November 5, 2021
On November 2, the Kinlaw Library hosted a SEARCH-sponsored panel event titled “Curious Minds: Research in Today’s World” in the campus Student Center. Janet Dean, professor of psychology, Sean Gaffney, associate professor in the Media, Journalism & Digital Storytelling department, and Wilson Shafer, assistant professor in chemistry, served as panelists at the event moderated by Tollie Sneed ’22.
Amy Bessin, assistant director of library services at Asbury University, explained the purpose of the event.
“Sometimes students have misconceptions about research: that it is boring, too difficult, or not something relevant to their chosen major or field,” Bessin said. “Our goal with this event was to introduce research as an exciting part of every discipline, and something that doesn’t require a Ph.D. but can be a rich part of exploring your chosen area of study right now as an undergraduate student.”
The panelists answered questions about what research means to them in their discipline, how it has shaped their careers, and they discussed the challenges and successes they have experienced throughout their research journeys. The Asbury professors encouraged students to push through any fears they may have surrounding research, get started, and collaborate with others for the best results.
“Being right is not the most important thing,” Gaffney said. “Research is a treasure hunt. Have conversations with people outside of your discipline and be challenged to see things differently.”
SEARCH seeks to highlight transformative learning in the classroom and showcase academics through funded programming, events and marketing.