Exploring Academic Connections and Campus Engagement: Pondering Over the Princeton Students Who Champion Research Collaboration
The Princeton Undergraduate Research (OUR) blog is a vibrant platform where students can share their research experiences and insights, fostering a community of scholarly exchange. Since its inception in September 2014, the blog has been a testament to the university's commitment to undergraduate research.
The focus of the OUR blog is on students writing for the community, as demonstrated by the model of supportive peer review. It encourages attention to research across disciplines and creative manifestations that expand students' view of what research could be.
One of the unique aspects of the OUR blog is its emphasis on starting with individual experience and seeking to expand out to share why unique experiences connect to others before and after. This approach has resonated with a broad audience, whether in academia, journalism, or the private sector.
The blog has been enriched by contributions from numerous individuals, including Melissa Parnagian '17, Senior Manager for Player Programs and Culture Initiatives at the National Hockey League, who organised the first seasonal series, "The Project That Made Me A Researcher," to highlight unique experiences that contribute to an academic legacy.
Nicholas Wu '18, a congressional reporter for Politico, found valuable experience in writing about complex issues for a broader audience on the OUR blog. Stacey Huang '16, Assistant Research Scientist for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and University of Maryland Baltimore County, found science communication important and was excited by the opportunity to engage in another outlet on the OUR blog. Stacey Huang's blog post on imposter syndrome in 2016 is still in the top 15 most viewed posts.
Alec Getraer '19, a doctoral student in earth sciences at Dartmouth University, found the OUR blog an exciting way to share authentic student experiences, both the successes and challenges. Peer feedback and revision are key to successful research communication, as demonstrated by Alec's experience on the OUR blog.
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) newsletter highlights recent posts by authors of the blog each month. Princeton first-years through juniors are encouraged to apply to join the OUR blog next fall. For formal application procedures, you may need to check Princeton University's specific undergraduate research office or the blog's hosting department webpage. These offices often provide detailed instructions for first-years through juniors on how to submit blog posts or join writing teams, frequently involving a statement of interest in research, a sample of writing or preliminary research work, and possibly recommendations from faculty mentors.
Dr. Amanda Irwin Wilkins, co-founder of the OUR blog and director of the Princeton Writing Program, emphasizes the empowering collective nature of the blog. Listening to others' perspectives is relevant to Melissa's work with the NHL, as it involves learning about players' stories and using their platforms to support off-ice causes.
In summary, the OUR blog is a student-driven research sharing platform, and while there are no exact steps provided in the available results, the pathway to join would likely require demonstrated research experience and an interest in contributing, aligned with Princeton’s strong emphasis on undergraduate research. For precise application details, you should consult official Princeton undergraduate research resources or contact the Pace Center for Civic Engagement or the department managing undergraduate research communications.
The OUR blog, a testament to Princeton's commitment to undergraduate research, encourages students to write about their unique research experiences, fostering personal growth through learning, education-and-self-development, and fostering a community of scholarly exchange. Peer feedback and revision, integral parts of successful research communication, are emphasized in the blog, promoting personal growth and writing program skills.
