APSU Mondays: Students assist in Puerto Rico forest, math major joins NAS research
Here's the latest news from Austin Peay State University.
Students, staff work to sustain Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest
Students and staff recently had the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico and volunteer with El Yunque National Forest as part of the university’s Alternative Break Program.
Participants in the weeklong trip volunteered with Love in Motion and the forest operations team in addition to exploring the island.
Love in Motion is a nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by the Local Guest Team, a San Juan, Puerto Rico-based company dedicated to providing sustainable tourism experiences to both foreign and local travelers.
The organization was born during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico to rebuild and bring relief to communities in need. Volunteers assisted with trail maintenance and helped the Forest Operations team with trash removal and upkeep of different recreation sites.
“Going to Puerto Rico was a trip I will never forget,” said student Shauna Caddell. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience where I was able to immerse myself in a new culture while also helping the people in the local community.”
The alternative break trips and other volunteer-based programs are hosted through the Community Engagement & Sustainability Department.
Development center to offer medical assistant class
The Professional and Workforce Development Center is partnering with ProTrain this fall to offer a medical assistant class, which will prepare students for the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Medical Assistant Certification (CCMA) exam.
Classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 19 through Jan. 11, 2024, at the Sundquist Science Complex. Tuition is $3,394 and includes all necessary books, materials and an exam voucher. Affordable financing options are available to make the course accessible to a wider range of students.
Graduates of this class will be equipped to assist physicians with examinations and treatments, take medical histories, perform diagnostic tests, expose X-ray films, sterilize instruments and supplies, assist with minor surgery and administer medications.
Those interested in enrolling or learning more can contact ProTrain at info@ProTrainEdu.org or 904-513-1142. Additional details are available on Austin Peay State University's website.
Math major excels in National Science Foundation research
Christine Jator, a junior mathematics major, has spent her summer researching how evictions impact vulnerable populations through a nationally recognized data science program in Dallas, Texas.
The National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at Southern Methodist University (SMU) is well-known for its data science program, making it a prime destination for passionate students. Very few are accepted into the program, but Jator was admitted for the summer.
REU provides the students with professional data science experience as they conduct research. Students are assigned a team with an SMU faculty member guiding their research.
The program runs from June 5 through July 28. Participating students live on campus and spend their time learning to research topics, collect data and use it to offer insights into societal issues. Jator and her group are specifically looking into evictions and how they affect surrounding neighborhoods.
Throughout her time at SMU, Jator is learning what being a professional in data science includes. She said the program has given her new insights into the field.
The students participating in the REU are researching real questions that can help improve lives. For Jator and her team, that means using census information to identify trends and other observations in the Dallas area. Jator will continue working with her research team until late July before returning to campus this fall.
College of Business engages students with integrated research projects
The College of Business is seeing an increased interest in student research opportunities, resulting in intentional investments to integrate research into the student experience.
Madeline Etherton, a junior business major, recently collaborated with Dr. Dennis Pearson, associate professor of economics, for a multi-year immersive experience in academic research. Their collaboration led to the presentation of a working paper at the Society of Business, Industry, and Economics (SOBIE) conference in Destin, Florida, culminating in an academic publication.
“By engaging in research, such as Madeline and I did, students foster their sense of creativity, instilling an entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic, all of which are invaluable traits in the business community,” Pearson said. “It ultimately enhances their academic achievements and serves as a step towards becoming future leaders and change-makers in the corporate landscape.”
Etherton’s experience is part of an intentional investment made by the College of Business to fulfill its mission – helping students explore their passions to prepare them to compete in a global economy. Last year, 19 students presented at academic conferences, and that number will continue to increase as the college integrates research as a core component of the student experience.
APSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from APSU News and Communications department.
This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: APSU Mondays: Students assist Puerto Rico forest, NSF research joined
