research papers for graduate students

Journal of Student Research

Journal of Student Research (JSR) is an Academic, Multidisciplinary, and Faculty-reviewed Journal (Houston, Texas) devoted to the Rapid Dissemination of Current Research Published by High School Edition , Undergraduate and Graduate students.

Articles Indexed in Scholarly Databases

The journal seeks articles that are novel, integrative, and accessible to a broad audience, including an array of disciplines. The content of the journal ranges from Applied research to Theoretical research. In general, papers on all topics are welcome to submit. The journal uses an automated process from manuscript submission to publication. Manuscript submission, peer review, and publication are all handled online, and the journal automates all clerical steps during peer review.

Trusted By Student Authors Globally

Focus and Scope

Students strive to be successful at publications, and with JSR, authors aspiring to publish will receive scholarly feedback after the reviews of their submissions are received. This feedback will help authors identify areas of improvement to their submission and help them better understand the process to be successful at publication. Once published, we strive to provide a global platform for our authors to showcase their work.

Faculty-Refereed Review Process

This journal uses a double-blind review, which means that both the reviewer and author identities are concealed from the reviewers, and vice versa, throughout the review process. Authors need to ensure that their manuscripts do not give away their identity to facilitate this. To find out more about the review process, please visit the  Author Guidelines  page. We invite teachers and faculty interested in reviewing articles for this journal; please visit our  Reviewers  page for more information.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides access to its published content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. Learn more about  Open Access .

Authors Retain Copyright

Articles published in this journal are under a  Creative Commons License , and the authors retain the copyright to their work.

Announcements

Call for papers: volume 13 issue 3.

If you are an undergraduate or graduate student at a college or university aspiring to publish, we are accepting submissions. Submit Your Article Now!

Deadline: 11:59 p.m. May 31, 2024

Home > Graduate College > Student Work > Graduate Research Papers

Graduate Research Papers

The Graduate Research Paper/Project is a non-thesis paper/project, which can be considered the capstone of the graduate program. For the paper, students synthesize information they have learned throughout the program and apply it to the field experience. There are some papers/projects in this collection that were done for specific classes within the graduate curriculum. To view the Award Winners , click here .

Browse Graduate Research Paper/Project by academic department :

College of Education

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Psychology, Foundations, and Leadership Studies
• Health, Recreation, and Community Services
• Kinesiology
• School of Kinesiology, Allied Health and Human Services

College of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences

• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Communication and Media
• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Languages and Literatures
• Science Education Program

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

• Social Work

Browse Graduate Research Papers by year of completion :

Submissions from 2024 2024

Where are the Girls in Young Adult Sports Fiction Books? , Sara Stark Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Submissions from 2023 2023

An Analysis of a Multigenerational Workforce , Paula F. Atkins Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

An Analysis of Sex Trafficking Support Services in Mental Health Care for Survivors , Darian Marie Alexandria Auge Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Bat Boy: A Novel for Grades 3-6 , Ryan Basye Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Assessing Policy Implementation In The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs: A Case-By-Case County Analysis , Dylan Boles Open Access Graduate Research Paper

¿Adónde ir? Los efectos perpetuos de la formación "inexistente" para maestros de inmersión lingüística , Cody J. Boozell Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Diversity in Collections Utilizing Accelerated Reader Programs , Leah Cahill Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Tolerance Allocation Considering Multiple Phases of the Product Life Cycle for Optimum Cost, Performance, and Sustainability Using the HEIM Framework , Shravya Dorna Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Parent perceptions of support from the school library , Heather Garrett Open Access Graduate Research Paper

No One Will Love You If You Are Fat , Mary Lynn Gerzema Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Aligned 3rd Grade Weather Unit , Jennifer Hageman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Digital Marketing as Best Practice for Fundraising and Donor Loyalty , Jake Hennes Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Development and Implementation of a NGSS Curriculum Unit for Astronomy in Ninth-Grade Earth and Space Science , Jessica Hughes Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Motivations and Execution of Corporate Charitable Giving , Matthew Richard Johnson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Communicating Emotions Through Art and Conversation , Paige E. Kayvan, Samantha R. Doyle, Payton Cannon, and Traci Jolley Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The Impact of Summer Camps on the Perceptions of Individuals with Disabilities and Their Support Systems , Sally Krull Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Failure to Thrive: Exploring the Relationship Between Organizational Resilience, COVID-19, and The Great Resignation , Tyler R. Lanz Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The Influence of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors in a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) Program and Its Effects on Urban and Rural Demographics as a Long-Term Solution for Community Cat Management , Hannah E. Litke Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Research Portfolio , JuanDaniel Lopez Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Read the Feed: Evaluating the Role of an Interactive Infant Feeding Simulator on Demonstrated Feeding Skills , Sarah MacDougall, Kelsey Feller, and Alyssa Mason Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

The Impact of Philanthropic Stewardship on Distributions from Donor Advised Funds , Elizabeth Messerli Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Promoting Social-Emotional Development in Elementary Children Through the Use of Quality Picture Books: A Content Analysis , Shauna Mostek Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Matching the Art with Science: Best Practices for Major Gift Programs , Andrew Peter Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

How Women Are Changing Philanthropy in the United States , Katrina M. Pipasts Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Latino/a First Generation College Students: Academic Success, Sense of Belonging, and Overall Well-Being , Alma Puga Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

White Saviorism and the Nonprofit Sector , Candice Revita-Ramirez Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Writing a Short Science Fiction Novel for Young Adults , Cheryl Robson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

What's Your Story? An Analysis of Video Storytelling for Nonprofit Organizations , Madeline Rummel Open Access Graduate Research Paper

An Analysis of Social Media Practices in the Nonprofit Field , Samantha Schupanitz Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Factors Influencing Participation in Collegiate Bands , Stephen Seaberg Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Fostering Post-Secondary Education Opportunities for Today's Foster Children , William Michael Smith Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Does systematic phonological awareness in the early primary grades impact student learning beyond primary grades , Renee Lyn Sorenson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Van Buren County Mothers as Readers and Role Models for Tomorrow’s Literate Children , Kristin Anne Steingreaber Open Access Graduate Research Paper

La Serva Padrona: Production Research and Design , Grace Sullivan Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Comparison of Load Balancing Algorithms in Cloud Computing , Rajkumar Vishnani Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Integrating a humanities and business education course: Issues, problems, and benefits , Rhea R. Walker Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using Fundraising Data Strategically in Nonprofit Organizations to Drive Relational Fundraising , Anna L. Warner Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Somewhere I Belong: An Assessment of Nonprofit Retention Initiatives Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion , Janessa Weightman Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

A Survey of Science and Social Studies Series Bibliographies , Carol Wolf Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Stereotypes of the Native American Found in Young Adult Literature , Kim D. Zelhart Open Access Graduate Research Paper

An Examination of the Criteria for the Iowa Children's Choice Award List , Jessica Zimmerman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Reading Interests and Attitudes of the Iowa Governor’s Summer Institute Participants, 1991 , Rosemary Cortright Zimmerman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

An Investigation of the Life and Times of John Locke Reflected in Selected Writings and Writers of Three Centuries , Ethel Doescher Zwanziger Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Submissions from 2022 2022

Building an understanding of the Common Core state standards and complex texts, while supporting upper elementary readers with complex text through shared reading , Joanna Mae Carlson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Identifying misconceptions about evolution relative to science curriculum exposure at the secondary level , Rachel Carney Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A historical analysis of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agencies (FEMA) response and recovery to Gulf Coast hurricane and other weather-related disasters , Lauren Marie Denning Open Access Graduate Research Paper

High school earth science students evaluating agricultural solutions , Jaclyn Citlali Sanchez Erickson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

An examination of the six roles of the dental hygienist in relation to the field dependence-field independence construct , Melanie R. Hamer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Relationship between decoding and writing with early readers: An action research study , Nicole M. Henningsen Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Vocabulary strategies in elementary science - A self-study , Katherine Hooey Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Partnership to grow effective readers: professional learning for interventionists and classroom teachers , Jennifer Lane Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teacher librarian influence on students' self-selection of books , Elizabeth A. Nelson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Portrayal of Native Americans and Native culture in children's picture books , Janace Nester Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Integrating the Next Generation Science Standards into a 9th grade physical science classroom using Newton's second law of motion , Chad Pietig Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Pleasure reading workshop: Meeting SEL competencies based on sustained (and maybe not so silent) reading , Lora Sink Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The influence of book talks on reader engagement in fourth grade students , Jennifer Smith Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Sustainability aspects of 3D printing , Subhashree Sundharram Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

A case study of the impact a pleasure reading curriculum has on students' passion for reading , Danielle M. Wolfe Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Hey! That's how I feel! A qualitative content analysis of anxiety in middle grade literature , Heather M. Wood Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Submissions from 2021 2021

Mental illness representation in young adult literature , Ashley Aberle Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Re-socialization within organizations: Examining the socialization and job satisfaction of employees following an organizational transition , Sloan T. Alberhasky Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Portrayal of characters with autism in picture books , Tara Amundson Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The impact of advocacy and social justice work on nonprofit funding and support , Brittany Appleton Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Analysis of assessments on secondary students' development and interpretation of models , Alaina L. Appley Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Impact of inquiry science courses on preservice elementary students' ideas on science , Lance Charles Baetsle Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Bias and barriers: An exploration of preventive measures to minimize the presence of Latinx professionals in postsecondary education , Janine Baeza Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

Teaching race through multicultural children's literature , Kaley Bailey and Maiya Duthoo-Wolpert Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The potential of affecting final potency of a poultry vaccine using Lean methodology , Amber Bergeson Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

A preferred vision for administering elementary schools : a reflective essay , Brenda M. Boleyn Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Examining diversity in the Iowa Goldfinch Award , Jill M. Doyle Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Creation and implementation of an integrated climate change curriculum centered on earth and life science standards , Katherine Eastin Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Best business practices in cause-related marketing , Anna Eiskamp Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

Impacts of evolving technology In nonprofits , Abby E. Engelberth Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The influence of book club conversations on reluctant or struggling readers , JaDee Jo Gloede Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Examining teacher librarians' impact on students' self-selection strategies , Sarah Gunsolley Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

New frameworks for fundraising in performing arts nonprofits: trust, commitment, and utility as donor motivation , Evan Hilsabeck Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

The portrayal of fathers in children's literature , Kate A. Hite Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Inspiring students to take action in order to make positive change through the integration of social studies themes in children's literature , Morgan Ives, Taylor Marsho, Ashtyn Riley, and Deidra Rudd Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Accuracy of self-assessment in a ninth grade earth science classroom , Alyssa Jacobson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effects of stepwise guided inquiry on students' attitudes and depth of knowledge from written lab reflections in high school chemistry , Melissa Rae Campbell Johnson Open Access Graduate Research Paper 2022 Award

Abracadabra: Combatting Nonprofit Turnover When Your Staff Perform the Disappearing Act , Averi Gabrielle Jones Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Data-Driven Decision Making in Nonprofit Organizations , Amanda Kline Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The Process for Nonprofits and Foundations to Engage in Productive Partnerships , Anna McCutcheon Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Diverse representation within secondary-level state consortium-provided e-books , Jill McDonald Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Enhancing scientific literacy through attention to argumentation as a disciplinary literacy practice , Whitney McWilliams Open Access Graduate Research Paper

School speech-language pathologists' identification, use, and need of resources and materials , Emily Michael, Melissa Tranel, and Hannah Fahey Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Rising above the Stigma: Developing young leaders through Peer Mentoring , Shawn Miller Open Access Graduate Research Paper

What are the benefits and challenges of diversification of revenue for nonprofit organizations , Mckenzie Musser Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

A case study of the impact of teacher librarian collaboration in the instruction of information literacy and digital citizenship on student achievement in inquiry skills , Abby M. Mussmann Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

It's hard to lose: Embracing a place-based mindset and reculturing rural areas and students , Anthony T. Skip Olson Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Student access to school-based health care and the effects on academic achievement, behavior, and mental health , Brooke C. Olson Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The historical and cultural accuracy of the Japanese internment camps in children's literature , Zoey Perrigo Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Human impact on the environment: A middle school project based learning unit development , Shannon Power Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Development of a NGSS curriculum unit for periodic trends and properties in ninth-grade physical science , Amy L. Price Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Engaging Older Adults in Virtual Volunteering: Benefits and Barriers in Good and Trying Times , Theresa Price Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Portrayal of females in notable science trade books for children , Carolyn Proesch Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Model-based predictive controller design , Soheil Sadeghi Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Analysis of student perceptions on climate change in a rural Iowa school district , Tyler Scholl Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Nonprofit Crowdfunding Best Practices , Shelly Smith Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Immediate vs. deferred feedback during formative assessments in a 9th grade physical science course , Jordan Sonntag Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Examining the impact a teacher librarian has on students' self-selection strategies , Stefanie Throndson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Autoethnography on teaching during a pandemic , Kelsey Ufford Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Nonprofit fundraising: A look at effective employees’ participation , Moses A. Ulom Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Collaboration in a Crisis Management , Ann Wolf Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Exploring work environment standards in Saudi Arabia companies , Yousef Almalki Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Submissions from 2020 2020

Representation of Native peoples in picture books about Christopher Columbus: A literary analysis , Mari Butler Abry Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Elementary school library program integration with art, literacy, and STEAM through makerspaces , Kristi Baldwin Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Portrayal of characters with physical disabilities in picture books , Emily Biederman Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The Presentation of Race at Mark Twain Historical Sites in Hannibal, Missouri , Anthony Wayne Birch Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Disclosure of trans & gender variant identities by students to students , C. A. Brimmer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The impact of confidence-based marking on unit exam achievement in a high school physical science course , Casey Clark Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using mentor texts to enhance the teaching of reading comprehension and writing , Alexandra Jordyn Cushman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Portrayal of Diverse Family Structures in Children's Literature , Beth Grafft Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of educational attainment of state legislators on state appropriations to public higher education , Nathan J. Gruber Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The impact of the use of mobile computing on vocabulary learning in the language classroom , Lorena Harger Open Access Graduate Research Paper

An analysis of learning targets on summative assessments in a high school chemistry course , Mark R. Hennessy Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

De Vos a Tú: Acomodación lingüística y actitudes lingüísticas en estudiantes internacionales de Centroamérica en los Estados Unidos = De Vos a Tú: linguistic accommodation and language attitudes among Central American international students in the United States , Jose Salinas Herrera Open Access Graduate Research Paper 2021 Award

Characterizing protagonists in graphic novels for teens , Danielle Lahr Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using adapted primary science literature to enhance argumentation and reasoning skills in middle school students , Betsy Wiederin Lemus Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Clinical outcomes of orofacial myofunctional therapy in children without concurrent orthodontia , Julia Logan Open Access Graduate Research Paper 2021 Award

Portrayal of immigration in fiction for grades 4-6 , Melissa N. Marwedel Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Issues of accessibility in victim services for survivors with disabilities: an agency assessment , Sara Naughton Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Three cases of makerspace integration in school library programs in conjunction with district initiatives: Literacy, design thinking, and STEAM , Sara Pflughaupt Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Influence of book clubs on reading motivation for third through fifth grade students , Allyson Reister Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Trauma in children's literature , Kyra Ross Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The Trump Administration: Government secrecy, bureaucracy, and democracy , Logan J. Santel Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Utilizing pre-laboratory strategies in a high school chemistry classroom to improve performance on guided inquiry labs , Jacquelyn Schmitt Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

