Issue 3 Spring 2012

Page 1

Tuesday February 7, 2012

Volume CXXXIII Issue 3

IGNITE keeps Embry-Riddle on top Chris Heale

Staff Reporter Students wandering around recently may have noticed the huge banners hanging from virtually every building at ERAU. It’s equally possible that a smaller version may have caught your eye hanging from the various lamp posts around campus, both of which have the same purpose: to announce the launch of the university’s new research based program ‘Ignite’. The banners coincided with the Ignite launch party which took place at the activities fair. Its stand formed a collection of stalls representing some of the best extra-curricular research programs currently at ERAU. This collection of stalls, which included the Engineers without borders, Eco-car and Robotics societies, embody the philosophy that the Ignite program is to attempt to instill in the student body. The program, which was first outlined in the Avion in Oct. 2011, is part of the university’s ‘Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)’ which aims to provide students with the opportunity to get involved in and be prepared for cutting edge research while at ERAU. I caught up with Mr. Aaron Clevenger who oversees the program here at the Daytona Beach campus to see what progress has been made. “The launch party went very successfully, we reached out to about 500

JAYARAJ SOMARAJAN/AVION

AARON CLEVENGER, SEEN HERE, has been named the new Executive Director of Experiential Learning and Undergraduate Research. The IGNITE initiative will promote new studies among students and keep Embry-Riddle graduates ahead of the industry by making their ideas become a reality. Team projects, common goals, and new discoveries are just some of the benefits that will be seen in the next few years at the Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach campus. students, faculty, and staff members who will now know more about Ignite and can start to get excited about the research we plan to do in the future,” said Clevenger. One of the main themes Clevenger

HEATHER LLOYD/AVION

THE IGNITE INITIATIVE WAS unveiled at the 2012 Spring activities fair at the Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach campus. Select student organizations focused around research were showcased and staffers wearing the official IGNITE shirts could be found promoting the new program. Embry-Riddle has always promoted better learning through research, on which IGNITE is based.

was keen to get across at the launch was that Ignite was not about a particular research project, but about creating a culture of undergraduates getting involved in and developing a passion for research. “I want people to realize that we are not trying to just get people inside labs,” said Clevenger. “We are trying to show people that there is a method for how to think creatively and solve problems.” In order to increase awareness of the program, its goals, and benefits to the student body, there is a planned Ignite event due to run every month from now until April. “The first semester will be all about name recognition “explained Clevenger. “With additional parts of the ignite plan beginning in July, such as supplemental funding for student organizational research, new modules in select first year courses, and presentations on how to get involved in the research done here on campus.” In tandem, an undergraduate research center is being put together on the 3rd floor of the library while training will be provided to faculty in the implementation of the initiative. In the longer term students can expect the introduction of an e-portfolio, increased research and intern/co-op opportunities, curriculum enhancements and better funding and recognition for student organizations, with these being implemented in 2013 and beyond. When asked about how an individual student with a particular topic of interest would use the program, Clevenger presented a twofold answer. “First the research center would have a database of all the research topics and interests setup on campus, and will allow a student to see who else has worked in that particular area. This will allow them to

hopefully connect with a professor or other students who share this interest and work together on a research based project.” The other route was from a social perspective. If students wish to set up an organization based on particular research interests then funding and grants could be available to them. The IGNITE initiative requires incoming students coming as of 2013 to have a set number of co-curricular research hours. These hours can be obtained thorough such avenues as student organizations, research based internships, or co-writing a paper with a professor. The idea of this is to add additional skills to those traditionally learned in the classroom. However with credit hour and class changes being introduced to the student body, Clevenger recognizes the role of both student and faculty feedback and involvement in the program. “A work group was formed with representative of faculty, staff and students from all different programs on campus and that’s how the process evolved”. He also stresses that this will be a dynamic process stretching over 5 years and welcomes any student or faculty feedback throughout the implementation. Students interested in finding out more about the program are encouraged to look out for upcoming orientation events, check out the Ignite initiative facebook page or attend the Feb. 13 basketball game. These events will act to provide information on how to get involved in research and answer any questions and concerns you may have. If you are a member of an organization Clevenger is also happy to be invited to speak about Ignite and promote its cause at an upcoming club meeting.


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Issue 3 Spring 2012 by The Avion - Issuu