Celebrating Discovery


What is Celebrating Discovery?

Do you want to help students discover a passion for research while spreading the knowledge that you have worked hard to gain? Celebrating Discovery is a program through which current University of Arkansas students return to their high schools (or local high schools) and present about their undergraduate research. By sharing your work with high school students, you can help inspire others to pursue knowledge through research, enriching their lives and yours.

Celebrating Discovery is a program designed to encourage high-school aged students to explore undergraduate research at the college level. It also allows you to hone valuable skills such as public outreach and presentation of your work, skills that translate well to future graduate school and scholarship applications. This also bolsters your resume, as many organizations for which you apply are looking for service-oriented participation.

As an ambassador for Celebrating Discovery, your role is to promote your academic experiences at the University of Arkansas, particularly focusing on your undergraduate research. You should also discuss any study abroad experience that you have had (if any). Since you are serving as a representative of the university in this role, discussion topics should be kept to academic endeavors; this is not an appropriate to discuss social life or other non-school related activities.


The first step in the process is to register with Dr. Halbert in The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards. To register, you need to complete the interest form at the bottom of this page.

Next steps:

  1. Determine the best time for you to visit the school – students often utilize Fall or Winter Break, but any time that works for your schedule and the school is great.
  2. Identify a teacher or class that you would like to work with:
    • Email the teacher directly.
    • Identify yourself as part of the Celebrating Discovery program. Consider saying something like, “I am part of the Celebrating Discovery Program at the University of Arkansas…”.
    • Please feel free to refer to Dr. Halbert if your teacher would like more information about confirmation of the program.
    • If you do not have a current contact at your high school, or if you would prefer to visit a school in the Northwest Arkansas area, please let Dr. Halbert know. Dr. Halbert can work with our admissions staff to find a good contact for you.
  3. Begin working on your presentation.
    • We encourage you to use PowerPoint, if the school has supporting technology. Please use the template that is provided for you. Include interesting pictures!
    • Think about what you would have wanted to know as a high school senior. This should primarily focus on academic opportunities, but you can address classes or extracurricular activities, if you feel this is necessary.
    • If it would be helpful, we can set up a time to practice your presentation.

Research

  • What sparked your research topic?
  • What does your research look like?
  • What problem are you investigating?
  • How does it relate to your future plans?
  • What is the broader impact of your work?
  • How much time do you spend on research per week?
  • How has your research enhanced your overall academic experience?
  • Have you faced any difficulties in your research? If so, how did you overcome them?
  • What does "research" look like for your discipline? In other words, what do you do when you are "researching?"
  • Do you have plans for your research? Publishing, presenting, etc.?
  • Do you plan on continuing this research in graduate school> Alternatively, how do you think your research will benefit you in your chosen career?
  • How did you meet your research mentor?
  • How di you approach your research mentor about formally beginning research?
  • How much guidance does your mentor give you?
  • What advice would you have for a freshman or sophomore who is looking to get involved with research?

A Typical Day

  • How much do you structure your day?
  • How do you manage your time?
  • How much time do you spend in class?
  • How do you spend your free time?

Study Abroad

  • Where you went or plan to go?
  • What did you study there?
  • Who were the other students?
  • What did you eat?
  • Where did you stay?
  • What were your favorite memories?
  • How did this relate to your major and future plans?

 

University of Arkansas SURF Campus Contact

 

Dr. Matthew Halbert
Assistant Director for the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards
mh171@uark.edu | 479-575-3652