An analysis of ADHD in middle grade and young adult literature , Sydney Schuler Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Representation of LGBTQ characters in 2019 young adult literature , Janelle M. Snyder Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Gazing at scattered stars: Immigration through the lens of elementary graphic literature , Jennifer K. Stanerson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The digital bridge to campus: Mass communication and graduate student enrollment decisions , Ashley Stoppel Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Making the water cycle accessible and relevant for English language learners , Summer Teed Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Three cases of makerspace integration in school library programs in conjunction with district initiatives: STEAM, design thinking, and literacy , Lisa Tegels Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Identification of trends in scientific communication by minority students in an integrated and advanced ninth grade science curriculum , Loren Thalacker Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Culture in transitional chapter books: Assimilation or inclusion , Jeanette P. White Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Submissions from 2019 2019

Communicating about being parents in the workplace , Ruqayah Almuzayn Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teacher perceptions of understaffed school libraries , Amanda Bonjour Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effect of gamification on student motivation , David A. Brahn Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The effects of gamification on student engagement and motivation , Sara Butcher Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Computer science is elementary: Comprehensive plan for computer science implementation at the elementary level , Erin Chute Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using critical literacy and emotionally responsive teaching to discuss racism in a literature circle unit , Autumn Rose Den Boer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Student engagement within the use of graphic novels , Melissa Felsenthal Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A Feasibility Study on Utilizing Data Science as an Advanced Lean Manufacturing Tool in the Biopharma Manufacturing Sector , Tanya Heerts Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Best practices in assessment and evaluation of literacy at the secondary level , Meaghan Kathleen Johnson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using NGSS phenomena as a formative assessment to measure understanding of science concepts in a ninth grade physical science classroom , Keith Richard Kohl Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Design of an Arduino Based Smart Home System , Qi Lu Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Is there a correlation between oral reading rate and social conversational speaking rate? , Sarah C. Mason Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Portrayal of females in agriculturally themed children's books , Malinda Mick Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The effects of a makerspace curriculum on the 4C's in education , Staci Novak Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of text-to-speech on students with reading disabilities , Melissa Oberembt Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Data Analytics of Job Market Requirements for Technology Related Doctoral Degrees , Sidra Meo Rajput Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The Representation of Controversial Materials in Middle School Library Collections in Iowa , Danielle Ramsey Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effect of digital game-based learning on student learning: A literature review , Katrina Serrano Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effective professional development design , Katie Stull Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The effectiveness of using intelligent tutoring systems to increase student achievement , Tedi Swanson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Supporting early social-emotional development with wordless picture books , Kayla E. Takatsuka Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The effects of computer coding on elementary students , Cassidy Winslow Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Submissions from 2018 2018

Capital Equipment Procurement Process and Integration Into Production , Mike A. Borwig Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Development of curriculum for Next Generation Science Standards in high school chemistry , Jennifer L. Brown Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teaching evolution and common ancestry with dissection, fossils and phylogeny , Nicolas A. Brown Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Parent perspectives on inclusive bookclubs , Amy Bucciferro Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Shift into ctrl: Integrating digital citizenship into high school freshman transition curriculum , Ellen Fairfield Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Blended learning and second language acquisition in the classroom , Victoria R. Hamilton Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Genetics unit lesson plan for the Next Generation Science Standards , Erin Hogan Open Access Graduate Research Paper 2020 Award

Embracing New Experiences: Young Adult Literature About the Immigrant Experience , Ashley Hoppenjan Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Thermopile Sensor Imaging System , Sumit Joshi Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Blended learning in credit recovery , Robin Kuhn Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Qualitative Study of Realistic Fiction Subject Headings in a Middle School Library , Kathleen Michaelson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Selecting a Software Development Methodology Based on Project Characteristics , Semir Music Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Exploring the effects of web-based parenting support on access to information and resources for rural families , Anne Plagge Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Improving Machine Utilization with RFID Technology During the Acquisition of a Large Capital Equipment Purchase , Richard Price Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The role of virtual environment and virtual reality for knowledge transfer , Michelle Rice Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Depression and Anxiety in Current Middle Grade Fiction: Finding Quality, Authentic Portrayals for Use in Bibliotherapy , Tonia Sandersfeld-Miller Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of a station-rotation model of blended learning on student engagement , Melinda Tremmel Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The eleven days of Christmas: an analysis of and conductor's guide to Alfred Reed's Russian Christmas Music , Logan Vander Wiel Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Information Literacy: Expectations of High School Students in Joint Enrollment Courses , Steven Witmer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Evaluation of a flipped classroom on student achievement in a low income school district , Michael Yeoman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Submissions from 2017 2017

Collaborative learning: Do two-stage quizzes positively affect students' perceptions of their understanding and achievement in high school physics? , Benjamin J. Arp Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Fluency and instruction in the elementary grades , Stacey Bakken Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Taking university business courses online: An instructional designer's perspective , Zachary P. Benton-Slocum Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Ultrasound simulators: Determining the simulator's role in diagnostic medical sonography programs , Lisa Bindert Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Developing writing prompt assessments for the next generation science standards: Physical science , Kristen Ann Birchard Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Vocabulary matters : why vocabulary instruction is important and how to implement quality instruction in preschool , Melanie Blocker Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Visual phonics : its impact as an instructional tool to promote literacy development in kindergarten students , Lori J. Bower Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Going 1:1 across the district , Kim Carlson Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

TPACK learning activity types for secondary computer science courses , Rebecca Carton Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Defying the odds: A research based reading program project guide , Megan Casey Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Understanding by Design approach to a Next Generation Science Standard in high school chemistry: Chemical reactivity , Jill Christofferson Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Invented spelling and its effect on kindergarten students' reading and writing abilities , Kelli A. Daly Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Examining student selection behaviors with library fiction collections , Katie Delaney Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using Google tools to enhance secondary writing instruction , Sarah Ebener Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The power of professional learning communities , Amanda Eller Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The value of inquiry-based science instruction for elementary students , Jessica Renae Enger Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Book selection approaches and the middle school student , Sara Fischer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A Comparison of Model-Based Design and Traditional 2D Engineering Drawings in Manufacturing Using Flowchart Analysis , Josh Gerbig Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Reading Aloud to Tweens and Teens to Create Empathy: A Functional Criteria , Elizabeth Good Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of blended learning on K-12th grade students , Laura Hesse Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Impact of family engagement on child outcomes in preschool , Kathryn S. Ingham Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of using technology to enhance and enrich music instruction , Megan L. Kannenberg Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Dungeons and Dragons and literacy: The role tabletop role-playing games can play in developing teenagers' literacy skills and reading interests , Stefanie L. B. Kaylor Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teacher librarians and technology leadership , Jennifer Kizer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of using digital tools to support writing in the ELL classroom , Katrina Lint Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Play-based early childhood classrooms and the effect on pre-kindergarten social and academic achievement , Amy McGinn Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The use of touchscreen devices to support writing development of preschoolers , Celeste Mortvedt Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Collaboration between School and Public Librarians , Elizabeth Pearson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

First year professional learning community implementation within the Marion High School Science Department , Madilyn M. Ramaekers Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Energy, matter, and change: A high school chemistry unit development , Allison Schipper Open Access Graduate Research Paper

An Investigation of Gasket Improvement in Vehicle Drivetrain Applications , Keith David Schrader Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

Strategies for integrating literacy into a science classroom , Michelle Seddon Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Development of a standards-based classroom for high school physics at Solon Community School District , Tim Sheeley Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Developing model identification skills in an advanced placement Physics 1 classroom , Ian Spangenberg Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Prep-kindergarten teachers' beliefs : basic skills versus child-centered orientation , Katie Stundahl Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Vocabulary development with instructional coaching support , Jessica L. Swaab Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Parent-child interaction : how it impacts language and literacy skills , Angie Thurman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Infant and toddler care , Maggie Trecker Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Technology and young children , Jamie Vircks Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Benefits of movement for academic achievement and classroom behaviors , Alison A. Waltz Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Recreational reading in secondary schools through book clubs , Briana White Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using the Next Generation Science Standards EQuIP Rubric: Evaluating a course in biomedical science , Brandon Yoder Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Submissions from 2016 2016

The effect of flipped instruction on student learning : perspectives from students and teachers , Britta Adams Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Fostering reading with a summer literacy unit for elementary students , Diane M. Bahrenfuss Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The use of meditation and yoga as a treatment tool for juvenile offenders in Residential Treatment Centers for relapse prevention , Danielle K. W. Ballard-Green Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The development and support of geometric and spatial concepts in preschool- and kindergarten-aged children , Laura J. Becker Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effective professional development for teachers : read-alouds in the middle level , Kelly Ann Behmer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of digital storytelling on student motivation and student engagement , Robyn Bredvick Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Effective Implementation of Lean Practices in a Secondary Educational for the Purpose of More Effectively Preparing Students for a Career in a Manufacturing Setting , Brandon Brooks Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Developing authentic summative assessments that correlate to the Next Generation Science Standards for a middle school science classroom , Nick Bushkofsky Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Increasing vocabulary and oral language skills of pre-K English language learners through shared storybook reading and take-home literacy bags , Angela Butler Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Supporting reading curriculum without restricting access to library materials: Resources for teacher librarians , Tricia Carty Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using interactive read-alouds to support students' comprehension , Emily D. Chaffin Open Access Graduate Research Paper

How can a child's fluency be improved and provide support for comprehension? , Sharon Marie Collins Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Fogging practices of Iowa counties for mosquito abatement , Alex Jay Davey Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Exploring effective classroom management techniques in a 1:1 classroom setting , Kenton Engels Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The impact of specific interventions on child engagement in a preschool classroom , Sarah Elizabeth Farber Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of using digital storytelling for fourth graders' literacy learning , Benjamin J. Feight Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Continuous Manufacturing Performance Improvement: An Investigation of Overall Equipment Effectiveness as a Valid Shop Floor Performance Evaluation Tool , Jeremy Joseph Fettkether Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of flipped learning on students in secondary education , Abigail M. Fish Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Word study and its importance to reading and writing in the primary classroom , Korie Frazier Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Female sexuality in current young adult literature , Joanna M. Freking-Smith Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Sign language in the preschool classroom : a self-study , DiAnna Geiger Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Readers' advisory program for non proficient readers , Lisa Gogel Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Make it so: Employing a multi-player starship bridge simulator in a military-based leadership course , Robert Green Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A unit design : learning to code with Finches , William V. Gruman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A selective annotated list of reading promotion events recommended for elementary students , Nicole Nadine Guldager Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A twist on happily ever after : Fractured fairy tales for young adults , Kathryn Hale Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Critical literacy and digital technology with a novel unit , Brandon Harrison Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Comparing of Distance Education and Traditional Education , Chuan He Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The use of mentor texts to teach writing in kindergarten, first and second grades , Mary Heeringa Open Access Graduate Research Paper

E-readers and struggling middle school readers , Abigail L. Hendrickson Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The impact of augmented reality on curriculum and training design , Destery K. Hildenbrand Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Content analysis of two libraries resources for supporting primary economics instruction , Lindsey J. Hilts Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Racial disparities among African Americans primarily in the criminal justice system and other areas in society , Juana D. Hollingsworth Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Enhancing student motivation and success in reading through learning clubs , Sarah Pamela Jackman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Strengthening early mathematics in early childhood classrooms : a professional development project , Jennifer Lynn Jansen Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Empowering elementary teachers to explore critical literacy through drama-based instruction , Courtney J. Jensen Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Utilizing local project experts to provide professional development for early childhood educators : a professional development project , Dawn Janette Johnson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Cinematherapy in gifted education identity development : integrating the arts through STEM-themed movies , Timothy Carl Kangas Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The attitudes of typically developing young children toward their peers with disabilities : a review of the literature , Sara Elizabeth Kayser Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Designing a self-directed gamified professional development course for technology integration , Rebecca J. Kinnander Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The design of a professional development program for technology integration , Dana M. Lampe Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The rise of close reading , Jayne E. Larsen Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Changing early intervention provider practices to a coaching model through self-study and distance mentoring model : family-guided routines-based interventions and the key indicators , Cindy Lefeber Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Robotic High Precision Gaging Process , Andrew Leinen Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Online audiobook reference guide for Iowa elementary school librarians , Kerry LeWarne Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Green Supply Chain Management , Ravi Teja Marneni Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Makerspaces and the Iowa Core: Connections in a high school library , Tracie Marshall Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The advantages and disadvantages of school- and center-based preschool programs : implications for early childhood policy , Christy Martin Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Methods for Supporting 21st Century Learning in School Library Spaces , Ashley McGrath Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using digital writing tools in supporting student writing , Sarah McKee Open Access Graduate Research Paper

After-school success: Associations between youth participants and youth outcomes , Dana Miller Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Sound : the study of differentiating pitch and volume with preschoolers , Jennifer Lyn Miller Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effects of gamification on motivation and engagement in secondary curriculum , Matthew J. Molumby Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effect of serious gaming on elementary student learning , Amanda Moritz Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Self-study of one to one reading conferences in a third grade setting , Angel Munson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Robotics in the classroom: The effectiveness of robotics based curriculum in STEM education , Mark Nall Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Gender stereotypes in children's literature , Christine C. Nebbia Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Six Sigma Research Project: Loss of Hydraulic Fixture Pressure , Tyler Neigum Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Differentiated reading instruction through guided reading : a framework for effective reading instruction in the primary grades , Kara L. Neville Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A professional development plan to increase student motivation through the analysis of three motivational components : student, teacher, and accountability measures , Ashley Ann Oleson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using sign language in the infant room , Sara Paar Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A Picture Book Biography of Jessie Field Shambaugh , Kimberly Peterson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Adjusting Production Processes for Use in Engineering and Testing Environments , Jordan Proctor Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Manual Versus Automated Drawing Checking: A Case Study , Thirupathi Reddygari Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The need for a teacher librarian to take a leadership role in the implementation of supplemental reading program initiatives to achieve desired student outcomes , Mindy M. Reimer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Exposure therapy discontinuation among Iraq War veterans , Kendra Renner Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The Use of Minecraft as an Educational Tool to Improve Student Performance in the Classroom , James Roberts Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The transition of flipped instruction : from professional development to classroom , Alison J. Sauter Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A New Vision for a 6-12 Library Science Curriculum , Jacqueline Leigh Seidl Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Outsourcing Effect on Product Quality , Hasudin Siljkovic Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

What relationship between preschool class sizes and student behaviors do teachers report? , Lindsey Steen Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A journey of designing and beta-testing a game-based unit , Renee E. Thomas Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using running records data in planning for literacy instruction , Tabitha A. Waltz Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using comprehensive literacy instructional modules for literacy instruction with students with disabilities , Amanda M. Wasylik Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Small-Scale Enterprises Supply Chain Lean Conversion , Jianhua Xu Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Impact of problem based learning on teaching light to middle school science students , Stephanie Yager Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Corner Case Strategy and Its Application in Medical Device Design Verification: A Case Study with Syringe Break Loose and Expulsion Force Testing , Xin Zhang Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Extending mathematic learning beyond the classroom through online discussion and reflection , Linsey Zimmerman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Submissions from 2015 2015

