My daughter Sierra started college at Kent State this semester after visiting more than a dozen other institutions. She chose KSU because of the beautiful campus and wealth of opportunities for students to become involved. Watching her excitement during move-in and receiving periodic texts about what professors “rock” and how awesome different activities are fills me with joy that she has found her place. The number of opportunities that our students have to get involved with research and to receive training that positions them for well-paying jobs is impressive. The recent news that KSU was one of only seven lead institutions to receive an Intel Education and Research grant shows how industry partners appreciate, and are willing to support, our flexible educational options that train students to move directly into the workforce upon graduation. Further showing how students are actively seeking out experiential learning opportunities, we welcomed a record class of Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) scholars this year, with 122 SURE scholars this summer, shattering our prior record of 70. In the stories below, you will see how SURE students have used their experiences to find their passion, not just by reading about others’ discoveries, but by creating knowledge themselves.
We are proud to share just a few of our student scholars’ amazing accomplishments. I hope you feel a modicum of the joy that we get to experience watching students discover their true passions. I invite you to support this programming and our students by getting involved in this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign with a gift to one of our featured funds listed below.
Thank you for your generosity and the support of our students and scholars,
Doug Delahanty, Ph.D. Interim Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs
"The SURE program gave me more STEM experience than I could’ve asked for. Each day, I was given a new opportunity to learn and grow in my love for science. I was challenged to meet goals and analyze data, create presentations and overall understand the methodology behind important research. I truly think this program is the most enhancing experience I’ve had during my collegiate endeavors," said Alaya Kiser, Sophomore, Neuroscience
All gifts to the fund this month (up to $5,000) will be matched thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Paul DiCorleto, retired vice president, Division of Research and Sponsored Programs.
SURE engages students in one-on-one, eight-week experiences with a faculty member, conducting research with real-world impact and real benefits for both student and mentor. The program aims to shape a student’s academic and professional career and mold them into informed citizens who impact our communities long after graduation.
Brain Health Research Institute Undergraduate Fellows Program
The Brain Health Research Institute (BHRI) Undergraduate Fellows Program offers highly qualified and motivated undergraduate students an immersive program that includes research-intensive experiences in neuroscience as well as individual mentoring, skills training and career development support.
In honor of her mother and mentor, Dr. Elaine Bresnahan, Dr. Jacqueline Bresnahan '68 has generously pledged $10,000 to match all gifts to this fund. This fellowship sparked Jacqueline’s interest because of the impact her mom’s mentorship and training made on her while they were both studying at Kent State.
“Science is discovery,” Jacqueline said. “It’s an incredible job to have. If you have good lab training, you will have a much better chance of getting into graduate school and succeeding once you’re there.”
The culmination of the fellows experience is a capstone presentation of their research. Fellows remain a key part of the BHRI community for the rest of their undergraduate experience and after graduation.
This fund enables Kent State University to collaborate with scientists, scholars and students from Ukraine, continuing a long history of work and research as part of an International Visiting Scholar Program.
The invasion of Ukraine has led to one of the largest refugee crises since WWII. The international scientific and academic community is being called upon to help save lives, preserve scientific knowledge and scholarly pursuits, and assist Ukrainian scientists, scholars and students during this difficult time.
Dr. Torsten Hegmann and Dr. John L. West have generously pledged $5,000 to match all gifts to the Ukrainian Scholars Support Fund.
Through your support, this fund will help sustain collaboration by covering research costs and other needs of Ukrainian Scholars.
Using Research to Connect with Audiences During Production of La Siempreviva
Alexandra Baxter, a senior theater design major who participated in this year’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program, was mentored by Professor Fabio Polanco in the production of the play La Siempreviva. The phenomenological research conducted while preparing for the production allowed Alexandra to fully understand the ins and outs of the play. This also allowed the actors to better connect with their characters and for everyone involved in the production to work together to bring that same emotional reaction to the audience.
Kent State is One of Only Seven Lead Recipients of Intel Research and Education Grant
Intel is partnering with higher education institutions in Ohio to fund both workforce development and research opportunities for college students. KSU’s proposal detailing stackable and flexible training at all levels (certificates, associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees) was selected for funding following a very competitive review process. This recognition enables us to leverage our R1 status and to expand our economic development activities and provide more workforce and research opportunities to our students.
Garrett Hartley and Professor John West Research Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Cells
Garrett Hartley, an undergraduate Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) participant in the College of Arts and Sciences, was supervised by faculty member John West, Ph.D., in his research on Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) cells. By analyzing these cells, they hoped to identify specific qualities the cells possess and apply them to sensing and fibers.
Groundbreaking Undergraduate Research in Nursing Allows for Critical Thinking and Analysis
Wayne Nieh, undergraduate nursing student at Kent State at Geauga, credits the SURE experience with exposing him to the power of nursing research and training his critical thinking and analysis skills. Along with his mentors, he is now pursuing a proposed research study to test a new instrument to measure caregiver willingness of family members or close friends to carry out bedside care to a loved one who is receiving mechanical ventilation in an adult intensive care unit (ICU).
