Shiona Wijesekara is an Economics and Mathematics major who will graduate in May, 2019. She is a current URA Scholar.

Title of your research project: Determining the Impact of the REACH Initiative on High School Students. We are evaluating the pre and post impact of the mentoring program by surveying the high school students involved in the program. 

Who is your mentor(s) for your project? Mario Santo Domingo. The previous Research chair of the program found him and he has concentrated his research in behavioral psychology , so the ample knowledge was thought to be helpful for the project. 

How did you become interested in this project? I have been an active mentor on REACH for the last 2 years and very fascinated by the multiple layer contribution of the program. So I wanted to get a statistical reading that shows me the extent of the contribution of the program to college readiness, breaking the gender gap in STEM and exposing the participants to STEM options. 

What has been the hardest part about your research/what was the most unexpected thing about being a researcher? Gathering a consistent amount of data because the programs participation fluctuates every week. 

What has been the most rewarding part? I was planning in walking into pure economics research but working on this project, I realized that I want to explore behavioral research from an interdisciplinary social science perspective. 

How will you disseminate your research? URCAD presentation- April 24, 2019!

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research? If you have the chance to get involved in research do it! You will come out with ample of knowledge and a very unique experience!

What are your career goals?  To become a researcher in Educational Economics or Environmental Economics.

Have mentor-led research and want to be featured as a UMBC Researcher of the Week? Email: aprilh@umbc.edu

1. Follow one of the Library's social media accounts
   
2. Share one of your favorite things about the Library
3. And tag the Library's account and use #VIPStudySpace

Two lucky winners will be notified on May 8! You will have use of the private room from May 9-23.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi. My name is Jessie. I am a sophomore math major and computer science minor. I enjoy playing a variety of sports with my friends and I also play an uncommonly known instrument called a Bowed Psaltery. I am a counselor for a scout-like group called Pathfinders. My favorite show is MacGyver and I have a huge passion for math.

Tell us about how you are involved on campus.

I am involved in a couple campus clubs. I am a part of Alpha and Omega as well as the newly formed archery club and I am a tutor for the Math Lab.

How and why did you get involved in being a tutor?

A professor encouraged me to apply to learn how to teach math. I also have learned that not only am I able to help other people understand math, tutoring many classes requires me to be proficient in the topics from each class I have taken. Teaching is one way to really know that you understand the material and helps to keep that knowledge fresh in my mind with the added bonus of helping my peers.

What is your favorite thing about being a tutor?

I love the moment when the person I am working with really grasps the concept. But the most satisfying thing is when that person then turns and begins explaining the concept to someone else.

Why should students utilize the tutoring?

First of all, it’s free. There is no pressure for you to understand things right off the bat. We help you learn at your own pace. You also don’t have to come in regularly, although you are welcome to, if you have one topic that you find tricky, we can just work on that area.

What advice would you give students about how to prepare for a tutoring session? 

To prepare for a tutoring session it is good to think about what topics or maybe a certain type of question you will need help in. Also being prepared with the materials you might need such as class notes, pencils, and scrap paper will make our time together the most productive.

When and where can someone work with you through the Learning Resources Center?

I work at the Math Lab on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3pm to 6pm but there are many tutors ready to help. The Math Lab is located on the first floor of the library. You just walk through the book detectors at the front and turn right, then keep walking in that direction until you get to the LRC desk.

Come to URCAD on Wednesday, April 25 where Theatre student Mia Rickenbach will present her visual research, "Seeing the Stories: How Art Can Impact Human Trafficking Awareness".

This research was a study of theatrical scenic art, which evolved into a project investigating the impact of visual storytelling on human trafficking awareness. The study of scenic art included working in large-scale, trompe l’oeil illusion painting, matching paint color, and faux finishes such as marble and wood grain. These techniques were developed at Cobalt Studios’ Summer Scene Painting, and employed in the scenic design and painting of UMBC’s Department of Theatre productions.

Read the rest of her abstract here...  #umbcurcad