Osteoporosis in older Saudi women: A perspective study , Zahra Saeed Alfaraj Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Alternative therapy for sickle cell disease , Huda Alsultan Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The 21st century school teacher librarian: Trends in the Iowa school library survey data over the last decade , Emily Baltes Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Active landing velocity: "pawing motion" , Erin Dean Blind Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The return on investment from comprehensive worksite health promotion programs , Kayla Nicole Blocker Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The downside of being up: The blight of the nonprofit pedestal , Jamie Branch Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Instruction and standards-referenced grading in a 9th grade conceptual physics classroom , John C. Chai Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Closing the knowledge gap between virtual design and product manufacturing : using 3D printing for the ninth grade , Jeremiah D. Cooper Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The 1930s: The Great Depression and beyond ; an annotated bibliography , Tydra Corbin Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The impact of school library circulation policy change: A case study , Kristen Downes Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

On the Prediction of the Peak Demand of Electrical Energy Use , Mahmoud Elbokl Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Middle school leisure reading selection: Influences during selection and implications for school library programs , Jessica A. Elliot Open Access Graduate Research Paper

An annotated bibliography of materials recommended for middle school classrooms regarding the multiple perspectives on the causes of the American Civil War , Emma Folland Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Coaching stances : changing practice through self-reflection , Patricia D. Foster Open Access Graduate Research Paper

ELA teacher perceptions of the school librarian's role in standards implementation , Franny Frey Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Genrifying the school library's fiction collection , Andrea Hora Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The use of marketing in nonprofit organizations , Elizabeth Kehret Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using a 5E learning cycle to adapt a college physics instructional unit for high school , Stacia Marie Kelly Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Best Practices for Adoption of an Inquiry Learning Model in K-5 Education , Michelle M. Kruse Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The inclusion of engineering design into the high school biology curriculum , Cody D. LaKose Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Examining variations in technology use for K-12 students of different gender and socioeconomic status , Nikki Lyons Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Bearing Endplay Verification: Oscillation Analysis , Nathan Madoerin Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Generational characteristics: How do we all play together , Jessica L. Malcheff Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The Role of Importance of Right Goals Setting in Developing the Company's Financial , Seyed Nazar Mousavi Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effective professional development for elementary teachers : creating dialogic classrooms to improve reading comprehension , Amanda J. Mroch Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Poverty and homelessness : A content analysis of children's nonfiction literature , Christine Newell Open Access Graduate Research Paper

An analysis of online and blended learning environments : measuring approach and learning outcomes in corporate settings , Meghan B. O'Neal Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Factors influencing successful planning and implementation and employee participation in worksite wellness programs , Amanda Ramthun Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Lifeguard fitness readiness: Certification vs. qualification , Jacob Rasmussen Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A study for comprehensive and collaborative relationships: Partnering public schools and nonprofit outdoor programs , Nicole Rottinghaus Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teacher librarians & literacy coaches: Their roles in reading support , Nicole N. Ruthaivilavan Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Nonprofit marketing strategies for small organizations , Emily Saveraid Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Understanding by Design unit lesson plans for the next generation science standards: life science , Arie Schiller Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Annotated Bibliography of Thematically Related Historical Fiction Picture Books and Nonfiction Pairs , Katherine Seibel Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Poverty's Effect on Students' 21st Century Skills Acquisition and Learning Experiences , Anne Sellers Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The Public Library Experience: Choosing Books to Read from Predetermined Levels and Its Implications , Amy L. Seufert Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Student achievement in the area of inquiry learning with the implementation of 1:1 iPads , Denise Shekleton Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Strength in numbers: collaborating to support nonprofit advocacy , Emily J. Shields Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Plaque Manufacturing Process , Rhys South Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Influx of child immigrants to the United States: Policy & practice implications , Megan Vogt Open Access Graduate Research Paper 2016 Award

How Does the Use of Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Volunteer Programs Impact the Image of Manufacturers? , Krista L. Wahl Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Sustainable microfinancing: improving microenterprise's traditional measures of success , Stephen R. Watson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Submissions from 2014 2014

Productivity Improvement - Six Sigma Influence , Hamad Alhadab Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effectiveness of flipped classroom learning in higher education : a literature review from 2009 to 2014 , Samir Taha Amin Open Access Graduate Research Paper

An investigation of adolescent boys' dispositions toward leisure reading , Julie Barnett Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Value of 5S in Manufacturing , Emsad Begic Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Influencing incoming fourth graders' reading habits through a summer literature circle: A case study , Brandy E. Bingman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Affordances of flipped learning and its effects on student engagement and achievement , Jarod Bormann Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Overhand throwing: overuse injury analysis , Peter Z. Broome Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Examining professional history as context for instructional meaning , Kristie L. Beyer Campbell Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of on-line math games and e-books use on elementary student achievement , Mel Carnahan Open Access Graduate Research Paper

To complete or not complete : Student persistence in post-secondary education online courses , Amy Christian Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Why don't they read? , Cynde Duncan Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Development and Evaluation of Effectiveness of Performance Improvement Program for a Call Center Organization , Aleksandr Durinov Open Access Graduate Research Paper

"Clicker-Type" Torque Tooling - Calibration Study , Duane Enos Open Access Graduate Research Paper

How fifth grade elementary students select books , Tiffany Evans Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Digital storytelling : the impact on student engagement, motivation and academic learning , Mindy Foelske Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A review of the effects of computer-based reading programs on middle school students , Ann Hansen Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Integrating iPads into the elementary physical education curriculum , Tyler M. Hellmann Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The Usefulness of Graphic Novels as Information Sources for Nonfiction Reading , Sarah Holub Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Understanding motivating factors for college students involvement in club sports , Ryan Thomas Houselog Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The Perceptions of Teacher Librarians and Principals Regarding the Role of the Teacher Librarian in the Implementation of the Iowa Multi-Tiered System of Supports , Katy A. Kauffman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The collaborative relationship between teacher librarians and public librarians , Jennifer J. Keltner Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of interactive videoconferencing on elementary literacy : collaborative learning environment , Heather A. Klenke Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of Web 2.0 pedagogy on student engagement, collaboration, and achievement , Kelsey Lage Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The impact of blogging on K-12 student learning: engagement, self-expression, and higher-order thinking , Brian McGurk Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Reducing the Manufacturing Critical-Path Time , Matt Meyers Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

Technology's Role in Inquiry-Based Learning , Melissa Mulder Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Determining the benefits and designing an externship program for medical office students at Marshalltown Community College , Kristin Murphy Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effect of game-based learning on middle school students' academic achievement , Marija-Lisa Musselman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Resource to Support Teaching Local History in Baxter, Iowa , Greg Pickett Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Resource to support teaching local history in Baxter, Iowa , Greg Pickett Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The implementation of problem-based learning for adults: Student, instructor, and organization leader challenges , Randon Ruggles Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Project Planning for Insourcing Manufactured Steel Components , Brett M. Schlomann Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using the Apprenticeship Model in a Library Setting , Jennifer Sloan Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The health benefits of dietary fiber consumption of adults in the United States , Nathan Stewart Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Department of Technology Research Paper , Jeremy Thede Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effective implementation of 1:1 computing : benefits and teacher readiness , Kirstin Thompson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Video modeling : play skills for students with autism spectrum disorder via peers , Ashley Ulin Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effectiveness of blended learning on student engagement , Tyler Youngers Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Induction Hardening of Axles for Tractors: Metallurgy & Processes , Stephanie Young Graduate Research Paper (Electronic Copy Not Available)

Submissions from 2013 2013

Reader's workshop: A new approach to integrating literacy , Ashlea M. Ahrenholtz Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Prevalence of obesity and culturally appropriate prevention among young adolescents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , Wardah Almahdi Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Improving multiplication fact recall; Interventions that lead to proficiency with mathematical facts , Brandon J. Bauer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Cold Shoulder: An Alaskan adventure , Christine C. Berlin Open Access Graduate Research Paper

What are the effects of integrating technology into student literacy? , Lauren A. Bitetto Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Teacher perceptions of graphic novels , Katherine Block Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Getting graphic: Exploring the inferential thinking skills that are required to comprehend graphic novels , Angela Brauns Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Vocabulary instruction : becoming word conscious to support reading comprehension , Amy Evelyn Bries Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Building empathy through literacy: A review of classroom literacy practices , Alyssa J. Bruecken Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using TPACK to promote effective language teaching in an ESL/EFL classroom , Wilson M. R. Bugueño Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using readers theaters to help students develop reading fluency , Adrianna D. Cavanaugh Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of explicit writing instruction , Christine M. Clark Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Comparison of student achievement, understanding, enjoyment, and motivation in mathematics units for high-achieving fifth graders with and without creative problem solving games , Kalyn Jon Cody Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Portrayal of Latinos in young adult fiction , Jennifer Cole Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A training guide and reference handbook for elementary school library secretaries in the Iowa City Community School District , Lisa Collier Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Library instruction designed to support core curriculum , Julie Courter Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Artist residency programs: The present and future , Emily Coussens Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Technology, toddlers and vocabulary development , Gwendolyn Dayton Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effective comprehension strategies in the elementary classroom , Melissa Ann Determan Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The uniqueness of the English language learner : Research based strategies for English language learners , Carolyn Lindgren Dietz Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using the instructional coaching model to implement positive behavior supports in early childhood special education programs , Heather Donoho Open Access Graduate Research Paper

College freshmen dispositional readiness: Examining the perceptions , Jennifer Dovre Open Access Graduate Research Paper

College freshmen dispositional readiness: Examining the perceptions , Jennifer Dovre Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Literature circles and technology : a study of students' attitudes , Laura Ann Edwards Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effect of student choice on acquisition of alphabet knowledge , Lindsey L. Fonkert Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The effects of STEM inquiry practices on English language acquisition in a first grade classroom in Thailand , Rebecca J. Fuhrman-Petersen Open Access Graduate Research Paper

What are the mechanisms of action of stereotype threat and how does it contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease in African Americans , Anthony Gage Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Transition to kindergarten : a project for the Grinnell-Newburg School District , Donna Godar Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects of peer-conferencing on writing revisions in a second grade classroom , Emily C. Guetzlaff Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A WebQuest for the Instruction of Appropriate Online Behavior , Susan Heilig Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Books, blogging, and boredom : the impact of one-to-one computing on student engagement and literacy , Amanda M. Hudson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Iowa core technology integration: A resource for kindergarten through second grade teachers , Shalyn Huerter Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Investigating the use of an interactive whiteboard to teach literacy in the early childhood classroom , Laci A. Hummel Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

How elementary students can apply self-guided learning strategies in the classroom , Nicole Ivers Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Gifted student achievement and motivation levels related to participation in gifted programming , Stacey M. Jambura Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A comparison of print and e-book texts with 4th grade students to evaluate comprehension and motivation , Sarah Johnson Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

Misconceptions of the Teacher Librarian Role , Mary Junker Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Collaboration of the Teacher Librarian and the Classroom Teacher to Incorporate Literature and Information Literacy Skills into a Sixth Grade Social Studies Unit , Susan A. Klett Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Library Paraeducators' Training: Assumptions or Facts? , Virginia H. Knapp Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Portrayal of agriculture in children's literature: Contemporary stories in picture books, traditional tales, and nonfiction , Kathryn S. Koller Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Making Historical Fiction Appealing to Young Adults Through Book Trailers , Chelsey Kolpin Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A professional development program for balanced literacy , Sheila Charlene McCullough Open Access Graduate Research Paper

How educators and parents can collaborate to improve student reading fluency , Jackie M. McDermott Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A selective annotated bibliography of materials recommended for junior high classrooms regarding resistance during the Holocaust , Katharine Mulfinger Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Young Adult Memoir Dealing with Alcohol, Abuse, Infidelity, Violence and Poverty , Kelly Reinhold Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using virtual worlds in medical and health education , Amy J. Renze Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Early Childhood Library Resources and Support , Lisa Catherine Riese Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Examining the benefits of technology in training , Nelson Rokke Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Portrayal of Characters with Disabilities within K-6 Fictional Literature , Katie Roling Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Vocabulary acquisition in kindergarten for English language learners: Ventriglia's Rule of 3, or Marzano's Six Steps to Effective Vocabulary Instruction? , Danielle Marie Rose Open Access Graduate Research Paper

101 books for youth that feature hunters & hunting , Leann Seddon Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Integrated curriculum in the elementary classroom , Katherine Decker Simpson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Scheduled library visits and reading achievement , David Stanfield Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Improving 21st century literacy skills and student engagement by integrating digital storytelling across the curriculum , Sandra J. Steinfadt Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Student, Teacher and Parent Perceptions of the Role Accelerated Reader Plays in Elementary Students' Reading Motivation , Jannette Thrane Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Successful Leadership and Communication Within a Company , Ésaïe Toïngar Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A comparative analysis of leisure and tourism in China and in the USA , Xin Wang Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

A need for motivation : increasing engagement to bolster success , Libbie M. Willert Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Facilitating transfer for adult learners through cross-cultural e-learning , Min Zhang Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Submissions from 2012 2012

Understanding and meeting the needs of the millennials in the classroom: A literature review , Amanda Alexander Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Implementing a family involvement project in early childhood classrooms , Elizabeth Barrett Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teens Read book trailers , Jill Besler Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teachers' perceptions of skills needed for children's entry into kindergarten , Jessica Blohm Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Early Algona: A digital story , Kathy Bottaro Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Leadership of identified gifted compared to high-potential students studying Iowa's natural history , Katie E. Broeg Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Lecture capture technology : does it make a difference on college student achievement? , Debra S. Bruxvoort Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Parental perspective on technology integration in PK-2 in a rural community school , Stephanie L. Callan Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The influence of digital communication on young adult contemporary fiction , Melissa J. Dagel Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effective professional development and social media technologies' potential for enhancement , Jami J. Elliott Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Professional development for the library para educator: Developing a guide to answer questions about school libraries in the 21st century , Tifini Foglesong Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Supporting English language learners in today's early childhood classrooms , Katie Furlong Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Multicultural picture books: Windows and mirrors , Dawn M. Goodale Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Implementing electronic storybooks and the effects on reading achievement at the elementary level , Chelsey Heidemann Open Access Graduate Research Paper

A Storybook for Children with Celiac Disease , Heather A. Hope Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Fifth graders' discussions of graphic novels facilitated by de Bono Thinking Skills , Kimberly Ann Jennings Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Access versus circulation for kindergarten students , Linda Johnson Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)

The inverted classroom : a literature review , Jennie Kies Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Comparing fossil instruction with and without analogy use for gifted middle-school students , Tabatha J. Klopp Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Concept-Based Picture Books for Mathematics , Miranda E. Kral Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Digital storytelling : building 21st century literacy skills in the secondary classroom , William P. Lammers Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The role of the school principal in technology integration : a literature review , Lance Lennon Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Building 21st century business skills in high school business classrooms using digital games and simulations , Stacy Marcus Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Universal Design for Learning at the University of Northern Iowa , Marty Mark Open Access Graduate Research Paper

