Not every student has the opportunity to participate in research at the undergraduate level, but the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies offers a program to give undergraduates the experience they want.
The Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) places students into research assistant positions by working with faculty members on their research projects. The students who participate gain first-hand experience in professional research while investing in valuable relationships with faculty.
URE projects change every semester, allowing students an array of projects to apply to. One of the URE projects this fall semester was “Religion and Mental Health in the United States”and sophomore Grace Hough has been making the best of her time in the project.
Hough is a religious studies major with a concentration in religion, politics and global affairs. After hearing about the URE, she decided to apply and join the program.
Question: Why did you apply to your research topic? What drew you to it?
Answer: I applied because I have conducted research of my own before on religion and I loved the thought of conducting research at a collegiate level with a professional in my area of study.
Q: What has your experience been thus far?
A: My experience has been amazing to say the least. To see what is involved in a large scale research project and knowing that I am having an impact is beyond belief for me. I have always loved furthering my research and knowledge into religion and its effects on society as a whole through academia.
Q: For you, what has been a highlight of conducting the research?
A: My highlight is working one on one with a professor who is trained in my future field of work. It has been amazing seeing all of the factors that compose research into the unknown about religion.
Q: Would you recommend URE to other students?
A: A hundred times over I would recommend URE to students. This has allowed me to gain personal connections at ASU and academic knowledge to hopefully guide my research one day.
Applications for the spring semester are open now until October 28. If you are interested in building your resume, gaining valuable experience and working with a professional in the field, go to the Undergraduate Research Experience website to find out what projects are available.