When preparing for college, one aspect of college life many students don’t think about is the importance of research. Consider, however, what it would be like if the space travel industry ceased all investigative efforts, or carmakers stopped imagining how to make highway travel safer. The same is true for the health sciences.
Without research, advancements that have improved lives and saved countless others may have never happened. College students can gain vital insights about new ways and methods by seeking out research opportunities, which take the college experience to an entirely new level.
It’s reasonable to ask if research has an appropriate place within the undergraduate curriculum. Published findings suggest that participating in undergraduate research activities benefits students, faculty mentors, the university, and eventually, society. The scientific community and companies that value innovation place great value on research performed at primarily undergraduate institutions.
For universities, a research component within an area of study allows for a broader educational experience. Students seeking a comprehensive college experience can explore the effects of applying new thought processes through study and testing. Students can use that experience to see the practical application of their classroom experience represented in research projects.
Cleveland University-Kansas City, a chiropractic and health sciences University, is a proponent of students participating in various research studies.
Dr. Mark Pfefer, director of research at CUKC, coordinates the involvement of students in various projects. Students have the opportunity to take an active role in research projects, which helps them learn proper investigative techniques. He said CUKC students had been co-authors on publications and presentations.
“Students are taught strategies to search for information, plus how to assess the quality of the information found,” he said. “Our students learn much about critical appraisal skills.”
Research: Make it Part of Your College Experience
Students interested in research at CUKC are mentored by faculty and assist in various ways:
The collective work between students and administrators has proven to be a successful strategy. Pfefer says research efforts at CUKC will continue to expand.
Although time in the classroom is invaluable, having access to an on-site research department is equally essential, Pfefer says. Students can grow and challenge their predecessors’ boundaries in the field. They are encouraged to think beyond the status quo and be open to the possibilities research can reveal.
By engaging outside the classroom that challenges them, students can become better healthcare professionals.
Time spent in research activities will also have a positive impact on their future. Research can light the fire of curiosity that will continue throughout a professional career, and there is no end to what can be learned.
CUKC is a private, nonprofit, chiropractic and health science university in Overland Park, Kansas, a major suburb of Kansas City.
Along with offering a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, CUKC offers a B.S. in Human Biology, a B.S. in Exercise Science, and an M.S. in Exercise Physiology.
CUKC also offers an A.A. in Biological Sciences and two-year degrees in Occupational Therapy Assistant and Radiologic Technology.
Research can be a powerful part of the college experience at CUKC. Curious about the topics and issues our students and faculty are exploring? Check out this research blog.
Get more information about the importance of research by connecting with an admissions advisor. Download our free eBook to help you plot your college plan: Your Guide to Navigating College Financial Aid.
