Incorporating Research into the Curriculum at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions

Doing research with undergraduates at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions [PUIs] comes with its own set of challenges. Aside from the financial constraints there are issues of large teaching loads, students who are only able to do research for a year or a semester, no research space, or often very limited equipment. This symposium focuses on engaging research at PUIs. A range of research projects carried out at PUIs will be presented along with a piece of each talk being dedicated to unique ways issues specific to that institution have been overcome. While the research is important and will be presented, the additional focus on how various people deal with some of these challenges will also be presented. Specific topics that will be incorporated include finding projects that align with current on-site equipment, fitting into or around an undergraduate curriculum, funding for the research, strategies to incorporate underrepresented students, involving students who maintain part- or even full-time employment to afford their education, etc. Various research and strategies that have been successful for both private and public institutions will be presented.