School Libraries: Developing a Valuable Resource for Gifted Learners , Corinn K. Matheson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Effective in-service professional development for child care providers , Tina McCullough Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Invented spelling and its value in kindergarten , Michelle J. McDonald Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using Positive Behavior Instructional Support (PBIS) in early childhood , Megan Merkel Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Differentiated instruction : learning profiles, assessment, and professional development , Sharon Kay Meyer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The effects new literacy and digital learning have on our youth , Joshua L. Mitchell Sr. Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using social technology in professional development: a literature review , Catherine M. Olson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Vocabulary acquisition in preschool English language learners , Leann Perkins Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teacher education protocol : how social media improves connections between teachers and students , Darcel Pledge Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Integrating literacy into the math classroom : a staff development for innovative educators , Kathryn Pollina Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Social bookmarking in the classroom , Sara Richardson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Try to See Me as Me: Understanding Autism in Children's Literature , Brandee Roelfs Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The use of nonfiction with early childhood aged children , Lacy J. Rose Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Decoding Hollywood: An instructional design module for visual literacy of race, ethnicity, & cultural portrayals in Hollywood films , Derek A. Sallis Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Kindergarten transition and parent communication , Jessica Rae Sandboth Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Measuring depth of understanding when using smartphones as cognitive tools in the elementary classroom , Lisa Westcott Schaa Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The new literacies: Transitioning the secondary writing workshop classroom , Laura Schafer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Boy's Recreational Reading in a One-to-One Computer School , Michaela Seeman Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Peer coaching in early childhood , Michelle Silvera Open Access Graduate Research Paper

School library circulation records: What do they reveal about boys' reading preferences? , Chelsea Sims Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Positive Portrayal of Family in Children's Books with Homosexual Characters , Amanda Skellenger Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The impact of pretend play on cognitive and academic development of kindergarten students , April Marie Thelen Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Observation as a formal assessment tool in early childhood classrooms: A professional development module , Kathleen M. Thornton-Lang Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teacher Librarian Evaluation in Small Districts in Four Iowa Counties , Marci Titera Open Access Graduate Research Paper

What About the Girls? The Female Fantasy Protagonist in Contemporary Young Adult Literature , Christine M. Tomlinson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Beyond the dictionary : what teachers can do to help build struggling readers' vocabularies , Stefanie Van Heukelom Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Digital gaming as a learning tool : a literature review , Seth Weylin Vickers Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Library and Technology Combined Curriculum for Kindergarten/First Grade Common Core , Dyann K. Vilez Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The role of teacher belief systems in technology integration , Joni M. Walvatne Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Using serious games in an educational setting , Angela Webb Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Infant literacy , Tera Weber Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teaching perfectionism through cartoons compared to bibliotherapy for primary grade students , Miranda L. Zousel Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Submissions from 2011 2011

Supporting student learning through scientific inquiry , Allison J. Barness Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Accelerated reader and sustained silent reading's impact on students' motivation to read , Amy Benedict Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Kindergartners can read and understand : emergent reading strategies at work , Kacey Lynn Beyer Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Homework : Providing quality activities that engage the students and extend the learning from the classroom , Angella M. Blatz Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Connecting children's quilt literature with the Iowa Core Curriculum social studies standards , Suzanne D. Burris Open Access Graduate Research Paper

The presence of gender stereotypes in children's picture book illustrations , Jenahlee Chamberlain Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Teaching poetry writing in the primary grades , Staci Cramer-Wilkinson Open Access Graduate Research Paper

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Research Topics & Ideas: Education

170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring education-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of research topics and ideas , including examples from actual dissertations and theses..

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Education Research Topics

• How to find a research topic (video)
• List of 50+ education-related research topics/ideas
• List of 120+ level-specific research topics 
• Examples of actual dissertation topics in education
• Tips to fast-track your topic ideation (video)
• Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
• Where to get extra help

Education-Related Research Topics & Ideas

Below you’ll find a list of education-related research topics and idea kickstarters. These are fairly broad and flexible to various contexts, so keep in mind that you will need to refine them a little. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

• The impact of school funding on student achievement
• The effects of social and emotional learning on student well-being
• The effects of parental involvement on student behaviour
• The impact of teacher training on student learning
• The impact of classroom design on student learning
• The impact of poverty on education
• The use of student data to inform instruction
• The role of parental involvement in education
• The effects of mindfulness practices in the classroom
• The use of technology in the classroom
• The role of critical thinking in education
• The use of formative and summative assessments in the classroom
• The use of differentiated instruction in the classroom
• The use of gamification in education
• The effects of teacher burnout on student learning
• The impact of school leadership on student achievement
• The effects of teacher diversity on student outcomes
• The role of teacher collaboration in improving student outcomes
• The implementation of blended and online learning
• The effects of teacher accountability on student achievement
• The effects of standardized testing on student learning
• The effects of classroom management on student behaviour
• The effects of school culture on student achievement
• The use of student-centred learning in the classroom
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on student outcomes
• The achievement gap in minority and low-income students
• The use of culturally responsive teaching in the classroom
• The impact of teacher professional development on student learning
• The use of project-based learning in the classroom
• The effects of teacher expectations on student achievement
• The use of adaptive learning technology in the classroom
• The impact of teacher turnover on student learning
• The effects of teacher recruitment and retention on student learning
• The impact of early childhood education on later academic success
• The impact of parental involvement on student engagement
• The use of positive reinforcement in education
• The impact of school climate on student engagement
• The role of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce
• The effects of school choice on student achievement
• The use of technology in the form of online tutoring

Level-Specific Research Topics

Looking for research topics for a specific level of education? We’ve got you covered. Below you can find research topic ideas for primary, secondary and tertiary-level education contexts. Click the relevant level to view the respective list.

Research Topics: Pick An Education Level

Primary education.

• Investigating the effects of peer tutoring on academic achievement in primary school
• Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices in primary school classrooms
• Examining the effects of different teaching strategies on primary school students’ problem-solving skills
• The use of storytelling as a teaching strategy in primary school literacy instruction
• The role of cultural diversity in promoting tolerance and understanding in primary schools
• The impact of character education programs on moral development in primary school students
• Investigating the use of technology in enhancing primary school mathematics education
• The impact of inclusive curriculum on promoting equity and diversity in primary schools
• The impact of outdoor education programs on environmental awareness in primary school students
• The influence of school climate on student motivation and engagement in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of early literacy interventions on reading comprehension in primary school students
• The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student achievement in primary schools
• Exploring the benefits of inclusive education for students with special needs in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of teacher-student feedback on academic motivation in primary schools
• The role of technology in developing digital literacy skills in primary school students
• Effective strategies for fostering a growth mindset in primary school students
• Investigating the role of parental support in reducing academic stress in primary school children
• The role of arts education in fostering creativity and self-expression in primary school students
• Examining the effects of early childhood education programs on primary school readiness
• Examining the effects of homework on primary school students’ academic performance
• The role of formative assessment in improving learning outcomes in primary school classrooms
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes in primary school
• Investigating the effects of classroom environment on student behavior and learning outcomes in primary schools
• Investigating the role of creativity and imagination in primary school curriculum
• The impact of nutrition and healthy eating programs on academic performance in primary schools
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on primary school students’ well-being and academic performance
• The role of parental involvement in academic achievement of primary school children
• Examining the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior in primary school
• The role of school leadership in creating a positive school climate Exploring the benefits of bilingual education in primary schools
• The effectiveness of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills in primary school students
• The role of inquiry-based learning in fostering curiosity and critical thinking in primary school students
• The effects of class size on student engagement and achievement in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of recess and physical activity breaks on attention and learning in primary school
• Exploring the benefits of outdoor play in developing gross motor skills in primary school children
• The effects of educational field trips on knowledge retention in primary school students
• Examining the effects of inclusive classroom practices on students’ attitudes towards diversity in primary schools
• The impact of parental involvement in homework on primary school students’ academic achievement
• Investigating the effectiveness of different assessment methods in primary school classrooms
• The influence of physical activity and exercise on cognitive development in primary school children
• Exploring the benefits of cooperative learning in promoting social skills in primary school students

Secondary Education

• Investigating the effects of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic success in secondary education
• The role of social media in enhancing communication and collaboration among secondary school students
• The impact of school leadership on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes in secondary schools
• Investigating the effects of technology integration on teaching and learning in secondary education
• Exploring the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in promoting critical thinking skills in secondary schools
• The impact of arts education on creativity and self-expression in secondary school students
• The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in promoting student learning in secondary education
• The role of career guidance programs in preparing secondary school students for future employment
• Investigating the effects of student-centered learning approaches on student autonomy and academic success in secondary schools
• The impact of socio-economic factors on educational attainment in secondary education
• Investigating the impact of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement in secondary schools
• Investigating the effects of multicultural education on cultural understanding and tolerance in secondary schools
• The influence of standardized testing on teaching practices and student learning in secondary education
• Investigating the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior and academic engagement in secondary education
• The influence of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in secondary schools
• The role of extracurricular activities in promoting holistic development and well-roundedness in secondary school students
• Investigating the effects of blended learning models on student engagement and achievement in secondary education
• The role of physical education in promoting physical health and well-being among secondary school students
• Investigating the effects of gender on academic achievement and career aspirations in secondary education
• Exploring the benefits of multicultural literature in promoting cultural awareness and empathy among secondary school students
• The impact of school counseling services on student mental health and well-being in secondary schools
• Exploring the benefits of vocational education and training in preparing secondary school students for the workforce
• The role of digital literacy in preparing secondary school students for the digital age
• The influence of parental involvement on academic success and well-being of secondary school students
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on secondary school students’ well-being and academic success
• The role of character education in fostering ethical and responsible behavior in secondary school students
• Examining the effects of digital citizenship education on responsible and ethical technology use among secondary school students
• The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student outcomes in secondary schools
• The role of educational technology in promoting personalized learning experiences in secondary schools
• The impact of inclusive education on the social and academic outcomes of students with disabilities in secondary schools
• The influence of parental support on academic motivation and achievement in secondary education
• The role of school climate in promoting positive behavior and well-being among secondary school students
• Examining the effects of peer mentoring programs on academic achievement and social-emotional development in secondary schools
• Examining the effects of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and achievement in secondary schools
• Exploring the benefits of service-learning programs in promoting civic engagement among secondary school students
• The impact of educational policies on educational equity and access in secondary education
• Examining the effects of homework on academic achievement and student well-being in secondary education
• Investigating the effects of different assessment methods on student performance in secondary schools
• Examining the effects of single-sex education on academic performance and gender stereotypes in secondary schools
• The role of mentoring programs in supporting the transition from secondary to post-secondary education

Tertiary Education

• The role of student support services in promoting academic success and well-being in higher education
• The impact of internationalization initiatives on students’ intercultural competence and global perspectives in tertiary education
• Investigating the effects of active learning classrooms and learning spaces on student engagement and learning outcomes in tertiary education
• Exploring the benefits of service-learning experiences in fostering civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education
• The influence of learning communities and collaborative learning environments on student academic and social integration in higher education
• Exploring the benefits of undergraduate research experiences in fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills
• Investigating the effects of academic advising and mentoring on student retention and degree completion in higher education
• The role of student engagement and involvement in co-curricular activities on holistic student development in higher education
• The impact of multicultural education on fostering cultural competence and diversity appreciation in higher education
• The role of internships and work-integrated learning experiences in enhancing students’ employability and career outcomes
• Examining the effects of assessment and feedback practices on student learning and academic achievement in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty-student relationships on student success and well-being in tertiary education
• The impact of college transition programs on students’ academic and social adjustment to higher education
• The impact of online learning platforms on student learning outcomes in higher education
• The impact of financial aid and scholarships on access and persistence in higher education
• The influence of student leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities on personal development and campus engagement
• Exploring the benefits of competency-based education in developing job-specific skills in tertiary students
• Examining the effects of flipped classroom models on student learning and retention in higher education
• Exploring the benefits of online collaboration and virtual team projects in developing teamwork skills in tertiary students
• Investigating the effects of diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus climate and student experiences in tertiary education
• The influence of study abroad programs on intercultural competence and global perspectives of college students
• Investigating the effects of peer mentoring and tutoring programs on student retention and academic performance in tertiary education
• Investigating the effectiveness of active learning strategies in promoting student engagement and achievement in tertiary education
• Investigating the effects of blended learning models and hybrid courses on student learning and satisfaction in higher education
• The role of digital literacy and information literacy skills in supporting student success in the digital age
• Investigating the effects of experiential learning opportunities on career readiness and employability of college students
• The impact of e-portfolios on student reflection, self-assessment, and showcasing of learning in higher education
• The role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning experiences in tertiary classrooms
• The impact of research opportunities on undergraduate student engagement and pursuit of advanced degrees
• Examining the effects of competency-based assessment on measuring student learning and achievement in tertiary education
• Examining the effects of interdisciplinary programs and courses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in college students
• The role of inclusive education and accessibility in promoting equitable learning experiences for diverse student populations
• The role of career counseling and guidance in supporting students’ career decision-making in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty diversity and representation on student success and inclusive learning environments in higher education

Education-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in education, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses in the education space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of education-related research projects to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• From Rural to Urban: Education Conditions of Migrant Children in China (Wang, 2019)
• Energy Renovation While Learning English: A Guidebook for Elementary ESL Teachers (Yang, 2019)
• A Reanalyses of Intercorrelational Matrices of Visual and Verbal Learners’ Abilities, Cognitive Styles, and Learning Preferences (Fox, 2020)
• A study of the elementary math program utilized by a mid-Missouri school district (Barabas, 2020)
• Instructor formative assessment practices in virtual learning environments : a posthumanist sociomaterial perspective (Burcks, 2019)
• Higher education students services: a qualitative study of two mid-size universities’ direct exchange programs (Kinde, 2020)
• Exploring editorial leadership : a qualitative study of scholastic journalism advisers teaching leadership in Missouri secondary schools (Lewis, 2020)
• Selling the virtual university: a multimodal discourse analysis of marketing for online learning (Ludwig, 2020)
• Advocacy and accountability in school counselling: assessing the use of data as related to professional self-efficacy (Matthews, 2020)
• The use of an application screening assessment as a predictor of teaching retention at a midwestern, K-12, public school district (Scarbrough, 2020)
• Core values driving sustained elite performance cultures (Beiner, 2020)
• Educative features of upper elementary Eureka math curriculum (Dwiggins, 2020)
• How female principals nurture adult learning opportunities in successful high schools with challenging student demographics (Woodward, 2020)
• The disproportionality of Black Males in Special Education: A Case Study Analysis of Educator Perceptions in a Southeastern Urban High School (McCrae, 2021)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, in order for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic within education, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

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53 Comments

This is an helpful tool 🙏

Special education

Really appreciated by this . It is the best platform for research related items

Research title related to students

Good idea I’m going to teach my colleagues

You can find our list of nursing-related research topic ideas here: https://gradcoach.com/research-topics-nursing/

Write on action research topic, using guidance and counseling to address unwanted teenage pregnancy in school

Thanks a lot

I learned a lot from this site, thank you so much!

Thank you for the information.. I would like to request a topic based on school major in social studies

parental involvement and students academic performance

Science education topics?

How about School management and supervision pls.?

Hi i am an Deputy Principal in a primary school. My wish is to srudy foe Master’s degree in Education.Please advice me on which topic can be relevant for me. Thanks.

Every topic proposed above on primary education is a starting point for me. I appreciate immensely the team that has sat down to make a detail of these selected topics just for beginners like us. Be blessed.

Kindly help me with the research questions on the topic” Effects of workplace conflict on the employees’ job performance”. The effects can be applicable in every institution,enterprise or organisation.

Greetings, I am a student majoring in Sociology and minoring in Public Administration. I’m considering any recommended research topic in the field of Sociology.

I’m a student pursuing Mphil in Basic education and I’m considering any recommended research proposal topic in my field of study

Kindly help me with a research topic in educational psychology. Ph.D level. Thank you.

