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On Campus Research- Learn More about the Opportunities Available for SSHA majors interested in Research!

The URGO Summer Research Program is an 11-week, on-campus program where students are funded to conduct research with a faculty mentor. Students receive support throughout the research process from their faculty mentor, a Speaker Series, and weekly seminars with fellow researchers.

chau

Chau Nguyen ’17 is an Accounting and Management double major who conducted research with Dr. Walley in the summer ‘15. Nguyen’s research was focused on understanding monetary policy shock in emerging economies with a focus on Brazil. Nguyen is an active member of the Augsburg Community, serving as Vice President of the International Student Organization ’14-’15, as well as being a strong academic student.

It is not uncommon for students to struggle with the decision of when they want to partake in research and why they may be interested in it. “I went to the Orientation and was inspired by the success stories of many students who have done research before. At the time, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, but after speaking to my advisor, she thought I should apply for the experience and to figure out what I’m interested in in the process. It was a great opportunity to obtain new skills, such as researching, and data collection that have become extremely helpful for my academic career.”

Research may be a challenging experience. The process of choosing a project you are interested in, as well as the process of learning to ask the right questions, and learning to work independently can often be a daunting aspect. However, it doesn’t come without benefits. “We had weekly meetings where we talked about our progress and findings. I loved it because it’s the only time I get to sit with a group of peers and talk about the project (most of the time I worked on my own, which is different from STEM). I also developed a strong relationship with my research mentor. As the project progressed, Dr. Walley got to know me as a student, as well as, as a person. This relationship has been pivotal in honing down where my passions lie. Having a chance like this to do something you are interested in or passionate about is a great experience that you can’t easily get later on in your career.”

Nguyen participated in the URGO Summer Research in the Summer of 2015, and proceeded to work in the accounting department as an Intern at a local Minneapolis company. “The on-campus research experience was invaluable. It gave me applicable skills that I can use in other courses, as well as better equipped me for my future career. Interestingly enough, it influenced me to switch my major to Accounting. I’m applying for my Master in Accountancy and will continue to use the skills that I learned during research in future work.

We, the Augsburg Community wish Chau the best as she prepares for graduation and the next steps in her career!

URGO provides full-time summer researchers (400 hours) with a $4,000 stipend and housing discount while half-time researchers (200 hours) receive a $2,000 stipend. The program runs from May 15th – July 28th.
URGO also provides funding for students to work for a professor as a research assistant on an ongoing research project. This is a 100-hour commitment over the course of the summer and comes with a $1,000 stipend. This is an excellent opportunity to try out research for the first time or focus on a specific aspect of a research project.
Phase 1 of the applications are due February 1st!

URGO applications for 2017 summer research are now available on the URGO website at www.augsburg.edu/urgo.

All fields of study welcome! If you have any questions, email us at urgo@augsburg.edu.

The URGO office is located on the first floor of the Science building, SCI 152.