials: Oklahoma-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Scholar
Department: Nutritional Sciences
Graduation year: 2014
Research project: Mango Study-effects of mangos to lower obesity and treat diabetes
Professor/faculty: Edralin Lucas

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you?
The most valuable aspect of the research process for me is learning research methods and techniques. Another valuable aspect is working closely with faculty mentors and learning skills in communication, teamwork, and time-management.

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
This experience will help clarify my academic and career interest. It will also help me decide my research interests.

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?
This experience will increase my appreciation of the scientific method and enhance my awareness with research. It will also help me build a "portfolio" that showcases my abilities and experiences that can be utilized in my career.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?
I would advise every student to do research if given the opportunity. You will network with many people who have the same career aspirations as you. Doing research gives you advanced opportunities and the chance to helping discover something new in the health career field.

Hometown: Newalla, OK
Credentials: Freshman Research Scholar
Department: Design, Housing and Merchandising
Major/Minor: Apparel Design and Production/ International Studies
Graduation year: 2012
Research project: various sleeping bag designs and materials
Professor/Faculty: Semra Peksoz

My undergraduate research has made a huge impact on my time at OSU. Because I was involved in the Freshman Research Scholars Program, I was able to meet several professors that I would not have met for another year or two and I was able to meet Dr. Donna Branson, who is now retired and would not normally have been in my circle of acquaintances. My research gave me the confidence to explore things I had not even considered looking into before and it has enabled me to make the most of my college experience.

Name: Morgan Kinsey
Hometown: Stillwater, OK
Credentials: Freshman/Wentz Research Scholar
Department: Nutritional Science
Major/Minor: Allied Health
Graduation year: 2012
Research project: The Effect of Green Tea on Subjects With Metabolic Syndrome. 
Professor/faculty: Arpita Basu; Barbara Stoecker

What was the subject of your research project?
I researched the effect of green tea on subjects with metabolic syndrome. I looked at the difference between groups that consumed a green tea beverage and those that consumed a green tea supplement against a control. This research had implications for the effect of green tea lowering LDL cholesterol specifically. This year, I am working on a Wentz research project focused on the vitamin A status of youth and families in Sierra Leone. I will be assessing their diet and food preferences in order to recommend a desirable diet that will potentially improve vitamin A status.

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you?
The most valuable aspect for me has been learning how to work with faculty, and progressively learning to do research on my own and asking my own questions. The research question is the foundation for the entire project, so in my opinion, it is the most important part. Research has to be a process that compels the researcher to continue because they are interested in the outcome. Although it is important to be precise, accurate and analyze results properly, I think developing the subject of the research is the most important part of the process.

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
Research has been so important to my college experience because it has allowed me to maximize my college career in a way I never expected. I did not come to college thinking that I would do my own research. Yet, I have learned so much about the research process and how important it is to the advancement of any field. I have met other students doing research at OSU, in the United States, and all over the world. I have also been able to better understand the subjects covered in my nutrition classes because of the foundation of knowledge developed through my research. Without this experience, I would not understand how important research is to education and my future in nutrition. I am also grateful that research has allowed me to form relationships with OSU faculty members, work closely with them, and learn from their experiences.

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?
This experience has prepared me because I have gained skills that will help me with my future research. I have learned how to work with professionals in the nutrition field and how to effectively communicate my research findings to those not familiar with the subject. I have also realized the importance of research in every field. Research is what makes the world move forward. I am so thankful that I can apply what I've learned to my future as a healthcare provider through effective research, collaboration with other professionals, and relay of information to patients.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?
I would certainly recommend that any student considering a research opportunity take that opportunity and maximize it. The research process at OSU is so helpful for the future and for initiating relationships between students and faculty as well as their peers. My experience in research has taught me so much and broadened my horizons for the future. If any student is trying to decide whether to do research or not, they should without a doubt take advantage of the opportunity.

