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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: Senior Thesis
Why Pursue Seemingly Inapplicable Research?
There exists a constant pressure in our contemporary age for the academy to divert resources to vocationalist programs. This, in turn, induces a movement towards hyper-specialization and fragmentation between the disciplines, as only “necessary” procedural skills are to be learned … Continue reading
Posted in major research, Senior Thesis, STEM research, Summer Research, The Core
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The Evolution of A Thesis’ Archetype
Every department goes through the senior thesis process differently. Some have their students complete a thesis in junior year, some require 4 semesters of continuous work. In this article, I would like to share how my thesis idea has evolved, and … Continue reading
Posted in courses, Faculty Mentors, Libraries, Senior Thesis, Uncategorized
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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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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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Writing a Thesis: Is It a Worthwhile Endeavor?
In Spring 2021, as Columbia continued to adapt to the strain and consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the very notion of writing a senior thesis seemed ludicrous. My schedule already felt overwhelming, as I navigated countless Zoom meetings, internship … Continue reading
Posted in Senior Thesis
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Demystifying Office Hours
Welcome to the start of a new semester! I am in a bit of disbelief that this is the last one of my undergraduate Columbia experiences. I thought I would start off my posts this new year by unpacking possibly … Continue reading
Posted in courses, COVID-19, Faculty Mentors, major research, postgraduation plans, Senior Thesis, STEM research, Summer Research
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Reimagining Research during COVID-19
“Comprehension, in short, means the unpremeditated, attentive facing up to, and resisting of, reality –– whatever it may be.” ― Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism The COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of the declaration from many that it has reached some sort … Continue reading
Posted in Archives, COVID-19, New York City, Senior Thesis
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Classwork to Conference Presentation: Developing a Class Paper into a Conference-Ready Research Project
If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably interested in research as an undergrad. Also, if you’re reading this blog, you may not know where to begin. In this post, I hope to demystify the process some by outlining how I … Continue reading
Posted in courses, Senior Thesis, Summer Research, Uncategorized
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Putting It All Together: Tools for an Organized Project
So your research project is finally underway: now what? For me, the natural next step is to get organized. I have compiled some of my favorite tips and tools for managing any type of project. For context, I am a … Continue reading
Posted in Senior Thesis, STEM research, Summer Research, Uncategorized
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