The spring edition of West Chester University’s Research Day was held on Tuesday, March 28 in Sykes Student Union.
Research Day is an opportunity for students and faculty to turn classwork, extracurricular activities and more into successful independently studied projects.
Research Day started at 9 a.m. with presentations about diabetes, nutrition and healthcare management in the Sykes Theater.
From 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., there were presentations for the Student Research and Creative Activities Awards.
Students and faculty shared their hard work on posters from 11 a.m. to noon for session one and then again for session two from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Sykes ballrooms.
While Research Day wouldn’t be possible without the hard work from all of the various students and faculty involved, members of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) organized this educational program and set the day’s agenda.
Led by Dr. Gautam Pillay, associate vice president for the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Research Day consisted of many in-depth studies, projects and presentations that made Pillay proud because he’s someone who values research so deeply.
“Research Day is the only opportunity on campus for all faculty and students to come together and talk about what they’re doing,” said Pillay. “They show what their research is impacting and where they plan on going with it. It gives students and faculty a chance to talk to a broader community outside of their own academic colleges and departments.”
While it’s impressive for anybody to participate in a research project, Pillay is happy to see so many students engaging in independent research.
“Student research is so important because more and more employers want to see students at the undergraduate level applying what they’re learning before they go to the workforce or graduate school,” said Pillay.
With the combination of Research Day and resources available via the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, WCU is a great place for students to dive into research projects.
“My office invites students from all different disciplines to start researching because going from a student into the real world involves different background training,” said Pillay.
Pillay continued, saying, “Students start to get exposure to these different backgrounds here at West Chester that allow them to pursue some things that they might not have ever considered.”
The day ended with oral presentations from students and faculty from the WCU’s Colleges of Education and Social Work, Arts and Humanities, Health Sciences, Business and Public Management and Sciences and Mathematics.
Even though Research Day has passed, Pillay encourages students to consider researching because it’s a great opportunity for them to stand out and learn something new.
“Not every student across the country gets the experience that students are offered at West Chester,” said Pillay.
If students are struggling to start up, that’s what Pillay and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs are there for.
“I enjoy helping faculty and students on a regular basis to help them pursue their goals,” said Pillay. “If students don’t know who to talk to about research, my office is open to help them.”
Bobby White is a third-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. He can be reached at RW828299@wcupa.edu.