On Thursday, October 29, 2015, the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) held a panel discussion for students to learn more about research opportunities in areas of science like mathematical science, environmental science and more.

The panel discussion was held in the Little Theatre located in the Miron Student Center (MSC), and a great deal of students came to see what the professors had to say. The panel held a little over 10 Kean University professors who either teach or have a great deal of knowledge of a particular type of science. Some of the professors there include: Dr. Feng Qi, who teaches within the School of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (SESS), Dr. Patrick Field, who teaches within the College of Natural Applied and Health Sciences and Dr. Patricia Morreale, who teaches within the Department of Computer Science.

Finding a job after college isn’t easy and this LSAMP panel discussion occurred to help and encourage students to do whatever they can during their college years to build a great resume.. Qi spoke of a former student who graduated three years ago and yet has been offered and took four jobs. This student is currently leaving his job at “Parsons and is now going to work for [the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection] NJDEP. His first job [was at] NJDEP,” says Qi. The point Qi was getting across was the student was able to obtain four job offers in a short amount of time.

How is the question that many people may ask? It’s simple. “He started his second semester of his sophomore year working with me on a research project…,” says Qi. “Because of this he was always able to build a very good looking and thick portfolio.” Because of all the work the student did with Qi, he was able to land four jobs in three years. Qi encourages all to do research before graduation.

The one topic that was discussed very thoroughly was research and why it is important for students majoring in a science field to do this. One professor comments how that many students ask “how do I figure out what I do research on?” Many professors couldn’t express this statement alone: “does research that relates to your major or whatever field of work you would like to go into.”

Dr. Daniela Shebitz, who teaches in the SESS, comments that “research is the key to just that. It is the key getting to know what you would to do after graduation.” Doing research also helps with students getting a higher chance into being admitted into graduate school, which is very much recommended by all professors.

To become a member of LSAMP or to learn more please visit their website. In order to be a member of LSAMP one must apply. To receive the application, visit their website or office in Bruce Hall room 200D. 

The flyer from the event
Photo courtesy of LSAMP