June 17, 2011
Five receive Undergraduate Research Scholarships
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A group of incoming Southern Illinois University Carbondale freshmen will receive $4,000 scholarships for the next school year that also will put them on the road to becoming researchers in their own right.
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research awarded the Undergraduate Research Scholarships to five new students for the 2011-12 school year. In addition to the financial assistance, each recipient will undertake his or her own research project through SIUC’s Research Rookies program.
The Research Rookies program engages freshmen in a mentoring relationship with a faculty member to immediately get students involved in a new or ongoing research endeavor.
“Research is an important part of the undergraduate experience,” said John A. Koropchak, vice chancellor for research and dean of the graduate school. “Students engage in enriching experiences that allow them to explore their intended majors, develop relationships with faculty in the field and gain valuable research and critical thinking skills.”
Research Rookies, now in its third year, is one of four unique undergraduate research programs offered by the University. Previous participants have conducted lab and fieldwork, completed creative activities and carried out social science surveys.
Winners include the following incoming freshmen, listed by hometown with intended SIUC major and parents’ names.
Grayslake: Sabrina Gerzel, history. She is the daughter of Steve and Wanda Gerzel.
Brighton: Anna Kallal, speech pathology. She is the daughter of Dan and Denis Kallal.
Lake Forest: Maggie Murrens, zoology. She is the daughter of John and Sherry Murrens.
Lacon: Brad Nelson, engineering. He is the son of Bryan and Tammy Nelson.
Tennessee
Knoxville: Joseph Spencer, cinema and photography. He is the son of Gary and Jamie Spencer.