- Skeletal Biology
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Annamaria is a senior majoring in criminology and anthropology who graduated in June. Her research was in skeletal biology with Dr. Sam Stout of anthropology. She will be starting a career in forensics using the knowledge and skills she obtained through undergraduate research.
How did you become involved in research?
I became involved in research through the encouragement and interaction with the anthropology faculty. I took a forensic anthropology class with Dr. Sam Stout, and he strongly encouraged students to become involved in their fields of interest, whatever they may be. Since my interest was in forensic anthropology, I asked if he needed any assistance with his research. Not only has Dr. Stout allowed me to work with him on his research and taught me valuable techniques in forensic anthropology, he has also encouraged me to start my own research which I have presented at the Ohio State Denman Forum as well as the Poster on the Hill Program in Washington, DC, to various members of Congress. It was through the open doors and opportunities that the faculty of the anthropology department presented to its students that I was able to become involved in research.
How did you find this research topic?
Through my training with Dr. Sam Stout, I became more and more familiar with skeletal biology, more specifically histology of bone. Dr. Stout and I sat down to brainstorm some ideas for my research, and he mentioned microscopic differences he has noticed in human and animal bone through his years of experience looking at bone under a microscope. I took that idea and ran with it, coming up with a research design and executing it under his guidance. It was through Dr. Stout’s training that I found my niche in the research world and will soon be able to apply it to the forensic world.
What have been the benefits of participating in research?
The benefits of participating in research are numerous. First, it allows you to gain a relationship with an advisor or faculty who can teach you skills that you can take with you to the job market or graduate school. Research also allows you to take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to hands on learning and, because of this, the knowledge you gain really sticks with you even after the class has ended. Research can also lead to publications, which can give you a stronger resume when entering the job market or submitting graduate school applications if you choose to continue your schooling. Also, when you work with faculty, it opens the doors for networking, allowing students to get a head start in their careers (which can start when they decide to participate in research). However, above all of these benefits, you can discover if this research or field is something you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. If it is, the experience can bring you so much pride and happiness to know you found something you won’t mind waking up everyday to do. Getting the chance to dip your feet into something you might consider doing in the future is invaluable and I think every student should seek out research in any field until they find something that makes them happy.
What advice would you give to current undergraduates who want to get involved in research?
The best advice I can give is something they tell students their first day on campus: go to class, take notes, and most importantly get to know your professors.I know it sounds cliché but your professors are there to help you and guide you. Don’t be afraid to go to their office hours, ask them for advice, or ask if they need help with any of their research. They are really the door to the professional world. Also, talk to your teaching assistants because most of them are in graduate school and would love it if undergraduates were there to lessen the load in their research. And yes, you may start off doing “little” jobs but those are the type of jobs that teach you the skills you need to build your own research on. After all, everyone starts there. The options and opportunities are limitless but it’s up to a student to go out and get them.
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