The work of students who took part in the 2017 Undergraduate Student Summer Research Fellowship (USSRF) program was on display Monday during a special event at Stauffer Library.

Along with the poster display of each research project, the students were recognized and congratulated by Principal Daniel Woolf and Interim Vice-Principal (Research) John Fisher.

The USSRF program is an opportunity for continuing undergraduate students in social sciences, humanities, business and education to develop research skills under the guidance of a faculty researcher. The program provides meaningful opportunities to engage in discovery-based learning and to develop research and presentation skills.

A total of 22 students took part in the USSRF program, covering a wide array of research topics.

For many of the students, such as Alyssa Aiello (Artsci’18), the program provides an introduction to the research process while also working one-on-one with a faculty member.

“This was the first time I have done a project of this sort, so being considered and being accepted for this opportunity is amazing. I would never have been able to do this otherwise which is really remarkable,” she says. “Also being able to work so closely with a professor, Heather Castleden, and learn the research process was very valuable and gives you an idea earlier on whether or not you want to pursue research opportunities, which I think is invaluable.”

Many students find other platforms to display their USSRF projects such as attending conferences with their supervisor or participating in Inquiry@Queen's. Ms. Aiello’s research on the media's portrayal of Indigenous leadership in renewable energy projects recently won the top poster award at the Ontario meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers.

Several fellowships are also available to students whose projects take place at the Bader International Study Centre (BISC) at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England.

Jena Hudson (Artsci’18) received one of these fellowships and worked with Christian Lloyd, BISC Academic Director and an expert on 1960s rock legend Jimi Hendrix.

She looked into the musician’s influence in England during the era and conducted searches of archives in the United Kingdom for information.

“I think that this project was particularly interesting for me because so many of these archives without undergrad research wouldn’t have been touched for a long time,” she says. “Even though there are lots of professors doing amazing research they are also busy teaching classes and other things as well. So to have an assistant to do some of the research for you was helpful to them but also an incredible opportunity for me and going forward. It definitely sparked my interest in doing research.”

For more information, visit the USSRF program website.

The next USSRF competition deadline is March 9, 2018. Send enquiries to Alexandra Pedersen, or call 613-533-2000 ext. 79399.