Q: Why is academic research an important part of an undergraduate institution?
A: “It leads to direct involvement of the student in generating new knowledge — learning the process of asking questions and getting answers that are important,” says Paul DiCorleto, vice president for research and sponsored programs at Kent State University. “The value of academic research is multifold. One, it obviously can make contributions to the society when new discoveries and innovations occur that then can become useful in society. Secondly, the faculty who are involved in research often have very strong national and international reputations. That is good for the students, good for the university. Thirdly, it brings resources to the university with the grants from various agencies that can help promote this type of experiential learning of the students through participation and research projects.”
