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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
Visiting Libraries at other Universities for Research: A Guide!
This summer, I had the opportunity to conduct research for my senior thesis that I’m writing for the Department of History on the topic of Zhang Ailing, a transnational Chinese writer with support from Columbia’s Weatherhead East Asian Institute. As … Continue reading
Posted in Archives, Libraries, Senior Thesis, Summer Research, The Humanities
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On Writing a Senior Thesis: Notes from the Field
I originally wanted to write a blog post on the Core this month, connecting some seminal idea from a philosopher in Contemporary Civilizations to our day-to-day lives as Columbia students. However, every time I tried to begin writing, I found … Continue reading
Posted in Coursework, Faculty Mentors, Libraries, major research, Senior Thesis, The Humanities
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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
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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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