Emerging Researchers Academy
The Emerging Researchers Academy is a continuing series of student workshops designed for undergraduate researchers and those who are interested in participating in mentored research projects. The workshops offer foundational, research-supportive skill-building activities as well as informational sessions focused on deeper engagement with learning through undergraduate research. Sessions have focused on the research writing process, research question development and design, responsible conduct of research, as well as applying for research opportunities and programs, preparing for graduate study, and combatting imposter syndrome.
Fall Workshop series
Undergraduate Research Series with the Science Hub
Date: Thursday, September 26th
Time: 4-5pm
How to join: On campus, the Science Hub (rm. 201) in the VCU STEM Building
The Undergraduate Research Series hosts staff from the VCU Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry as well as a panel of undergraduate researchers to share opportunities and insights for students at the undergraduate level who are interested in gaining research experiences. Students who join us will learn what it’s like to do research as an undergraduate and next steps on how to get involved.
Research Writing Process Workshop
Date: Wednesday, October 16th
Time: 3-4 pm
How to join: Sign up via Zoom
In this interactive Zoom workshop, we will help demystify the college research writing process by breaking it down into manageable chunks, so you don’t procrastinate until the last minute. Start your academic research writing career off right by finding out why you write the way you do, and how to become a more efficient writer!
Research Question Workshop
Date: Wednesday, October 23rd
Time: 3-4 pm
How to join: Sign up via Zoom
Research questions can be difficult to start because they are often the first step in your research process. This interactive Zoom workshop will help you feel more comfortable when beginning a research project and will teach you how to develop a clear, focused, and complex research question.
Undergraduate Research Series with the Science Hub
Date: Wednesday, October 30th
Time: 12-1 pm
How to join: On campus, the Science Hub (rm. 201) in the VCU STEM Building
The Undergraduate Research Series hosts staff from the VCU Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry as well as a panel of undergraduate researchers to share opportunities and insights for students at the undergraduate level who are interested in gaining research experiences. Students who join us will learn what it’s like to do research as an undergraduate and next steps on how to get involved.
NSO General Information Session
Date: Wednesday, October 30th
Time: 2-3pm
How to join: Register Online
The VCU National Scholarship Office hosts a general information session geared towards all undergraduates who are new to VCU this fall–first-year and transfer students–but all are welcome! Learn about the NSO, the (inter)nationally-competitive awards and research programs we advise for, and how to make yourself a great candidate.
Library Databases and Research Strategies Workshop
Date: Wednesday, October 30th
Time: 3-4pm
How to join: Sign up via Zoom
VCU Libraries provides access to over 650 unique databases, as well as the Gold Search Box on the Libraries' website which allows you to discover books, articles, DVDs, and more. With all these options available, it should be easy to find resources for your research, right? Well, it's not that simple! Join a Teaching & Learning Librarian for a workshop about navigating library databases and forming search strategies to make your hunt for relevant, credible resources quicker, easier, and less of a headache! This workshop will demonstrate how to effectively use the Gold Search Box on the Libraries' website, as well as how to find and use subject-specific databases.
Reading and Incorporating Academic Sources into Your Writing Workshop
Date: Wednesday, November 6th
Time: 3-4pm
How to join: Sign up via Zoom
Sources are an important part of the writing process, but it can be difficult to know whether an article is “academic” or “scholarly,” much less whether or not it is useful to your research. This interactive Zoom workshop is a guide to finding, reading, evaluating, and incorporating academic sources into your work. Students will learn tips to start the search for relevant sources and how to properly integrate outside information into their writing.
Writing a Strong Introduction, Abstract, or Proposal Narrative Workshop
Date: Wednesday, November 13th
Time: 3-4pm
How to join: Sign up via Zoom
Being able to show the value of a larger piece or project with a succinct, well-structured introduction, abstract, or proposal narrative can be a nerve-wracking endeavor, as you scramble to articulate your ideas in the best way possible. In this interactive Zoom workshop, we will give you the tools necessary to establish your ideas in a strong, logical way that will hook your audience and get them excited about reading more.
Applying for Summer Research Programs
Date: Friday, November 15th
Time: 12-1pm
How to join: Sign up via Zoom
The VCU Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry will provide information and tips on how to be a competitive applicant for funded summer research programs at VCU and beyond. Students who join us will learn about campus opportunities as well as summer programs the national level.
Undergraduate Research Series with the Science Hub
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 3-4pm
How to join: On campus, the Science Hub (rm. 201) in the VCU STEM Building
The Undergraduate Research Series hosts staff from the VCU Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry as well as a panel of undergraduate researchers to share opportunities and insights for students at the undergraduate level who are interested in gaining research experiences. Students who join us will learn what it’s like to do research as an undergraduate and next steps on how to get involved.
Structuring Your Writing for Your Audience Workshop
Date: Wednesday, November 20th
Time: 3-4pm
How to join: Sign up via Zoom
It can be frustrating to put so much work into a paper, only to be told it doesn’t flow or make sense. Alternately, if you’re not sure how to do these things, you may put off writing until the last minute, which often results in a rushed mess. This interactive Zoom workshop will give you the tools necessary to meet the needs of your audience by writing strong, logical, structurally sound work.