Project-based learning is a teaching/learning type,if well applied in a classroom setting will yield serious positive impact. What can a teacher do to implement this in a disadvantaged zone like “North West Region of Cameroon ( hinterland) where war has brought about prolonged and untold sufferings on the indegins?

I wish to get help on topics of research on educational administration

I wish to get help on topics of research on educational administration PhD level

I am also looking for such type of title

I am a student of undergraduate, doing research on how to use guidance and counseling to address unwanted teenage pregnancy in school

the topics are very good regarding research & education .

Can i request your suggestion topic for my Thesis about Teachers as an OFW. thanx you

Would like to request for suggestions on a topic in Economics of education,PhD level

Would like to request for suggestions on a topic in Economics of education

Hi 👋 I request that you help me with a written research proposal about education the format

l would like to request suggestions on a topic in managing teaching and learning, PhD level (educational leadership and management)

request suggestions on a topic in managing teaching and learning, PhD level (educational leadership and management)

I would to inquire on research topics on Educational psychology, Masters degree

I am PhD student, I am searching my Research topic, It should be innovative,my area of interest is online education,use of technology in education

request suggestion on topic in masters in medical education .

Look at British Library as they keep a copy of all PhDs in the UK Core.ac.uk to access Open University and 6 other university e-archives, pdf downloads mostly available, all free.

May I also ask for a topic based on mathematics education for college teaching, please?

Please I am a masters student of the department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Education Please I am in need of proposed project topics to help with my final year thesis

Am a PhD student in Educational Foundations would like a sociological topic. Thank

please i need a proposed thesis project regardging computer science

Greetings and Regards I am a doctoral student in the field of philosophy of education. I am looking for a new topic for my thesis. Because of my work in the elementary school, I am looking for a topic that is from the field of elementary education and is related to the philosophy of education.

Masters student in the field of curriculum, any ideas of a research topic on low achiever students

In the field of curriculum any ideas of a research topic on deconalization in contextualization of digital teaching and learning through in higher education

Amazing guidelines

I am a graduate with two masters. 1) Master of arts in religious studies and 2) Master in education in foundations of education. I intend to do a Ph.D. on my second master’s, however, I need to bring both masters together through my Ph.D. research. can I do something like, ” The contribution of Philosophy of education for a quality religion education in Kenya”? kindly, assist and be free to suggest a similar topic that will bring together the two masters. thanks in advance

Hi, I am an Early childhood trainer as well as a researcher, I need more support on this topic: The impact of early childhood education on later academic success.

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Reference management. Clean and simple.

The top list of academic search engines

1. Google Scholar

4. science.gov, 5. semantic scholar, 6. baidu scholar, get the most out of academic search engines, frequently asked questions about academic search engines, related articles.

Academic search engines have become the number one resource to turn to in order to find research papers and other scholarly sources. While classic academic databases like Web of Science and Scopus are locked behind paywalls, Google Scholar and others can be accessed free of charge. In order to help you get your research done fast, we have compiled the top list of free academic search engines.

Google Scholar is the clear number one when it comes to academic search engines. It's the power of Google searches applied to research papers and patents. It not only lets you find research papers for all academic disciplines for free but also often provides links to full-text PDF files.

• Coverage: approx. 200 million articles
• Abstracts: only a snippet of the abstract is available
• Related articles: ✔
• References: ✔
• Cited by: ✔
• Links to full text: ✔
• Export formats: APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, Vancouver, RIS, BibTeX

BASE is hosted at Bielefeld University in Germany. That is also where its name stems from (Bielefeld Academic Search Engine).

• Coverage: approx. 136 million articles (contains duplicates)
• Abstracts: ✔
• Related articles: ✘
• References: ✘
• Cited by: ✘
• Export formats: RIS, BibTeX

CORE is an academic search engine dedicated to open-access research papers. For each search result, a link to the full-text PDF or full-text web page is provided.

• Coverage: approx. 136 million articles
• Links to full text: ✔ (all articles in CORE are open access)
• Export formats: BibTeX

Science.gov is a fantastic resource as it bundles and offers free access to search results from more than 15 U.S. federal agencies. There is no need anymore to query all those resources separately!

• Coverage: approx. 200 million articles and reports
• Links to full text: ✔ (available for some databases)
• Export formats: APA, MLA, RIS, BibTeX (available for some databases)

Semantic Scholar is the new kid on the block. Its mission is to provide more relevant and impactful search results using AI-powered algorithms that find hidden connections and links between research topics.

• Coverage: approx. 40 million articles
• Export formats: APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX

Although Baidu Scholar's interface is in Chinese, its index contains research papers in English as well as Chinese.

• Coverage: no detailed statistics available, approx. 100 million articles
• Abstracts: only snippets of the abstract are available
• Export formats: APA, MLA, RIS, BibTeX

RefSeek searches more than one billion documents from academic and organizational websites. Its clean interface makes it especially easy to use for students and new researchers.

• Coverage: no detailed statistics available, approx. 1 billion documents
• Abstracts: only snippets of the article are available
• Export formats: not available

Consider using a reference manager like Paperpile to save, organize, and cite your references. Paperpile integrates with Google Scholar and many popular databases, so you can save references and PDFs directly to your library using the Paperpile buttons:

Google Scholar is an academic search engine, and it is the clear number one when it comes to academic search engines. It's the power of Google searches applied to research papers and patents. It not only let's you find research papers for all academic disciplines for free, but also often provides links to full text PDF file.

Semantic Scholar is a free, AI-powered research tool for scientific literature developed at the Allen Institute for AI. Sematic Scholar was publicly released in 2015 and uses advances in natural language processing to provide summaries for scholarly papers.

BASE , as its name suggest is an academic search engine. It is hosted at Bielefeld University in Germany and that's where it name stems from (Bielefeld Academic Search Engine).

CORE is an academic search engine dedicated to open access research papers. For each search result a link to the full text PDF or full text web page is provided.

Science.gov is a fantastic resource as it bundles and offers free access to search results from more than 15 U.S. federal agencies. There is no need any more to query all those resources separately!

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Research paper writing.

Graduate courses will challenge you to write at a professional academic level through seminar papers, major research papers, and reading responses. Learn how to improve and supplement your research and writing skills using the Graduate Writing Lab’s resources and services.

A successful research paper is more than just writing, and the Graduate Writing Lab can help you with any and all of the steps along the way:

• Reading primary and secondary sources effectively
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Research Paper Writing in the Sciences

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• From Note-Taking to Outlining: Beginning the Writing Process in Humanities Research Papers

For help with your research paper in progress, please take advantage of our Individual Writing Consultations and our Workshops . For additional support, you can join one of our research paper Peer-Review Groups .

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•       Resources       Publish or Perish: Graduate Students' Guide to Publishing

Publish or Perish: Graduate Students' Guide to Publishing

In addition to endless piles of reading, demanding expectations in the classroom, student teaching responsibilities, and the always-looming awareness that they need to research, write, and edit a high-quality dissertation before graduating, today’s Ph.D. students also commonly feel stress about another topic: publishing. As more prospective employers expect degree seekers to get their names in academic journals and conferences while still in school, many learners feel overwhelmed by the prospects of making the grade. The following guide answers some of their most pressing questions, provides guidance on the ins and outs of publishing while still in school, and offers expert advice from a professor who knows better than most what it takes to publish rather than perish.

Understanding Publishing in Graduate School

Getting published as a grad student can feel overwhelming at first, because there’s so much to learn about the process and expectations surrounding it. With a bit of research, however, students can familiarize themselves with the specific language surrounding publishing and make in-roads towards getting their first paper published.

What Does it Mean to Get Published?

Within the context of graduate school, publishing refers to getting essays, papers, and research findings published in one of the academic journals or related forms seen as a leader in the field. As jobs in academia continue to become more competitive, it isn’t enough for learners to simply do well in their coursework. The degree seeker who hopes to land an important post-doctoral fellowship or find a teaching position at a college or university must make themselves stand out in other ways.

When Should a Ph.D. Candidate Get Published?

Getting a paper published takes a lot of time and effort, and those students who wait until the final year or two of a doctoral program may fail to actually have any published materials by the time they graduate. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Graduate Connections program , getting a paper published – especially if it’s your first – can take up to three years. In addition to the fact that most journals publish quarterly, the panel review process typically takes a significant amount of time and those submitting for the first or second time usually need to make a large number of edits and complete rewrites in order to reach a publishable standard.

How to Get Published

In order to get published, students submit their work to the journal or conference of their choosing. They frequently also provide a cover letter outlining their research interests. Most journals put out generic calls for submissions once or twice a year, while some may ask for papers addressing specific topics that have a much shorter turnaround time. Grad students may find it intimidating to go up against more seasoned academics, but another option revolves around partnering with their dissertation supervisor or another professor with whom they work closely with to co-author a paper. This not only helps ensure the validity of their findings, but alerts the academic world know that this other, more recognized faculty member believes in the research the student is doing.

Who Should Get Published?

Learners most anxious to get published are those who see their future careers in teaching and research. Because the world of academia is relatively small when divided into individual subjects, it’s important for students who want to break into these ambitious arenas to make a name for themselves early on and create a curriculum vitae that captures the attention of hiring committees.

Where Should Students Get Published?

When deciding which publications to pursue, students should consider the research aims of each and their likelihood of getting published. Newer journals tend to take more submissions as they are still working on building up their roster of contributors. While less venerated than other publications, getting printed in these can help build up name recognition and make it easier to break into the top-tier publications over time.

In terms of where work is published, the majority of students look to academic journals when sending out cover letters and examples of their work. But other options exist as well. Presenting papers at conferences is a popular avenue, as are chapters in books. The following sections takes a more in-depth look at how and where to publish.

Realities & Challenges of Getting Published

Getting published, especially while still in grad school, takes tenacity, focus, and a thick skin. Those who continue working on their craft, presenting at conferences, collaborating with others, and not taking no for an answer, however, frequently find success. Some of the challenges students may encounter include:

Lack of time

It’s no secret that doctoral students have busy schedules that seldom allow for outside – or sometimes, even related – interests to take up much of their days. Because publishing is not a degree requirement, carving out the time needed to research, write, and edit the type of paper required for publishing can feel impossible. With this in mind, student should look for ways to multitask. If presenting at a conference, think about how that paper could be transformed into a journal article.

Lack of confidence

Studies have shown that mental stress and illness frequently increase in grad school as students feel intense pressure to stand out from their peers. These feelings are often intensified when considering publishing, as learners are going up against academics and researchers who have been working in the field far longer than them. It’s important to remember that each of those renowned individuals had to start somewhere.

Lack of funding

Completing the research needed for a competitive paper doesn’t only take time – it requires money. Whether traveling to archives or printing all the necessary documentation, funding for outside research can be scarce while in school. Some programs provide competitive grants for research travel to help offset these costs.

Intense competition

As discussed earlier, competition for publishing is fierce. Academic journals and conferences only have space for so many authors and trying to get noticed can feel like a losing battle. In addition to seeking out newer publications and co-authoring with more notable figures, consider taking part in symposiums at the school you attend to get your foot in the door. While research on the average number of rejections is lacking, don’t feel discouraged if it takes a long time to be chosen for publication.

Finding the right publisher

While getting your name in print within an academic journal you greatly admire is the ultimate goal, it may take some years for it to come to fruition. One of the biggest mistakes students make is applying to ill-suited publications. Look for journals with editorial board members whose names you recognize. If a professor knows one of them, don’t be afraid to ask if they can help get your paper in front of them.

Adequately addressing feedback

Getting a paper published often requires intense editing and even completely restructuring and rewriting what you conceived in the initial abstract. If an academic journal shows interest in your essay but suggests rewrites, pay close attention to their requests and try to work with an advisor to ensure you meet all the stated requirements.

What do Graduate Students Publish?

Academic journals may receive the lion’s share of discussion in the publishing world, but graduate students can actually choose from numerous outlets and paths for getting their work to a larger audience. Students should review the options listed below and think about which format might showcase their work best.

Tips for Publishing

Despite the great amount of work required to publish, students who meet the challenges and persevere stand to position themselves favorably for future job opportunities. The following section addresses some of the most common questions about the process and alleviates general fears about how publishing (or not) reflects upon them.

How many papers should a Ph.D. student try to publish before graduating?

According to scholar-practitioner Dr. Deniece Dortch, no single answer exists. “There is no hard and fast rule as to the number of publications students should have prior to graduation,” she notes. “The reality is students in STEM disciplines and those who use quantitative methods are more likely to have publications prior to graduation because they often work in research teams and labs. This is not to say that qualitative scholars or those in other disciplines aren’t, but it’s a much more standardized practice in STEM for students to graduate with two or three publications. Personally, I had one sole-authored publication accepted prior to graduation, one first-authored piece, and one second-authored piece.”

How many journal articles is it possible to publish during a PhD?

“The answer varies and is determined by factors such as length of program, research team access, and faculty relationships,” says Dr. Dortch. “I’ve seen folks finish with as many as 10 publications, although this is extreme and doesn’t happen often.” She continues, “Imagine you are in a four-year program and you get your idea to write an article in year two. You submit that article in year three after getting approval, collecting data, analyzing it, and then writing your paper. Year three you submit that paper; it may be accepted in year four after months of revisions at the request of the editor. You finally have one published paper as you graduate.”

Are there PhD students who have no journal publications? Should they be worried about that?

“It depends on the type of employment the student is seeking upon graduation,” says Dr. Dortch, “Students applying to or wanting to work in institutions and organizations with the highest levels of research productivity who have no publications may want to consider post-doctoral positions so they have the time and space to work on increasing their publication record after graduation.” She continues, “Postdocs are a very common practice in many disciplines and are used as a way to gain additional training and expertise in research and teaching.”

Is it absolutely essential to have publications to apply for a PhD program?

In a word, no. Individuals working toward doctoral degrees have many reasons for doing so, not all of which require them to publish. Admissions panels also recognize that students focus their efforts on many different goals (e.g. jobs, internships, presenting at symposiums) throughout bachelor’s and master’s programs. As long as learners can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to scholarship, publishing is not an absolute requirement.

Does publish or perish begin before starting a PhD program?

It’s true that many students begin worrying about publishing before starting a Ph.D. program, but the reality is that they have ample time during and after completing a doctorate to make their mark on the world of scholarship. According to a recent article by Inside Higher Ed , some individuals in the academy now wonder if too much emphasis is being placed on grad students publishing. Learners unsure about this should speak to a trusted advisor or mentor to figure out when to focus on getting published.

What is the difference between a published article and a Ph.D. thesis?

While a Ph.D. thesis is required for satisfactory completion of a degree, a published article is not. A Ph.D. also takes a much longer form than a published article, averaging approximately 90,000 words. Academic journal entries, conversely, are usually between 4,000 and 7,000 words.

Should I first write my Ph.D. thesis or publish journal articles?

Though publishing at the doctoral level is increasingly seen as a requirement in the job market, it is not part of degree requirements. With this in mind, students should prioritize the research and writing of their thesis above all else. If they have the time and mental clarity needed to publish journal articles, this can be a secondary focus.

