Student Success Stories 2008
“The SSRL has facilitated my research for the Emerging Scholars program. The lab is a place where an aspiring mind can utilize technology and the wealth of intellectual capital held by the research fellows as a means for furthering scholastic pursuits. The variety of interdisciplinary resources available helped bring my research on entrepreneurship to the next level.
Entrepreneurship is often constricted to a narrow definition within the realm of business. This is untrue, as entrepreneurship exists within and between all subjects. One of the primary modes of entrepreneurial progress is through new combinations. The interdisciplinary atmosphere of the SSRL is perfect for entrepreneurial development, creating a place where R&D can be transmitted from the university level to practical applications.”
Charles Strauss, Political Science major
"I am currently working on a project with a grant through the University of Louisiana System. Along with another student, we have designed a survey that would be presented to students to see how much they know about research and development (R&D). We hope to encourage students to consider careers in R&D, and to also stay in the area after they graduate.
We would also like to make the area more marketable to R&D industries, and develop a R&D corridor along Interstate 20. I also worked on a presentation with Dr. McGahan and Dr. Sutherlin that was presented at the National Social Science Association conference in New Mexico. The presentation consisted of the projects that tie in with the grant proposal, such as the development of a documentary, the survey that was designed, the creation of a Mock Call center, as well as other projects.
I have been very blessed to have the opportunity to work with the professors and students who are involved with the Social Science Research Lab. The skills that I have learned through the lab, as well as the classes pertaining to my major, will be very beneficial in graduate school and will also make me more marketable when it comes to getting a job.
One of the things that I am most excited about is seeing our community grow culturally and economically, and knowing that I had a part in making that happen."
Chris Hall, Psychology major
“I am currently a graduate student pursing a degree in experimental psychology. In the summer of 2008, I was awarded $1,200 by the Pattie B McGahan foundation for work on the University Louisiana System services grant tiled “Economic and Cultural Development as a Function of a Research and Development Corridor on Louisiana’s Northern Frontier.”
In the fall of 2008, I helped University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Social Science Research Laboratory to write, research, and budget a grant proposal to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. I was awarded a $750 stipend by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Shreveport-Bossier City Affiliate for data analysis of their community profile. I am currently working on the Susan G. Komen’s Northeast Louisiana Community Profile for the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Social Science Research Laboratory.
My experiences with the SSRL has made me a better researcher and prepared me for a job.”
Jason Leonard, Experimental Psychology graduate student