Have a Research Question? It’s Time to Visit the Research Den.

Once a month, students don’t have to feel like they are walking into the lion’s den when they need help with research – thanks to the Research Den.

The Interdisciplinary Students Research Association (ISRA) hosts the den one evening each month in the Link Room of Evans Library. It’s open to all students who need help with research quandaries like; choosing a topic, proofreading a paper or draft, feedback on research, questions about the academic process, pinpointing academic resources, sharing the struggle and success of your own research stories or refining presentation skills

The ISRA was founded with the sole purpose of supporting others students in their research journeys. It’s been a student organization on campus for only a year. The co-founders and members are from different areas of expertise – with different majors – making them very diverse.

Lorraine J. Ramirez, a  Ph.D. student in science education, is the president and co-founder of the ISRA.

“As graduate students, we felt that, besides your advisor, sometimes you need someone else there to guide you, support you, and understand what you’re going through,” Ramirez said.  “We work hand-in-hand with the Evans Library pinpointing academic resources, providing research workshops, and working with students through the Research Den. We’re basically students helping out other students.”

The founder of ISRA is Dr. Sahar Almassoud who graduated with a Ph.D. in computer education in May.

“Many students who have attended the den have concerns related with how to narrow a topic, how a literature review is done, and what statistical analyses to use,” Ramirez said.  “We answer questions about the research process, pinpoint academic resources, proofread papers, provide feedback and share knowledge.”

The next Research Den will be offered Wednesday, October 25 at 6 p.m.in the Link Room of Evans Library.