When Prof. Mendoza was an undergraduate, she felt intimidated by the Faculty. So, when was doing her graduate work, she was intrigued by undergraduate students that would willingly do independent research with Faculty.

Prof. Mendoza is the Founding Director of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Michigan.

On our podcast, Prof. Mendoza talks about UG Research at GVSU, the role CUR plays, Impact of Research on Students, success stories, and finally the skills for high schoolers to do research.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

• Prof. Susan Mendoza’s Background
• UG Research at Grand Valley State University
• Student Success Stories
• Skills for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Susan Mendoza, GVSU [1:01]
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:47]
• Professional Background [4:38]
• Why UG Research is Important [7:54]
• Prof. Mendoza’s Role [11:14]
• Disciplines Involved in Research [14:20]
• Faculty Participation [16:27]
• Introducing UG Research to Freshman [17:45]
• Student Participation [20:41]
• Research Impact on Students [23:47]
• Post-Degree Plan after UG Research [26:12]
• CUR’s Role [28:04]
• Success Stories [30:05]
• UG Research for the Undeclared [35:21]
• Advice for High Schoolers [38:59]

Our Guest: Prof. Susan Mendoza is the Founding Director of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. Prof. Mendoza received the Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Anthropology from Michigan State University with specializations in African Studies and International Development. She then earned her Master of Arts at Michigan State University and PhD at Western Michigan University.

Memorable Quote: “ So generally what I'll tell students is coming to campus, [it] is kind of like a cold swimming pool. And to not jump in, because they may experience some shock, to, to wade in slowly and to pay attention and to listen.” Prof. Mendoza’s Advice to Freshman on how to engage in UG Research .

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

• Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest.
• Follow us on Instagram.
• To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
• Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.