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Dover, DE – Traditionally, research opportunities on college campuses especially at large research universities are the privilege of graduate students or faculty. However, in recent years, institutions like Wesley have sought to engage undergraduate students in research and creative discovery by providing opportunities for them to work with faculty mentors or to conduct their own inquiries with faculty guidance. In this way, what students learn in the classroom is made relevant as they work closely with those on the cutting edge of their discipline.
Students who attend Wesley are introduced early to the world of internships and research. For example, the College’s science department offers qualified undergraduates the opportunity to become research assistants and participate in a wide variety of high-level science experiments. During a typical academic year, research assistants with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher will work in a lab setting for approximately 10 to 15 hours per week, receive two academic credits and get paid $10.00 per hour for their work. Undergraduate research also provides many perks, as students get to travel across the country and present their findings to a panel of experts at national conferences. Being at the right place at the right time also pays off for science majors. During the summer, the College offers a 10-week summer internship program, where students can earn up to $6,000 and gain valuable research experience with organizations like the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, NASA, Christiana Hospital, Quest Pharmaceuticals, AmeriCorps, USA and the Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children. Getting a jump on the job market is equally important as Wesley students can vouch for having research experience under their belts when looking for a job. Malcolm D’Souza, a chemistry professor at Wesley says that pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries will not hire graduates without the proper undergraduate research background. “Students who have research experience are more likely to get absorbed quickly by companies and graduate schools, than those without any experience,” D’Souza said. College officials also credit the school’s nursing department with the ability to provide its students the chance to grow and develop as professional heath care providers. Listed by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best programs in the country, the 225 undergraduate students and 80 master's candidates have unique opportunities for clinical and research experiences across the state and in Maryland and Pennsylvania. They participate in and observe clinical interventions in a variety of health care settings such as the Crozier-Chester Burn Unit in Pennsylvania and by studying abroad in hospice settings in England. Students also attend local and national conferences through professional organizations such as the National Student Nurses Association. Lucille Gambardella, a professor and the nursing department chair, says the College encourages students to be connected to the Delaware community through service, so that students can gain practical experience to become professional nurses. One way is through a fun learning environment, where Wesley nursing students attend health fairs and provide practical information on how to stay healthy and prevent illness. Nursing undergraduates also have the chance to forge meaningful relationships with their peers. Each year, nursing students hold a depression screening on the Wesley campus to identify students who might be experiencing sadness they cannot handle on their own. For the past eight years, Wesley nursing undergraduates have screened the largest number of individuals at any screening in the state. For their efforts, they have received special recognition from the Delaware Mental Health Association for this annual effort. Another added benefit is the ability to acquire out-of-classroom, life-changing experiences. The history department at Wesley offers students an inside look at the political process by providing opportunities to work in a government setting at either the local or federal level. Through an application process, selected history majors can gain academic credit during the year by supporting legislative staff and addressing constituent concerns, monitor news outlets for daily developments and attending political events such as town hall meetings. Establishing close relationships with professors is another benefit of participating in undergraduate research. In addition to faculty becoming familiar enough with students to comfortably recommend them for graduate school or job opportunities, Wesley professors help students start networking professionally. Students also credit undergraduate research with helping them learn to work in a team atmosphere, to multi-task and balance various aspects of their lives, and to find renewed interest in their fields. For these reasons, they each find themselves urging other undergraduates to seek out research opportunities actively by talking to their professors. Located in the heart of historic Dover, Delaware, the campus lies within four major metropolitan areas - Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and New York City. With nearly 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs readily available, the College offers classes at its main campus in Dover, as well as a satellite location in New Castle, Delaware. Through a personalized experience, Wesley College has a long and distinguished record of educating students for a wide variety of careers. |
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