Hannah Whitley

It is a common myth among undergraduate students that there is no opportunity for student research within the College of Liberal Arts. Unbeknownst to them, there are many exciting opportunities for CLA students to conduct research and to add to academic knowledge within their field!

This past year, I have had the incredible opportunity to conduct my own research project alongside Dr. Dwaine Plaza in the School of Public Policy. Since November of 2014, I have been researching levels of faculty diversity within West Coast universities. This past week I traveled with OSU’s Sociology department to present my findings in an undergraduate poster session at the Pacific Sociological Association’s annual meeting in Long Beach, California. At the conference, I was not only able to exhibit my findings, but was also given the opportunity to learn about graduate school, employment opportunities, and was able to network with fellow Sociologists.

Despite popular belief, the College of Liberal Arts has many ways for students to begin their own research. If you are interested in learning more about this fantastic opportunity, make sure to visit an OSU faculty member during their office hours to discuss their research and see if they have any suggestions for your research interests. In addition, Oregon State’s URSA (Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and the Arts) website has great resources for students interested in starting their own research.

Participating in undergraduate research is an exciting and unique opportunity, make sure to explore your options at OSU and make the most out of your time in Corvallis!