Stay in Honors. Stay happy.

HOW DO I START MY RESEARCH AND MY

CAPSTONE PROJECT OR THESIS?

Studies shows that students who engage in Undergraduate Research are more likely to…

Stay enrolled, do better academically, and graduate.

Create relationships with faculty, researchers and administrators.

Participate in other opportunities (scholarships, internships, awards, leadership positions, etc.).

Be better prepared for graduate school and the job market.

WHY UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH?

All these benefits will be yours, because:

Undergraduate research is one of the most important aspects of your

Honors Career, and the Honors Capstone Project or Thesis must be

completed to earn the Honors Diploma.

An overwhelming majority of graduating Honors Students (about 85%) report that completing

the Honors Capstone Project or Thesis was very rewarding and that they were very proud of their

work.

PLUS IT IS FUN!

FUN ZONE: VIDEO TIME

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73nzMbMDOiw

Most important document to guide you is the Honors Capstone Project Handbook.

Available on the left navigation bar on the Honors College Website (uah.edu/honors).

First big decision:

Project or Thesis?

HONORS CAPSTONE PROJECT OR THESIS:

WHERE TO BEGIN?

A thesis consists of extensive research process that results in a lengthy, well written, and thoroughly researched paper. You can think of it either as an extended term paper, a very extensive lab report, or as a small version of a Master’s Thesis. You can write a thesis in any field, from philosophy to biology to nursing practice to thermodynamics to music theory and so on.

PROJECT OR THESIS?

A project consists of more “hands-on” activities, even though these hands-on activities typically grow from an extensive knowledge base. Examples: A new computer program The design of a new piece of equipment or technology Devising, implementing, and evaluating a new clinical or

educational practice A collection of short stories, poetry, or other literary

creation An art installation, musical composition, or direction of a

theatrical production Devising a business plan or creating a marketing and

advertising campaign.

The project still involves a written component, usually much shorter than the writing involved in the thesis.

PROJECT OR THESIS?

Decide what you want to do for your Capstone. Your Capstone does not need to be in your field!

Find a Project Director. You may have already worked with this person, or they may be teaching the course you will use for your thesis.

Decide which course you will use. You can use a course in which you are already enrolled. If no course presents itself for your thesis, you can sign up for HON 499 – Honors Thesis. If you need to use HON 499, be sure to contact the Honors College Coordinator to establish a section of this course for you.

Fill out Honors Capstone Proposal Form Do the work. Plan to spend at least a semester doing this

work. Frequently, you may use work you have already begun and adapt it into a thesis. Often, the thesis work may take more than one semester.

Submit your project and the proper paperwork.

BASIC STEPS IN CAPSTONE PROCESS

It’s never too early to start.

You can adapt and build on work or research you did for a previous course.

You can take advantage of opportunities like RCEU or work you are already doing with faculty.

Research can be done over the summer or during a semester and then written up later. It can be a long process.

Some students will wait to use senior design or senior research courses for their Capstone. If you do this, remember you must do extra work to make it Honors.

WHEN?

1. What makes me nervous about the Honors Capstone?

2. What makes me excited about the Honors Capstone?

3. What don’t I know about the Capstone that I need to know?

4. Why does the Honors College insist on a a Capstone?

5. Why is the Capstone important to me?

6. What are some more resources I may need to do my Capstone?

GROUP QUESTIONS: WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW?

Research & Creative Experience for Undergraduates (RCEU) All fields of study/PAID $3,200 stipendMajors requiring research project or capstone (Psychology,

Earth System Science, Chemistry, etc.)More than 25 Academic Student Organizations on CampusSpace Hardware Club, The Writer’s Block,

Robotics/Unmanned Systems Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Steel Bridge Team, Lunar Rover Team, Concrete Canoe Team, Green Club, Electric Vehicle Team, etc.

Public History Program (Historic preservation)Co-op and Internship programs (Research Park, NASA, etc.)Boeing Business Challenge/SAIC Case Competition ($ prizes),

etc.NSF REU Sites (UAH and all USA)

OTHER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES THAT CAN LEAD TO UNDERGRAD

RESEARCH

Undergraduate Research Coordinator

He can help you with:• Finding research programs both

on- and off-campus,• Explaining opportunities on

previous slide,• Selecting a thesis or project

topic,• Strategies for contacting a

thesis or project mentor,• Creating a timeline for your

research/project and capstone,• Applying for scholarships and

fellowships,• Getting involved with academic

clubs on campus,• Finding publication and

presentation opportunities

I CAN HELP YOU

Creating your research design

Finding & Analyzing information

Navigating IRB (If you need too)

Navigating the publishing and presenting process