With George Mason University’s ranking as one of the top research institutions in the country, earning a coveted R1 designation in the “Highest Research Activity” category by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the Schar School is positioned to truly be a part of policy in action, working to produce research of consequence that solves key issues that impact the lives of citizens and nations.
On April 19, 2018, the Schar School hosted its third annual Undergraduate Research Fair, a signature event as part of the Schar School’s Undergraduate Research Assistant Program. The research fair drew a mix of students, student-researchers, and their professors to the Mix@Fenwick on the Fairfax Campus and featured a poster session during which students in the Schar School’s Undergraduate Research Assistant Program presented their semester-long projects. Students writing their honors theses also gave presentations on their research and took questions from audience members.
On the creation of the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program, Schar School associate professor Jennifer Victor, director of the undergraduate programs in government and international politics and public administration, said, “The program was created to generate more opportunities for undergraduate students to get hands-on experience with social science research.”
As a part of the program, students investigate topics ranging from terrorism and war games to administering public programs and understanding political behavior in American, Latin American, and European politics.
Franchesca Virtucio, a government and international politics major at the Schar School, said, “the opportunity to participate in the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program and working alongside revered Schar School professors in their filed was an incredible experience because it allowed me to work hands on in real time projects.”
Clement Lupton, another government and international politics major, and teammates Elizabeth Clark, Terrica Dang, and Killian McNeely conducted research on the impact of social media on spreading awareness of political networks.
“Although politics is a field that emphasizes persuasion and communication, the idea of networks is not a concept that is emphasized within politics,” said Lupton. “This program allowed me to learn and expand my knowledge on a different aspect of politics that I had never really considered before taking on this project.”
The Undergraduate Research Assistant Program is unique for how it mutually benefits both faculty and students, explains Victor. Faculty receive real-time assistance with their research projects while mentoring students who share similar research interests. For the students, the program provides an opportunity to apply the theories and skills they learn to real social science research projects while developing individualized professional relationships with faculty. This tremendous collaboration between students and faculty produces some of the best work done by Schar School’s undergraduate students.
“We were very pleased to bring it to the center of campus at The Mix and look forward to the program continuing to grow,” Victor concluded.