Name: Kate Kirk
Hometown: Edmond
Credentials:
Department: Human Development and Family Science
Major/Minor: Child and Family Services
Graduation year: December 2011
Research project: Attitudes of Age at First Marriage in Oklahoma
 Professor/faculty: Dan Hubler, Kelly Roberts

What was the subject of your research project?
The project investigated Oklahoma adolescents' attitudes on age at first marriage.

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you?
I learned that there is a HUGE amount of work that goes into getting a research project started.

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
I now have a huge amount of respect for researchers and how important their work is! I appreciate all they do that much more!

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?
I have learned that I have an even greater desire to go into Marriage and Family Therapy right here in Oklahoma.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?
DO IT!! It will be extremely challenging, but extremely rewarding!

Name: Jenna Jolene Linn
Hometown: Choctaw, OK
Department: Human Development and Family Sciences
Major/Minor: Child and Family Services
Graduation year: December 2011
Research project: Social Self Worth in Adolescents with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability
Professor/faculty: Jennifer Jones

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you? 
The most valuable aspect of the research process for me was realizing how involved the whole process is! You really have to be dedicated to the project to see it through to finalization. There are so many small tasks that require the same amount of efficiency and thoroughness as the bigger parts like collecting data and coding. Now that I've seen how much effort goes into research, I have a greater appreciation for the studies that I learn about and use in my daily classes.
 
How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?  
After being a part of this research study I was able to see a different side of research, as a student I was only familiar with reading research articles for assignments, which I never particularly cared for, but after actually 'doing' research, I learned that it was so much more interesting when you are actually a part of collecting the data, interviewing participants, and seeing the results of your hard work!

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career? 
I think that potential employers will be interested in candidates that have research experience, especially if it is in the field that you're pursuing a career in. It shows them that you're interested in and have spent time learning about specific problems in the field and their solutions.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity? 
I would highly recommend any student to be a part of a research study! Whether it counts for class credit or just experience, it will be a valuable experience and you will learn so much just by participating. It is also a great opportunity to get to know the faculty and other students who are interested in research, and to build your resume!

Name: Lauren Oseland
Hometown: Edmond, OK
Credentials: Wentz Research Scholar
Department: Human Development and Family Science
Major/Minor: Child and Family Services
Graduation year: 2012
Research project: Social Self of Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities  
Professor/faculty: Jennifer Jones

What was the subject of your research project? My project is designed to uncover the association between parenting styles and the social self (global self-worth and self-determination) in adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you? For my Wentz project, as well as other studies I've done in the past, I have found that the most valuable aspect of the research process is formulating and testing hypothesis. It is exciting for me to taking the theoretical knowledge I have learned in the classroom and practically apply it to research.

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education? Research has proved to be one of the most valuable components of my undergraduate career. It is the most difficult part of my education because it forces me to gain a working knowledge of a subject matter and apply it to the world in a new and innovative way. I feel as though I have greater ownership of my education because of research and the opportunities it has provided.

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career? As a future Marriage and Family Therapist, it is imperative that I be able to critically analyze and solve problems effectively using the most up-to-date resources and information. These skills, in addition to many others, are ones that are gained through research experience. Also, research is an integral part of nearly all master's level programs. I am more prepared to enter the competitive world of graduate school because of my research experience.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity? I would tell any student that the most important step in tackling any research opportunity is to find a good advisor. My advisors helped me tailor projects around my interests, apply for funding, and prepare submissions to international conferences. They also grew to know me on a personal level and learned how to encourage me as I fought through the challenges research can sometimes bring. Getting involved in research is one of the best decisions you can make - get working on a project early (even if you're just coding data for a faculty member), find a good advisor, and develop resilience for the process.