From the Expert

Dr. Deniece Dortch is a scholar-practitioner known for her commitment to diversity, social justice and activism. Dr. Dortch holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an Ed.M. in Higher & Postsecondary Education from Columbia University, an M.A. in Intercultural Service, Diversity Leadership & Management from the School for International Training and a B.A. in Spanish from Eastern Michigan University. Hailed a graduate school expert by NPR, she has published numerous articles on the experiences of historically underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students. She is the creator of the African American Doctoral Scholars Initiative at the University of Utah and currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Higher Education at The George Washington University .

Publishing as a student can feel intimidating. Why is this process important for learners to go through?

Long gone are the days of getting a good job by just having a solid dissertation or an award-winning thesis. Publishing your work while in school demonstrates a commitment to answering and understanding our world’s most complex problems. Further, institutions want to know that you have the capacity to publish. Now, publishing doesn’t mean you have to be first author or that you must publish sole-authored pieces only. Collaboration is also sufficient and often encouraged. The publishing process is intimidating for folks because it involves critique and, most often, rejection.

Receiving and giving critical feedback is part of the learning process and students should not shy away from it because it will only serve them well in the end as they learn to cope with disappointment and reward. But more importantly, there is no point spending months and years conducting research if you are just going to keep your findings to yourself. What you learn is meant to be shared.

What are some common mistakes these learners make when preparing their first papers?

Common mistakes that individuals make include not adhering to the guidelines outlined in the submission process. Examples of this can include ignoring formatting requirements (e.g. APA, MLA, etc.), going over the stated word count, inadequately proofreading, and not submitting a cover letter. This is probably the most important one.

What specific advice do you have for them in terms of finding the right outlet, preparing their work, and submitting to journals?

Students should have multiple individuals read over their work before submission. Writing is a process and even after it is submitted, it will need to be revised many more times before you will read it in print. It is part of the process. To find a good outlet for your work, pay attention to where other scholars are submitting their work. If you’re subject is aligned with theirs, you have a shot. Make a list of at least three outlets that fit your article. Also look out for special calls. A special call for submissions usually goes a lot faster than the regular submission process, so if you’re a student who is about to go on the job market, submit to those first. Also, the more competitive the academic, the longer the process, so keep that in mind. If you are rejected, just re-submit to the the next journal on your list.

In addition to publishing in journals, how else might a student go about getting recognition in their field while still in school?

Apply for all fellowships, grants, and awards that are specific to you and what you do. People in the academy love an award winner and they especially love people whose work has been recognized and/or funded by outside groups. A great way to increase a student’s visibility is to publish outside academic journals and publish in other media outlets. Also attend conferences in your field. Try to get on the program as a presenter or facilitator so that people in your field will start to know who you are and your research interests.

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Graduate International Connection Program

How to Write Seminar and Research Papers Effectively

October 3, 2020 by yeku1

Written by Praveen Krishna Veerasubramanian

Hi all! Congratulations on your successful admit, and welcome to UCI!

As graduate students, we would all be tasked with the drafting research papers for journals, seminars or conferences. Such an endeavor can result in instances of immense anxiety, procrastination or simply writer’s block. As an indispensable part of graduate life, research writing turns into a rewarding experience once we overcome the few barriers with practice and prudence. Here, I am curating a list of general pointers that is intended to help you with academic writing.

• Know the requirements – Most journals and conferences have a list of guidelines meant to steer your writing process. These would include instructions on word limits, page limits, sections, figures, and scientific flavor, to name a few.
• Know your audience – It becomes imperative to understand the requirements of your readers in order to create an effective publication. Keep in mind that the reader in your target journal or conference might not be familiar with the nuances of your field of research. This means that you might need to offset this with a more informative introduction.
• Define the scope and purpose – Describe what the paper is intended to achieve.
• Create an outline – Start by writing a skeleton of statements. This would help you organize your thoughts better and formulate ideas that could serve as topic sentences for the sections. An outline would also serve to unify, sort and prioritize your ideas into a central theme or big picture.
• Plan for visuals – Information in your paper may be better represented through schematics, data charts or process diagrams. Envision your figures and tables as you write the outline for the paper.
• Gather and digest relevant high-standard literature and sources – This becomes important input for the introduction, methods and discussion sections for original research papers. For review papers, you might have to create an extensive library of relevant publications and sources. Exemplary articles may also serve as model articles for your own.
• Use a citation/reference/library manager – Reference managers help you organize your library better and keep track of the publications that you want to cite. After citation into your draft, reference managers can help you change the citation style with the click of a button. Collaborative writing exercises are also simplified with a shared library. Endnote Basic, Mendeley and Zotero are a few examples of free and popular library managers used by academic writers. This comparison of the common citation managers will help you choose yours.
• Discuss authorship beforehand – Disagreements on authorships can turn out to be a sticky issue with the potential to affect the relationship between academic collaborators. It is best to bring up the topic of authorship even as a research work is being proposed and done. Discuss with your supervisor/PI and collaborators to make sure everybody is aware of their responsibilities and outcomes.
• Write, edit, review, repeat… – Writing is an iterative process, and you would most likely go through multiple cycles of idea synthesis, drafting, editing and clean-up. Share your outline/rough draft for review by your collaborators, peers, and PI so that you can get feedback early in this process. This would ensure that your paper is organized in a manner that is most logical and elegant.
• Be mindful of plagiarism and its risks – Always ensure originality in your written pieces. Plagiarism is not tolerated at any level in graduate school. In addition, always remember to cite and credit any data that you might borrow, to its original authors.

Once you have written a complete first draft, you would need to address lower order concerns like grammar, punctuation and spelling errors. A good word processor can do the heavy lifting in this effort. In addition, it might help to know the various elements of academic writing mechanics. This Online Writing Lab describes various strategies that can help with the writing process.

UCI offers several resources that can help you with writing your next academic paper –

• Program in Academic English  – This program offered by the School of Humanities, has been engineered to benefit non-native speakers. It aims to polish their writing, conversational, and presentation skills.
• Writing Support at Graduate Resource Center (GRC)  – The GRC provides writing support services for the diverse academic needs of graduate students. It organizes the ESL/ELL academic writing workshop series that address specific grammar and language mechanics of a formal English composition. Writing consultants at the GRC also provide individual meetings with students to review academic content (publications, dissertation/thesis, conference paper, resume/CV, cover letters, etc.) and organize boot camps and workshops periodically, relating to scholarly writing. The GRC also hosts targeted writing groups and offers dedicated writing space for graduates.
• UCI Libraries  – The library would be your go-to place for research needs and the UCI libraries seldom disappoint you. The  UCI library  website is a great place to start locating various UCI libraries and exploring their resources. It provides helpful information and tutorials on topics, such as browsing and borrowing books, interlibrary loans from other UC libraries, research guides and tools, accessing multimedia resources, and off-campus resource access. One can also find help exploring subject-specific content by contacting  subject librarians . The library also provides dissertation consultation services to critique theses for formatting requirements.

I hope this was helpful. Wish you good luck with your writing exercises!

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How to Write a Research Paper for Grad School Application

Most doctoral programs require applicants to submit a research sample and though they are not typically required for graduate school applications, they can help take your application from average to outstanding. 

I know the task of writing a research paper for this kind of application may seem intimidating at first. How can an undergraduate or masters student hope to submit work that will measure up to a PhD program’s standards? First, try to re-envision your research sample as a window on your curiosity: your chance to get professors genuinely excited about how you think. In this blog on how to write a research paper for graduate school applications, you’ll learn how to select, position, and revise your early-career ideas.

Selecting Your Draft

The form and function of your research sample will vary widely depending upon your field. Undergraduates in STEM are far more likely to have early-career publications and to be involved in group lab research than are humanities and social science students. If you are contributing to a research team or already have a publication of your own, consult with your supervising professor about if and how you might use this work as your research sample. Don’t submit any account or draft of an unpublished group project without your professor’s permission, and try to write at least one research paper that is entirely your own, as a back-up option. 

Writing a Research Sample  

Now, let's turn our attention to unpublished, single-author research papers, focusing on humanities research samples as a paradigm.

The first step to writing your research sample is to think realistically about what kind of paper you can edit to make a self-contained, insightful argument within the page limit. Use these questions to narrow down your options.

• Did you write an undergraduate thesis that you’re proud of? If not, skip to question 4.
• Was it divided into chapters around the same length as your research sample’s page limit? If so, choose your strongest chapter as your starting point for your research sample, and move on to learn about “Positioning Your Ideas.”
• If not, can you imagine making your writing more concise to fit the page limit? Or could you zoom in on one facet of your argument, to make a smaller paper out of your longer project? If so, consider isolating your main point and restructuring a portion of your paper to stand alone, as a research sample. This process may prove time consuming, so if your deadline is approaching, ditch this idea and go to question 4.
• Can you identify two or three strong (A-range or distinction) research papers around the length of the research sample’s page limit? Is at least one of these papers in the subfield that you hope to explore in graduate school? If so, move on to the next section on “Positioning Your Ideas.”
• If not, can you identify the beginnings of a research project or an idea worth expanding on in any of your undergraduate work? If so, consider working with a CRI Mentor (a professor or PhD student) to develop this idea into your sample.

Positioning Your Ideas

Once you have selected a handful of stand-alone essays or a portion of your thesis to revise, pause to position your ideas. What I mean by “positioning” is pairing your personal statement and research samples so that they point towards a consistent set of interests and methodological approaches within your field of study. 

If you’re applying to a program that only requires one research sample, then you should select a stand-alone essay or portion of your thesis that is solidly within your subfield of interest. Then, draft a paragraph of your personal statement clearly explaining how this research sample illustrates your engagement with this subfield. For guidance on how to begin this personal statement exercise, check out our previous post on How to Write a Personal Statement for Grad School . If you can’t write a paragraph making this connection, then you’re probably working with the wrong research sample draft—choose another, and move on to the process of revising your paper.

Suppose you’re applying to a program with two research samples (e.g., Harvard's English Department). In that case, you should select one sample solidly within your subfield and a second to demonstrate your interest in a different topic or methodology. Use your second sample to demonstrate the breadth of your curiosity but also to draw out subtle patterns in your ways of thinking. There should be something in common between your two papers for you to draw out in your personal statement: a method of research, a kind of primary source, an ideological agenda, etc. If you can make a clear connection between your research papers in your personal statement, then you’re on your way to positioning yourself as a coherent yet versatile scholar. And you’re ready to begin revising!

Revising Your Research

Once you’ve selected your research paper draft, you should begin the revision process by rereading it and taking notes in the margins: tracking where your argument is clearest and most exciting versus moments when it seems dull or loose. Then, reread any comments that your work has already received from professors. If you don’t have any comments, consider asking a professor mentor to review your work or signing up for a session with a CRI mentor . You might also ask a peer in your field to read your paper and tell you when they are most confused and/or most convinced by your writing. This combination of your own notes and other readers’ initial feedback will help you determine what parts of your essay to cut, rewrite, or expand.

Last Minute Advice

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to editing research, but I’ll conclude with some general advice to keep your revisions on track:

• Make sure that you have a clear thesis—and that you coherently prove it within the word limit for your sample.
• Engage with the kinds of secondary sources that you hope to one day write yourself. If you notice that your paper fails to engage with a range of secondary scholarship, hit the library and rework your argument to demonstrate your engagement with current criticism.
• Signpost, signpost, signpost. In every transition, introductory, and concluding sentence of every paragraph, make sure that you announce what you are trying to prove—and how that mini-proof relates to your larger argument. Remember, admissions readers have to move quickly through an enormous stack of essays, so your argument must be clear.
• Triple check your citations. You will not get into graduate school if you accidentally commit plagiarism. 
• Have fun writing! If you’re not intellectually excited about your essay topic, no one will be.

If you ever feel stuck or bored of your revisions, then put down your paper for a day or two. Do not force yourself to slog through revisions—forced edits usually do more harm than good. Remember, you can always return to your work later, with guidance from a friend, colleague, or CRI mentor !

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Standards for the preparation of research papers are established by the graduate faculty at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and the administration of the Graduate School. All revisions are subject to the approval of the Graduate School. Guidelines for Preparation of Dissertations, Theses, and Research Papers A research paper may have chapters or may be a continuous document (without chapters). If you are unclear as to whether you are completing a thesis or a research paper, please consult with your advisor.

Each department has selected one or more preferred style manuals , and all students within the department are to use one of those styles. 

Submission Site:

Mr. John Russell [email protected] 618-453-4529 Student Services Building 325

General Instructions

Filing of Research Papers with the Graduate School

Submit electronically through  OpenSIUC . A Microsoft Word document is preferred, Adobe pdf documents are acceptable.

Approval Form.  All research papers submitted to the Graduate School must have an original approval form signed by the student's committee, and generally the department chair. This must be submitted to the Graduate School.

Human Subjects . All copies of research papers submitted to the Graduate School that need the human subjects approval as defined by the Human Subjects Committee must file a copy with the Graduate School.

Deadline Dates for Submission.  The dates are posted at the Graduate School for both deadlines to apply for graduation and the submission of papers. These deadlines are firm dates and no extensions will be given.

Organization Of Material

Download the Research Paper Template to use for your research paper. It contains all of the required formatting.

Organizational format should be as follows:

• Approval page
• Abstract (optional)
• Acknowledgments / Dedication (not required)
• Table of Contents
• List of tables with page references
• List of figures with page references
•  Exhibits (tables, figures, photographs, etc. when not distributed in the text)
•  Bibliography (or appropriate title prescribed by style manual chosen)
• Appendices (not required)
• Human subjects committee approval form when required (photocopy)
• Vita sheet (should have a page number)

If a research paper is to be copyrighted, an extra page must be inserted after the title page.  The copyright statement is to be centered on the page as follows:

Copyright by (your name) 20__

All Rights Reserved

Charts, Tables, and Figures

• Generally, students will use the computer to design figures and graphs.
• Table heading and style of headings must follow the style manual chosen. Generally, table titles are above the table and figure titles are below the figure, but the placement selected must be followed consistently.
• Spacing within the table may be single or double spaced based on the readability of the data.
• Font style and size should be consistent throughout the document, unless a table requires a smaller size. Six (6) point font should be the smallest used. Titles should be consistent in size and style of font as used throughout the document.
• There should be a judicious use of spacing to "set off" tables, charts, and figures; typically one or two double-spaces before and after the table. Again, once spacing is chosen, you must be consistent throughout.

MAPS.  Oversize maps may be included as a supplemental file.  

APPENDICES.  List of terms, definitions, questionnaires, and other supplemental information which is useful, but not essential, to the body of the research paper may be included in an appendix.

MARGINS. Margins are flexible within the appendix but keep in mind that the left binding edge will cover approximately 1 inch of data. Page numbers need to continue within the appendix with the same font and the same position on the page as in the text. The Graduate School consultants can advise you about this if needed. 

COLOR.  Color is permitted.

ADDITIONAL FILES.  You may upload multimedia files (video or audio files). Follow instructions at  OpenSIUC .

