Within the University of Louisville’s (LEARN, strategy 2, action 1) the was established to provide a resource for all undergraduate students to participate in at least one external learning experience by graduation. The center’s new specifically considers unpaid opportunities within 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government organizations, and provides an avenue for students to apply for funding in the form of a stipend received via their financial aid. This means experiential learning need not be limited to paid positions, and that students can more likely have their practical needs met while working and learning in their preferred environment.

“Research shows that students who participate in engaged learning have a better understanding of the classroom material, gaining real-world applications of what they’re learning,” said Gail DePuy, senior vice provost who oversees the program. “Research also shows these students often have higher GPAs and higher likelihoods of graduating. Not only is WINGS beneficial to the student, but also to the community, as our talented and energetic students have a lot they can now give to these non-profit organizations.”

Erica Gabbard, director of experiential learning, noted that many nonprofits might not advertise for an internship if they do not have the funds. However, if a student is able to approach them with interest and having the option to apply for financial support from WINGS, more possibilities could become available. The experience also does not need to be directly related to the student’s major; they can apply for support to investigate other areas of interests beyond their particular school.

“We will continue to develop additional programs in the future, all in line with the mission to incentivize and support students toward engaged learning,” said Gabbard. “We want to create a culture in which students are choosing to attend UofL because of the abundance of these opportunities.”

For questions, details and to apply to the WINGS program see the �ǰ���email the Center for Engaged Learning.

The CEL was created to help meet the goals of UofL’s 2019-2022 strategic plan, which emphasizes the importance of investing in student success beyond the classroom.

“New facilities, innovative programs as well as exciting and strategic goals for our future all point to a university that is thriving,” said UofL Interim President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “As a Great Place to Learn, UofL prepares students for success here and beyond. We accomplish this by supporting the whole student through transformative, purpose-driven and engaged learning.”

“Engaged learning is an active process in which students apply their knowledge to real-world experiences using inquiry, critical thinking, active exploration and reflection thereby expanding their employability skills,” said Interim Vice Provost for Engaged Learning Gail DePuy. “We are excited to mark the opening of this wonderful new space on campus which will provide our students with opportunities to expand their learning beyond the traditional classroom.”

DePuy said the goal is that all students will have the opportunity to complete at least one engaged learning activity such as an internship, undergraduate research, community-based learning or study abroad experience before they graduate. To meet that goal, the CEL will both facilitate students’ access to existing opportunities through the university career centers, international center and office of community engagement as well as grow available undergraduate research opportunities and engaged learning activities incorporated in coursework.

The CEL is not just a resource for students. Community and industry partners often ask UofL for guidance on the best types of students (majors, talents, etc.) for their internship positions and what are best practices for a meaningful engaged learning experience for both the student and the business. To capitalize on the CEL’s potential to strengthen UofL’s ties to the community, the CEL will assemble an advisory board composed of local community organizations, economic development representatives, industry partners and nonprofits.

“We need hands-on, real-world experience to be fully ready for life after college, and employers expect us to have this type of experiential learning before they make job offers to new graduates,” said UofL Student Government Association President Dorian Brown. “Thanks to the strategic plan’s Great Place to Learn committees for getting this project off the ground and the university leadership for making the CEL a reality.”

As a participant, Cicha is one of 18 undergraduate students taking part in the 10-week funded research experience, directed by UofL’s and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity. She says the program has given her a new level of research independence.

“This summer I have much more control over the study design and analysis of the data than I’ve had on previous projects,” she said.

Ray Yeager, assistant professor, Department of Environmental Medicine, is Cicha’s mentor. He says programs like SROP help undergraduate students build research understanding while also leading them toward more informed choices about research as a career path and future graduate schools.

“It is fundamentally different than sitting in class since you are participating in real research,” he said.

The Summer Research Opportunity Program offers participants a living allowance of $3,500 for the 10 weeks, plus their mentors receive $500 to support student research projects. Students identify a research mentor who provides them with an individualized research project. They also benefit from group seminars on research and graduate education topics. To participate, students need to have completed their second year of undergraduate education.

“I’m a big fan of SROP because it is crucial for equity,” said Yeager, who is now in his third year of providing SROP student mentorship. “If someone is from a disadvantaged background, they can’t just go volunteer with a lab for the summer. Because this is a funded program it gives students who otherwise would have to work the opportunity to focus on research.”

Yeager adds that the program is beneficial for undergraduates with a variety of future goals, pointing out that students don’t have to desire a career in research to gain value from things like understanding data analytics and other important aspects of research.

For Ethan Mills, a biology major with plans to become a trauma or critical care physician, the summer experience is helping develop essential character traits of “discipline, patience and the ability to achieve goals with a team. My critical thinking skills also have greatly improved while designing experiments and fixing issues as they arise,” he said.

Mills is taking part in work that includes purifying hemoglobin from swine red blood cells, and then conducting experiments with the blood. He’s participating in research within the lab of Michael Menze, professor, Department of Biology, and associate dean of research and innovation, College of Arts and Sciences. The lab hopes to develop a freeze-dried red blood cell product that would extend the shelf life of transfusible units and allow red blood cells to be stored at room temperature.

The soon-to-be fourth-year biology student says he appreciates the wisdom Menze imparted to him this summer.

“He has taught me the importance of maintaining a positive attitude despite setbacks, and carefully planning experiments before beginning them,” Mills said.  

Cicha also is learning time management, literature reviews and general best practices for the research world.

“In the future, I’d like to continue researching the environment, specifically climate change and solutions in that realm. This program is greatly helping me to shape those plans, as I’m able to experience what it’s like presenting and reporting on my findings,” Cicha said.

The SROP students, along with more than 80 additional undergraduate and graduate students taking part in summer research programs across UofL’s campuses, will present their findings in the Research Showcase on Aug. 5 at the Kosair Charities Clinical & Translation Research Building.

“I think SROP is a unique experience that UofL offers undergraduates. It’s great to be paired with someone who genuinely cares about the next generation of scientists and to meet other students with similar life goals,” Cicha said.

Here is Cicha talking about her summer research experience: