It’s another good year for Georgia College, in terms of students winning REUs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) through the National Science Foundation (NSF). Seven biology, physics and mathematics students were selected to do a wide-range of different research in the United States and abroad.
About 25 to 30 percent of applicants are successful in getting a REU, said Dr. Kenneth McGill, chair of chemistry, physics and astronomy. McGill’s department nearly doubled the number of students getting REUs – from three last year to five. Every student who got REUs did previous research with Georgia College faculty.
“That’s something to brag about,” said Dr. Hasitha Mahabaduge, assistant professor of physics. “Getting accepted to these programs definitely shows how competitive and well-prepared our students are. As faculty, we have a big role to play in promoting these opportunities to our students and guiding them through the process with the help of our Career Center.”
REUs give students opportunities to gain laboratory skills, develop good work ethics and use state-of-the-art equipment. They learn research techniques with professors, graduate and post-doctorate students at other universities. This broadens their perspective, helping them see what graduate research is like and giving them network-building opportunities. Students also “take ownership” of their projects and acquire leadership skills, Mahabaduge said.
He teamed up with a student for a REU last summer at the University of Nebraska. Nowsherwan Sultan of Pakistan was not thinking of going to graduate school before that experience. Now, the physics senior wants to get a masters and work as a researcher. When REU students return, Mahabaduge said he sees new confidence and leadership potential in them.
Robert Blumenthal, chair of mathematics, called REUs a “terrific opportunity” for students to engage and collaborate with peers and faculty experts. Learning math is only “one side of the coin,” he said.
“The other and more important side is exploring mathematics, learning how to formulate meaningful questions and devising methods for attacking those questions,” Blumenthal said.
“This is a very creative process, one which is not unlike the creative process in any of the fine arts,” he said. “That our students are selected for these REU experiences speaks very well for Georgia College and for the way in which we are able to engender in our students a love of learning and a passion for exploration.”
NSF pays students a stipend, as well as all travel and lodging costs. REUs generally last eight to 10 weeks from May or June to August.
