Q: Why are specialized programs such as the Brain Health Research Institute important to have at the undergraduate level?
A: “It teaches the student the scientific process and to think creatively to addresses challenges,” says Paul Dicorleto, vice president of research at Kent State University. “That’s very valuable. Working with faculty and scholars teaches you teamwork, to think differently and gives you the opportunity to go on to be published or attend a national meeting and present your work. It’s a great add-on to a more conventional undergraduate education. You’re trying to answer important questions creatively. Rather than just learning about what’s already known, [students are] thinking of ways to get new answers, ways to approach something that are more effective than what there are today. This thinking will help them in whatever they are studying and ultimately whatever career they have. No matter what career direction you go with, it’s impressive that you were actually performing creative scholarship as an undergraduate.”
