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The CCRA blog is authored by Columbia undergraduate researchers, who are invited to reflect on all aspects of the research process and their own undergraduate research experiences, beginning (but not ending) with the Core.
Category Archives: major research
From Research to Researcher: How Collaboration Forms a Scientific Mind
At the beginning of my Columbia College journey, I, an eager and excited freshman, attended the virtual activities fair, filled with zoom links which would form the entirety of my university environment for what felt like an indeterminate future. In … Continue reading
Posted in COVID-19, major research, STEM research
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Searching for a research opportunity? Start here!
Navigating the research landscape for student opportunities can seem intimidating – here are some tips on where to start with brainstorming and searching. Picture your ideal opportunity Jot down a few notes relevant to the kind of experience you are … Continue reading
Posted in Archives, conference presentations, Faculty Mentors, Libraries, major research, New York City, Senior Thesis, STEM research, Summer Research, Uncategorized
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Laboratory Do’s and Don’t’s!
As a current student researcher at the Barnhart Laboratory, I have had the amazing opportunity to investigate mitochondrial morphology during my first year at Columbia College, which I am now continuing over the summer thanks to CCE’s Summer Funding Program and its … Continue reading
Posted in major research, STEM research, Summer Research
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Interning in the Archives: My Experience at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
This summer, I had the exciting opportunity to intern with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) as part of a program called Natural History Research Experiences (NHRE). Throughout my 10-week NHRE internship, I was able to prepare a … Continue reading
Posted in Archives, major research, Summer Research, Uncategorized
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Tips for Minimizing Thesis Stress
If you’ve been talking to your senior friends this semester, you might be aware of one of the greatest stressors of our academic lives: the senior thesis. Known for causing late nights and an increased caffeine intake, writing a thesis … Continue reading
Posted in major research, Senior Thesis
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The Thesis that (Almost) Shred me to Pieces
I am still recovering from the high (relief, really) of submitting my senior thesis a short while ago. After spending months under incredible amounts of stress, finally sending that email felt like finishing your last final of the semester, except … Continue reading
Posted in major research, Senior Thesis
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Self-Reflection as a Form of Research
For all the writing, analysis, and problem-solving we do on a daily basis in college, I feel that we do not often consider self-reflection as a way to strengthen our research processes or as a kind of research in and … Continue reading
Posted in courses, major research, Uncategorized
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Using Psychology To Foster Beginner’s Mind
“Beginner’s Mind: the idea of engaging the world without preconceptions, as if you’re seeing everything for the very first time.” – Dean Valentini We make millions and millions of decisions each day. And with the many, many priorities we … Continue reading
Posted in courses, major research, Uncategorized
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So You Want a PhD in a social science discipline?
Phds were always mysterious to me. Growing up, I had no exposure to an academic, let alone my parents who were poor immigrants from a developing country. All I knew is that it was the highest degree one could get, … Continue reading
Posted in Faculty Mentors, major research, postgraduation plans
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An Interview with Helen Ruger about the Laidlaw Scholars Program (Part 2)
Last month, I spoke with a Laidlaw scholar about her introduction to the program, her experiences with faculty mentorship, and the topic she chose to research in her first summer. This month, we’ll be discussing her second summer with the … Continue reading
Posted in major research, Summer Research
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