Formatting Guidelines

• Ariel, Bookman, Courier, Times New Roman
• The body of the document should use a 10 or 12 point font. Headings and subheadings may go up one size and up to 14 point but must be of the same font style as the body of the text. 
• Bold  format may be used only as specified by the style manual chosen.
• Italics  may be used only as specified by the style manual chosen. In general, it may be used for Genera, species, letters, words or phrases cited as an linguistic example, and foreign words.
• The body of the document must be double spaced.
• Extended direct quotations should be presented consistently with the style manual selected.  

MARGINS AND INDENTATIONS

  ** MARGINS ARE ONE INCH ON ALL SIDES.

• Opening pages (Table of Contents, Chapters, Bibliography, etc.) that are required by the style manual to have a set top margin may have a larger than one inch top margin on those pages. Charts, tables, and figures may have greater margins than listed but may not go into the required margins.
• Paragraph indentations should be uniform five spaces. There should be no extra spacing between paragraphs.

The following guidelines are for the pages preceding the text, i.e. Abstract, Acknowledgments, and Table of Contents.

• The pages preceding the text should be numbered in small Roman numbers. The numerals should be centered between the one and one-half inch margin on the left, the one inch margin on the right, and one-half inch up from the bottom edge of the paper.  
• Text pages, bibliography, and appendices should follow the style manual chosen. Numbers should consist of numerals only, without punctuation, embellishment, or running headers. Paging should be continuous including the bibliography, appendices, and vita. Except for preceding pages, the style must be adhered to throughout the document. The first page of text starts with Arabic numeral 1.

This recent guideline revision supersedes all previous editions. Take this into consideration as you review previous research papers from the library or your department.

Roles And Responsibilities

The Graduate Student's Responsibility

• Subject matter and content
• Organization and format
• Editorial, linguistic, and bibliographic quality
• Quality of text, figures, and photocopy
• Quality of data, evidence, and logical reasoning presented
• Presentation of the manuscript based on current style manual of the field and Graduate School guidelines

The Advisory Committee's Responsibility

• Approval of the subject matter and methodology of the research
• Approval of the organization, content, and format
• Review of the quality of data and evidence, logical reasoning, and the editorial, linguistic, and bibliographic quality
• Evaluation of the research paper as a basis for certification that the student has fulfilled the requirements of the degree for which the student is a candidate

The Research Paper Consultant's Responsibility

• Providing counsel and advice upon request by students and members of the student's committee about the format aspects of research paper preparation
• Checking the final draft of each research paper to insure that it has been prepared in conformity with the requirements of this guide

Departmental Style Manual

Each department has selected one or more preferred style manuals and all students within the department are to use one of those styles.

*APA:  American Psychological Association Publication Manual

*MLA:  Modern Language Association Handbook for Writers of Research Papers

HOW TO SUBMIT RESEARCH PAPERS TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL (At a Glance)

Submission site -  OpenSIUC

ALL REVISIONS ARE DUE BY THE DEADLINE DATE! NO EXCEPTIONS!

KEYWORD: Be Consistent

• Write your paper following the Graduate School Guidelines and the Departmental Style Manual.
• Apply for graduation by the 4th week of the term you plan to graduate for Fall / Spring and by the 2nd week of the Summer term.
• Defend your paper.
• Margins: Left, right, top, and bottom margins = 1 inch.
• Spacing: Double spacing throughout; no right justification.
• Headings: Be consistent with top margin, font style, and size. Primary / Chapter headings should be in all caps.
• Pagination: Front matter should have Roman numeral page numbers bottom centered.
• Submit to OpenSIUC.
• Make changes as indicated by the consultant.
• Submit one approval form and one oral defense form.

15 Free Research Tools for Grad Students

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: February 23, 2024 , Reading time: 13 minutes

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The passion for learning and discovery drives many students to pursue graduate studies. Having a higher education usually gives you a sense of pride and achievement. Other factors, such as cultural motivation and family influence, and support, are undeniably paramount when deciding to pursue graduate study.

Students might enroll in graduate courses to prepare for a career that requires a graduate degree, change career paths, or improve their opportunities for advancement. Whatever your reason for pursuing a graduate study, you could have lots of benefits from it. In 2021 alone, among the 4.43 million college students about to graduate, about 5% will earn a doctorate or professional degree. 

According to Penn State News, graduate education plays a crucial role in the progress of many industries and societies worldwide. Grad students’ contributions to ongoing research help everyone in diverse communities better understand the natural and human world we all live in.

Researchers can use this research to uncover natural, cultural, imaginative, social, technological, and mechanical phenomena and solve problems by pursuing knowledge. Therefore, graduate students are engaged in a societal process that helps society understand the world’s complexity and issues better and a quest for personal growth or an expansion of their learning and understanding. 

Skills You Can Gain From a Graduate Study

The following are some skills that you can acquire in your pursuit of graduate study:

• Exceptional analytical skills
• Extracting data and information from multiple sources, adopting robust hypotheses, and examining them thoroughly
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to use sophisticated instrumentation to perform a variety of analytical techniques
• Working with instruments and equipment that require precision
• Collaborates and supervises others’ work
• Identification of problems and implementation of inventive solutions
• Working independently, as well as in a team

The Utilization Of Online Tools

Due to the virtual nature of learning and working, mastering online tools has become increasingly important. Learners can use technology to become more effective and to optimize their research. It can be beneficial to integrate some helpful technology into the study and thesis-writing process. This will enable you as a grad student to have flexibility in your life. You can have a better work-life balance which allows you to have more chances for employability.

To assist with your research, graduate students need the right tools. By utilizing these tools, your research will not only become more accessible but more productive as well because it will make tasks that otherwise seem tedious a lot easier.

When you’ve encountered internships while handling research and project reports simultaneously, you can understand how valuable these research tools will be as a busy grad student. Having strenuous work and juggling different data could be a lot to take in. With the help of practical tools, you can better organize and prioritize tasks daily.

Regardless of the field of study, you are in, this article will showcase helpful tools that will prove to provide ease in your student life. STEM researchers rely on such tools as the bread and butter of their research. Get ready as you delve into the ultimate FREE graduate help tools! 

Free Research Tools for Grad Students

Here’s a rundown of the great apps for grad school, ranging from productivity-enhancing tools to distraction-reducing tools.

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The Grammarly software has changed the way people read and perceive all kinds of text since it was released in July 2009. Several academicians use it, and those working in an office need support for creating documents and articles. This AI-powered tool can correct spelling, grammar, sentences, punctuation, and a lot more.

The majority of your duties as a graduate student will involve writing, editing, and checking research papers. No day passes when you don’t either check something your professor handles for you or write your own report or article. Grammatical rules play a crucial role in professional writing. Grammarly will help you escape and avoid careless mistakes that lead to papers being rejected. Grammarly is compatible with all platforms. It is easy to install on an MS Word document and is consistent with various plugin browsers like Safari, Firefox, Edge, and Chrome. You can also access it using a mobile device. Signing up is easy and free, and you can navigate effortlessly.

MIT OpenCourseWare

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology created the now-popular MIT OpenCourseWare in 2001 as a self-guided teaching resource for undergraduates and graduate students. Courses can be accessed, downloaded, and shared freely without registering and can be taken at any time. Close to 2500 MIT graduate course materials are available on OpenCourseWare, ranging from the liberal arts to STEM topics. This school app also offers graduate programs in medical care, education, and sustainable energy. You can also watch their lectures on YouTube and listen to podcasts.

Google Scholar

Hundreds of thousands of scholarly articles are available via Google Scholar. These resources have been sourced from historical data until the modern era. Using this resource, graduate students can search hundreds of renowned journal publications from across a broad range of disciplines. Also included in the portal are details about the authors, their books published, and citations. The material is ranked based on its content, where it was published, when it was published, its author, and how often other authors cited it.

Google Scholar, released on November 20, 2004, is a collection of scholarly publications that gives users access to published or upcoming work in the field.

The Google Scholar database is packed with papers from top publishers, making it a perfect tool for grad students like you to utilize documents relevant to your research topics. 

You can use Google Scholar to find citations easily. Visit the site and type in the topic you are searching for. Quote marks will appear next to the topics. The citations for different types of press can be found by clicking on them.

You can also access related articles and go directly to the page of the content you’ve been searching for. If you are looking for a professor but cannot locate their profile, chances are they have a Google Scholar page.

Team Viewer

Founded in 2005, TeamViewer facilitates online remote access and collaboration in more than 160 countries. Users can download the free software for their computers or even download it as an app for their smartphones. TeamViewer will ask for your partner ID once it is installed so you can choose to connect. When the other computer’s password is confirmed, you can be able to access through. 

Working collaboratively is easy with Team Viewer. Graduate students often have to cooperate with professors or other graduate students located elsewhere. When dealing with partners, remotely accessing their PCs can come in handy. It’s possible to monitor each other’s simulations and to control each other’s PCs. The college computer connected to the servers can also be accessed remotely from your laptop. In this way, the process can be significantly accelerated.

This typesetting software is used to write CVs, reports, theses, books, research papers, and the like for academic purposes. Here’s where you can get help if you’re having formatting issues. Moreover, LaTeX can create posters, presentations, journal articles, and anything you need for your grad school. There are countless templates available that can help you present your hard work accurately. Academicians worldwide use this tool to enhance their research and are accessible in both online and offline formats.

You can better take control of your subject by using Grammarly and LaTeX together. If you wonder how some people could write pages using mathematical equations, LaTeX makes it all easily possible. It allows you to write equations just as quickly as writing them down on your hand, no more searching for beta symbols in your Microsoft Word.

Online courses offered by Udemy are far more affordable and can be taken anywhere, anytime. Additionally, some of their classes are provided free of charge. In addition to free resources, the site offers a good deal of video tutorials that help grad students supplement or enhance their coursework. Udemy is home to the usual coding, computer science, and language subjects and free and brief courses. Among the topics listed on their course list are emotional intelligence, work productivity, leadership, and other soft skills. These subjects are all beneficial for preparing to enter the corporate world after completing your grad studies.  

Academic Earth

Grad school coursework is uncommon and discouraged if it is taken without a strategic purpose. To pursue a particular research topic, you may need to expose yourself to material covered in introductory courses. Thankfully, you do not need to go through with that struggle anymore. Several universities participate in Academic Earth, which provides free video lectures from their faculty. Currently, the content is not comprehensive, but it will only grow as more universities participate in the project.

Academic Earth’s objective is to place distance learning at the forefront of higher education. They are making efforts to achieve it by providing a well-curated collection of learning materials created by renowned universities, including Yale, MIT, CalTech, and an increasing number of educational institutions. There are also investigative reporting-style short videos on the site, which could aid grad students in essay writing and making research papers. A series of videos on various subjects are provided periodically, from mathematics to information technology, literature to health policy. You can find a whole variety of topic resources from this free tool.

Mendeley Desktop

This software helps researchers organize their work. There’s no better place to save your papers, dissertation, books, and documents than in a single drive that’s accessible and available anywhere in the world. Even if you are far from your computer, you can still access your data by logging in to Mendeley. On Mendeley’s desktop, you can find all the information about authors, titles, publishers, and abstracts in one place. This makes the process of referencing quicker and more convenient. The papers can also be shared with professors or fellow graduate students, and annotations can be added to make information sharing easier.

A three-person team from Germany created Mendeley Desktop in August 2008, and Elsevier acquired it in 2013. Share data, collaborate on research, and curate research information with this tool. When registering, you get 2GB of free data. Additional memory can be purchased separately. The title, author, and abstract of a paper are all displayed in one block without opening it. You can have a glimpse of what the article is about while just skimming through the notes. This serves as the overview. What’s good about this software, you ask? It’s available as a plugin on MS Word! Crafting your paper has never been this effortless!

Whatever field of study you’re pursuing, SkillShare is the perfect place to learn! Users learn how to write creatively, develop a website without any coding, use Shopify and Adobe to build a website, build your brand, master the principles of digital analytics, master the concepts of Microsoft Business Intelligence, create articles for children, and more. You must register to access the videos, which are primarily free. SkillShare can also be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store.

Skillshare’s classes are divided into different categories like technology, business, lifestyle, and creativity. There are almost 30,000 classes currently. Skillshare indeed affords you endless opportunities, and you can find a lot of great high-quality courses, but you still have to be picky, as some are also of low quality. Anyone can also become a teacher at Skillshare. Even though the low-quality classes are removed frequently, there may be occasions when you could still stumble across one. Hence, it’s essential to check reviews first. 

Semantic Scholar

Researchers can explore Semantic Scholar for free to locate the latest publications, articles, and research for STEM programs. Aware of the thousands of scientific papers being published every day, it uses artificial intelligence to guide students through them. 

AI can drive a Semantic Scholar search to display relevant statistics and citations to determine each user’s influence and relevance. The database is not solely dedicated to physical sciences but also to social sciences, psychology, philosophy, and art.

Internet Public Library

This online resource is as simple as it gets. This online database of resources has been classified by subject and provides access to almost every relevant subject in all schools, particularly graduate schools. Despite the lack of a search function, the website contains essays and case studies on various topics. Besides providing extensive information on various online degree programs, it also lists the numerous levels of degrees applicable to each program.

National Archives

The National Archives is the best source of information for graduate students taking history and biography classes. Many significant historical records and documents are kept there, including the Constitution, census data and media copies from World War I and II. If you are working on a documentary or video essay related to any historical topics and many more, these references are helpful.

Descriptions of National Archives holdings are available through the National Archives Catalog, which includes listings for Washington, DC, regional archives, and Presidential Libraries. In its present state, the Catalog comprises 95% of records, each in its series. Thus, you can find basic information about records in the description, including the size and location. 

Duke Options

The Duke Options tool can help grad students explore and choose from a wide range of professional development offerings and build a personalized plan for their professional development in graduate school. 

Duke Options is a tool specially designed for Ph.D. students to support their professional development as they pursue a career in academia. You can customize the planned activities from here by choosing your target competency and stage or academic level. A link suggestion system on the portal corresponds to the activities in the roadmap, and it is personalized based on the student profile and career objectives. The Duke Options software is available to everyone, but those with NetID credentials can only save the roadmaps and plans.

Harvard University and MIT founded edX, but it now boasts over 140 partner universities from all over the world, providing a vast repository of MOOC materials. Over 2500 courses and programs available on edX are perfect for graduate students interested in enhancing their learning – from liberal arts and humanities to sciences, to even law and medicine. The course also offers assignments and quizzes for tracking progress and understanding; some courses award certificates or micro master’s degrees.

Learn how cutting-edge cognitive science underpins edX. 

More than 200 schools and companies partner with Coursera, another popular MOOC site. Free courses are available here and include lectures, assignments, discussion boards, and more. Graduate students can earn specializations, professional certificates, and Master Track certificates for a minimal fee.

College courses delivered online through Coursera are widely praised. The system makes it easy to understand by offering clear syllabi, quizzes, and short essays. There are usually two hours of video lectures per week in most courses. Site navigation is easy, and the interface is straightforward. Quizzes and papers are graded on time, and professors promptly respond to prompt feedback, despite most courses having tens of thousands of students enrolled.

