ASPIRE
Arts & Sciences Program In REsearch
The College of Arts & Sciences at LSU is excited to announce a new program aimed at getting undergraduates involved in the cutting edge research being done in the college. Exciting and diverse opportunities abound. Learn how to use historical archives, interview techniques, computer-based data gathering and data analysis, or video. Do research on Katrina, Southern politics, rural poverty, historical figures, literature, mental illness, language impairment and other interesting topics.
The program targets students with majors in A&S, who have at least sophomore status. Interested students are matched with a faculty member in their major. Students commit to work 5-9 hours a week on an individualized research project under the supervision of the faculty mentor for independent study course credit. Commitment can be for a semester, or a year, depending on the project. The focused outcome of the project will be a conference presentation at a regional or national academic conference. That is, students will be able to attend and present their work to professionals in their field of study, and be able to list this as a line on their resume. Funding will be available to help cover conference expenses.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to apply the techniques and information they have studied in classes to a real world situation of interest to them. It will be a highly relevant experience for students who are interested in going on to graduate school or professional school, and/or are considering careers in research and development. Successful students in this program will be encouraged to consider building on this or other work in a senior honors thesis.
To apply to this program, fill out the ASPIRE STUDENT APPLICATION, and mail it to aspire@lsu.edu. Questions about the program may also be directed to this address.
Faculty members interested in participating in the program may fill out the ASPIRE FACULTY MENTOR FORM, and mail it to aspire@lsu.edu.