Name: Grant Tinsley
Hometown: Denver, CO
Credentials: Niblack Research Scholar
Department: Nutritional Sciences
Major/Minor: Pre-med/Physiology
Graduation year: 2012
Research project: post transcription Regulation of Iron Metabolism by MiRNA
Professor/Faculty: Stephen Clarke

What was the subject of your research project? During my internship at OUHSC, I worked on a project involving small non-coding RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs). In my current project, I am interested in examining nutrient-gene interactions (how specific nutrients can regulate gene expression and modulate nutrition and metabolism). The lab I work in is interested in using iron as a tool to investigate nutrient-gene interactions. Iron deficiency affects nearly 1/3 of the world's population, and produces complications such as lethargy, general malaise, decreased productivity and work output, impaired immune response, and cognitive deficits in children. Therefore, knowing the mechanisms through which iron deficiency contributes to these symptoms is important. Preliminary data suggests that microRNAs are differentially regulated and expressed in iron deficiency, so the initial goal of this line of research is to take a very broad approach using next generation sequencing technologies to examine the entire miRNome. My project is going to focus on further characterizing these alterations in expression and determining the extent to which specific miRNA regulate proteins involved in iron metabolism.

 What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you? The most valuable aspect of research has been the opportunity to be involved with scientists and students who are leaders in their areas of research. Seeing their dedication and expertise has been motivating to me as I get more involved with research.

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education? The research experience has shown me how the science that you learn in your classes only scratches the surface of science. Research makes me want to understand science at a much deeper level, and I think it has greatly enriched my education. It has also made me consider different options for my future education.

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career? I think that the experiences in undergraduate research will allow me to better understand the scientific process, in addition to giving me direct experience in areas of research that I am interested in.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity? I would encourage any student interested in research to give it a try! Although research as a career is not for everyone, I think that undergraduate research experience is beneficial for anyone who is interested in working within the scientific community.

Name: Kaylin Thompson
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
Credentials: Freshman Research Scholar
Department: Human Development and Family Sciences
Major/Minor: Child and Family Services
Graduation year: December 2011
Research project: Mother-child dyad and conflict resolution techniques
Professor/faculty: Robert Larzelere

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you?
For me, being able to apply different research methods learned in class has been the most valuable. Knowing that what I am learning in class can actually be applied to everyday life and can make a difference has made this experience most rewarding.

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
The application of the information gained has impacted my education. Knowing that I will someday be able to give parents different conflict resolution techniques based off of this study is great. It has changed my opinion on research for the better. I am now more aware of how research is conducted. I have found myself using research articles more and hope this project will positively influence ot hers as well.

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?
This experience has prepared me to better understand the child-parent relationship and how to best handle conflict situations involving children. Helping educate parents about these resolution techniques can allow for positive change in families and in the child-parent dyad.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?
I would advise any student who is considering a research opportunity to go for it! It is an amazing opportunity and being able to apply knowledge learned from class with the guidance of a professor makes for a great way to learn by experience rather than from a text book.

Name: Jessica Todd
Hometown: Broken Arrow, OK
Department: Human Development and Family Science
Major/Minor: Individualized Plan
Graduation year: December 2011
Research project: Exploring the impact of pregnancy intentions on the experience of couples during pregnancy
Professor/faculty: Kami L. Schwerdtfeger

What was the most valuable aspect of the research process for you?
Having the opportunity to work with a strong research team that continually challenged me to excel in my writing techniques on our qualitative paper.

How has this experience influenced/changed/impacted your education?
By being an undergraduate research assistant, I have become an all-around better student. I have a clear understanding of the work that goes into creating a research study and writing a qualitative article. My writing abilities have improved, and I am able to understand research articles easier than before.

How do you think this experience will prepare you for your career?  
I hope to become a marriage and family therapist. My experience on this particular research study provided insight into a process many couples experience: pregnancy. In the future, I may have the opportunity to counsel a couple that is expecting and this research may help me in my ability to provide sufficient insight.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering a research opportunity?
Do it! By having experience in research, you are really able to have an appreciation for the work our professors do besides teaching us in the classroom. If you get involved early in your college career, it gives you the opportunity to strengthen your writing skills resulting in higher grades on research papers, as well as having more knowledge on material that will benefit you in the classroom.