Edwin Szeto is researching homosexuals in Taiwan and their struggles to come out.
"Westernization and the influence from Chinese and Japanese cultures obscure people's perception of their identity and prevent them from coming out," said Szeto, a junior in math, Chinese and psychology who grew up in Taiwan.
Szeto is one of many undergraduates taking advantage of the Undergraduate Research Offices' push to get non-graduate students involved in research.
The URO is in its first year of operation, said Helene Cweren, program coordinator. The goal is to reach students in all majors.
"The Web site is a comprehensive place where students can go to find out how to get involved in research, what resources are here and up-to-date announcements," Cweren said.
Elaine Yeh is co-chair of the URO's Student Advisory Committee, which helps undergraduates become involved in research.
Yeh said she was one of the first students to be involved with the program because she was unable to find support to start her research, which looks at the body's immune system and how it responds to certain drugs.
"It is frustrating because Ohio State is so big," she said of her initial attempts to start her research. "Now, students can go to the office or attend one of our programs to obtain the information."
The URO has a peer research contact program that connects new students with those already involved in research. Yeh and other students in the organization hold panels and workshops for aspiring researchers to ask questions about funding their projects and finding professors to work with. "Spilling the Beans: The Secrets of Undergraduate Research," a free workshop, will be held April 12 at 11:30 a.m. in Page Hall 340.
Students involved with URO are researching a wide variety of topics.
Carolyn Wait, a senior in human nutrition and food management, is in the early stages of her research on the relationship between poverty and obesity in Appalachian populations. She said previous research indicates a similar connection in urban populations.
Lindsay Mays, a junior in psychology, is looking into the connections between how the body deals with stress and the resulting effects on the immune system of pregnant women. She said she interviewed pregnant women, asking if they had signs of stress and depression and will then test their blood for anti-bodies and chemical levels.
"A lot of psychology research does not allow for much interaction." Mays said. "I'm lucky I found a project that lets me engage with patients."
For more information: visit
ugresearch.adm.ohio-state.edu.
Laura Allen can be reached at allen.878@osu.edu.
2008 Woodie Awards
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