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APA Writing Guide: Formatting for Graduate Students

• Formatting for Undergraduates
• Formatting for Graduate Students
• In-text Citations
• Books and Ebooks
• Journal Articles
• Misc.Citations

Writing Center

The Liberty University Writing Center is available to provide writing coaching to students. Residential students should contact the  On-Campus Writing Center  for assistance. Online students should contact the  Online Writing Center  for assistance.

General Rules

Liberty University has determined that graduate students will use APA 7’s formatting guidelines for professional papers. To assist you, Liberty University's Writing Center provides a template paper and a  sample paper .

For professional papers, the following four sections are required: 

• Title Page with Running Head
• Abstract with Keywords
• Reference List

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you format your paper:

• Fonts  - LU recommends that papers be typed in 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Calibri fonts.  
• Use only one space at the end of each sentence in the body of your paper.
• In general, APA papers should be double spaced throughout. A list of exceptions can be found here.
• To make sure that your paper is double spaced throughout,  select the text ,  right click , select ' Paragraph ,' and look under the section ' Line Spacing ' as shown below:

• Margins/Alignment  - Your paper should use 1-inch margins on standard-sized paper (8.5' X 11'). Make sure that you use  Align Left  (CTRL + L) on the paper, except for the title page.  
•   Indentation – The first sentence in each new paragraph in the body of the paper should be indented a half inch. The abstract, however, should not be indented. References use hanging indentation .  
• Headings:   Please note that all headings are in title case. Level 1 headings should be centered (and in bold), and Level 2 and 3 headings should be left-aligned (and in bold or bold italic, respectively). Level 4 and 5 headings are indented like regular paragraphs. An example of formatting headings in a paper is available here

Title Page: When setting up the professional title page, please note the following elements should be present on the page:

• There is no limit to the number of words in the title.
• Add an extra blank double-spaced line between the title and author’s name.
• Name of each author (centered)
• Name of department and institution/affiliation (centered)
• Place the author note in the bottom half of the title page. Center and bold the label “Author Note.” Align the paragraphs of the author note to the left. For an example, see the LU Writing Center template for graduate students here .
• Page number in top right corner of the header, starting with page 1 on the title page
• The running head is an abbreviated version of the title of your paper (or the full title if the title is already short).
• Type the running head in all-capital letters.
• Ensure the running head is no more than 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
• The running head appears in the same format on every page, including the first page.
• Do not use the label “Running head:” before the running head.
• Align the running head to the left margin of the page header, across from the right-aligned page number.

Abstract Page: The abstract page includes the abstract and related keywords.

The abstract is a brief but comprehensive summary of your paper. Here are guidelines for formatting the abstract:

• It should be the second page of a professional (graduate level) paper.
• The first line should say “Abstract” centered and in bold.
• The abstract should start one line below the section label.
• It should be a single paragraph and should not be indented.
• It should not exceed 250 words.

Keywords are used for indexing in databases and as search terms. Your keywords should capture the most important aspects of your paper in three to five words, phrases, or acronyms. Here are formatting guidelines:

• Label “ Keywords ” one line below the abstract, indented and in italics (not bolded).
• The keywords should be written on the same line as and one space after the label “ Keywords ”.
• The keywords should be lowercase (but capitalize proper nouns) and not italic or bold.
• Each keyword should be separated by a comma and a space and followed by a colon.
• There should be no ending punctuation.
• << Previous: Formatting for Undergraduates
• Next: In-text Citations >>
• Last Updated: Aug 29, 2023 11:29 AM
• URL: https://libguides.liberty.edu/APAguide

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A Guide to Writing a Scientific Paper: A Focus on High School Through Graduate Level Student Research

Renee a. hesselbach.

1 NIEHS Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

David H. Petering

2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Craig A. Berg

3 Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Henry Tomasiewicz

Daniel weber.

This article presents a detailed guide for high school through graduate level instructors that leads students to write effective and well-organized scientific papers. Interesting research emerges from the ability to ask questions, define problems, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, and make critical connections. This process is incomplete, unless new results are communicated to others because science fundamentally requires peer review and criticism to validate or discard proposed new knowledge. Thus, a concise and clearly written research paper is a critical step in the scientific process and is important for young researchers as they are mastering how to express scientific concepts and understanding. Moreover, learning to write a research paper provides a tool to improve science literacy as indicated in the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards (1996), and A Framework for K–12 Science Education (2011), the underlying foundation for the Next Generation Science Standards currently being developed. Background information explains the importance of peer review and communicating results, along with details of each critical component, the Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results , and Discussion . Specific steps essential to helping students write clear and coherent research papers that follow a logical format, use effective communication, and develop scientific inquiry are described.

Introduction

A key part of the scientific process is communication of original results to others so that one's discoveries are passed along to the scientific community and the public for awareness and scrutiny. 1 – 3 Communication to other scientists ensures that new findings become part of a growing body of publicly available knowledge that informs how we understand the world around us. 2 It is also what fuels further research as other scientists incorporate novel findings into their thinking and experiments.

Depending upon the researcher's position, intent, and needs, communication can take different forms. The gold standard is writing scientific papers that describe original research in such a way that other scientists will be able to repeat it or to use it as a basis for their studies. 1 For some, it is expected that such articles will be published in scientific journals after they have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. Scientists must submit their articles for examination by other scientists familiar with the area of research, who decide whether the work was conducted properly and whether the results add to the knowledge base and are conveyed well enough to merit publication. 2 If a manuscript passes the scrutiny of peer-review, it has the potential to be published. 1 For others, such as for high school or undergraduate students, publishing a research paper may not be the ultimate goal. However, regardless of whether an article is to be submitted for publication, peer review is an important step in this process. For student researchers, writing a well-organized research paper is a key step in learning how to express understanding, make critical connections, summarize data, and effectively communicate results, which are important goals for improving science literacy of the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards, 4 and A Framework for K–12 Science Education, 5 and the Next Generation Science Standards 6 currently being developed and described in The NSTA Reader's Guide to A Framework for K–12 Science Education. 7 Table 1 depicts the key skills students should develop as part of the Science as Inquiry Content Standard. Table 2 illustrates the central goals of A Framework for K–12 Science Education Scientific and Engineering Practices Dimension.

Key Skills of the Science as Inquiry National Science Education Content Standard

National Research Council (1996).

Important Practices of A Framework for K–12 Science Education Scientific and Engineering Practices Dimension

National Research Council (2011).

Scientific papers based on experimentation typically include five predominant sections: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion . This structure is a widely accepted approach to writing a research paper, and has specific sections that parallel the scientific method. Following this structure allows the scientist to tell a clear, coherent story in a logical format, essential to effective communication. 1 , 2 In addition, using a standardized format allows the reader to find specific information quickly and easily. While readers may not have time to read the entire research paper, the predictable format allows them to focus on specific sections such as the Abstract , Introduction , and Discussion sections. Therefore, it is critical that information be placed in the appropriate and logical section of the report. 3

Guidelines for Writing a Primary Research Article

The Title sends an important message to the reader about the purpose of the paper. For example, Ethanol Effects on the Developing Zebrafish: Neurobehavior and Skeletal Morphogenesis 8 tells the reader key information about the content of the research paper. Also, an appropriate and descriptive title captures the attention of the reader. When composing the Title , students should include either the aim or conclusion of the research, the subject, and possibly the independent or dependent variables. Often, the title is created after the body of the article has been written, so that it accurately reflects the purpose and content of the article. 1 , 3

The Abstract provides a short, concise summary of the research described in the body of the article and should be able to stand alone. It provides readers with a quick overview that helps them decide whether the article may be interesting to read. Included in the Abstract are the purpose or primary objectives of the experiment and why they are important, a brief description of the methods and approach used, key findings and the significance of the results, and how this work is different from the work of others. It is important to note that the Abstract briefly explains the implications of the findings, but does not evaluate the conclusions. 1 , 3 Just as with the Title , this section needs to be written carefully and succinctly. Often this section is written last to ensure it accurately reflects the content of the paper. Generally, the optimal length of the Abstract is one paragraph between 200 and 300 words, and does not contain references or abbreviations.

All new research can be categorized by field (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, geology) and by area within the field (e.g., biology: evolution, ecology, cell biology, anatomy, environmental health). Many areas already contain a large volume of published research. The role of the Introduction is to place the new research within the context of previous studies in the particular field and area, thereby introducing the audience to the research and motivating the audience to continue reading. 1

Usually, the writer begins by describing what is known in the area that directly relates to the subject of the article's research. Clearly, this must be done judiciously; usually there is not room to describe every bit of information that is known. Each statement needs one or more references from the scientific literature that supports its validity. Students must be reminded to cite all references to eliminate the risk of plagiarism. 2 Out of this context, the author then explains what is not known and, therefore, what the article's research seeks to find out. In doing so, the scientist provides the rationale for the research and further develops why this research is important. The final statement in the Introduction should be a clearly worded hypothesis or thesis statement, as well as a brief summary of the findings as they relate to the stated hypothesis. Keep in mind that the details of the experimental findings are presented in the Results section and are aimed at filling the void in our knowledge base that has been pointed out in the Introduction .

Materials and Methods

Research utilizes various accepted methods to obtain the results that are to be shared with others in the scientific community. The quality of the results, therefore, depends completely upon the quality of the methods that are employed and the care with which they are applied. The reader will refer to the Methods section: (a) to become confident that the experiments have been properly done, (b) as the guide for repeating the experiments, and (c) to learn how to do new methods.

It is particularly important to keep in mind item (b). Since science deals with the objective properties of the physical and biological world, it is a basic axiom that these properties are independent of the scientist who reported them. Everyone should be able to measure or observe the same properties within error, if they do the same experiment using the same materials and procedures. In science, one does the same experiment by exactly repeating the experiment that has been described in the Methods section. Therefore, someone can only repeat an experiment accurately if all the relevant details of the experimental methods are clearly described. 1 , 3

The following information is important to include under illustrative headings, and is generally presented in narrative form. A detailed list of all the materials used in the experiments and, if important, their source should be described. These include biological agents (e.g., zebrafish, brine shrimp), chemicals and their concentrations (e.g., 0.20 mg/mL nicotine), and physical equipment (e.g., four 10-gallon aquariums, one light timer, one 10-well falcon dish). The reader needs to know as much as necessary about each of the materials; however, it is important not to include extraneous information. For example, consider an experiment involving zebrafish. The type and characteristics of the zebrafish used must be clearly described so another scientist could accurately replicate the experiment, such as 4–6-month-old male and female zebrafish, the type of zebrafish used (e.g., Golden), and where they were obtained (e.g., the NIEHS Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center in the WATER Institute of the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee). In addition to describing the physical set-up of the experiment, it may be helpful to include photographs or diagrams in the report to further illustrate the experimental design.

A thorough description of each procedure done in the reported experiment, and justification as to why a particular method was chosen to most effectively answer the research question should also be included. For example, if the scientist was using zebrafish to study developmental effects of nicotine, the reader needs to know details about how and when the zebrafish were exposed to the nicotine (e.g., maternal exposure, embryo injection of nicotine, exposure of developing embryo to nicotine in the water for a particular length of time during development), duration of the exposure (e.g., a certain concentration for 10 minutes at the two-cell stage, then the embryos were washed), how many were exposed, and why that method was chosen. The reader would also need to know the concentrations to which the zebrafish were exposed, how the scientist observed the effects of the chemical exposure (e.g., microscopic changes in structure, changes in swimming behavior), relevant safety and toxicity concerns, how outcomes were measured, and how the scientist determined whether the data/results were significantly different in experimental and unexposed control animals (statistical methods).

Students must take great care and effort to write a good Methods section because it is an essential component of the effective communication of scientific findings.

The Results section describes in detail the actual experiments that were undertaken in a clear and well-organized narrative. The information found in the Methods section serves as background for understanding these descriptions and does not need to be repeated. For each different experiment, the author may wish to provide a subtitle and, in addition, one or more introductory sentences that explains the reason for doing the experiment. In a sense, this information is an extension of the Introduction in that it makes the argument to the reader why it is important to do the experiment. The Introduction is more general; this text is more specific.

Once the reader understands the focus of the experiment, the writer should restate the hypothesis to be tested or the information sought in the experiment. For example, “Atrazine is routinely used as a crop pesticide. It is important to understand whether it affects organisms that are normally found in soil. We decided to use worms as a test organism because they are important members of the soil community. Because atrazine damages nerve cells, we hypothesized that exposure to atrazine will inhibit the ability of worms to do locomotor activities. In the first experiment, we tested the effect of the chemical on burrowing action.”

Then, the experiments to be done are described and the results entered. In reporting on experimental design, it is important to identify the dependent and independent variables clearly, as well as the controls. The results must be shown in a way that can be reproduced by the reader, but do not include more details than needed for an effective analysis. Generally, meaningful and significant data are gathered together into tables and figures that summarize relevant information, and appropriate statistical analyses are completed based on the data gathered. Besides presenting each of these data sources, the author also provides a written narrative of the contents of the figures and tables, as well as an analysis of the statistical significance. In the narrative, the writer also connects the results to the aims of the experiment as described above. Did the results support the initial hypothesis? Do they provide the information that was sought? Were there problems in the experiment that compromised the results? Be careful not to include an interpretation of the results; that is reserved for the Discussion section.

The writer then moves on to the next experiment. Again, the first paragraph is developed as above, except this experiment is seen in the context of the first experiment. In other words, a story is being developed. So, one commonly refers to the results of the first experiment as part of the basis for undertaking the second experiment. “In the first experiment we observed that atrazine altered burrowing activity. In order to understand how that might occur, we decided to study its impact on the basic biology of locomotion. Our hypothesis was that atrazine affected neuromuscular junctions. So, we did the following experiment..”

The Results section includes a focused critical analysis of each experiment undertaken. A hallmark of the scientist is a deep skepticism about results and conclusions. “Convince me! And then convince me again with even better experiments.” That is the constant challenge. Without this basic attitude of doubt and willingness to criticize one's own work, scientists do not get to the level of concern about experimental methods and results that is needed to ensure that the best experiments are being done and the most reproducible results are being acquired. Thus, it is important for students to state any limitations or weaknesses in their research approach and explain assumptions made upfront in this section so the validity of the research can be assessed.

The Discussion section is the where the author takes an overall view of the work presented in the article. First, the main results from the various experiments are gathered in one place to highlight the significant results so the reader can see how they fit together and successfully test the original hypotheses of the experiment. Logical connections and trends in the data are presented, as are discussions of error and other possible explanations for the findings, including an analysis of whether the experimental design was adequate. Remember, results should not be restated in the Discussion section, except insofar as it is absolutely necessary to make a point.

Second, the task is to help the reader link the present work with the larger body of knowledge that was portrayed in the Introduction . How do the results advance the field, and what are the implications? What does the research results mean? What is the relevance? 1 , 3

Lastly, the author may suggest further work that needs to be done based on the new knowledge gained from the research.

Supporting Documentation and Writing Skills

Tables and figures are included to support the content of the research paper. These provide the reader with a graphic display of information presented. Tables and figures must have illustrative and descriptive titles, legends, interval markers, and axis labels, as appropriate; should be numbered in the order that they appear in the report; and include explanations of any unusual abbreviations.

The final section of the scientific article is the Reference section. When citing sources, it is important to follow an accepted standardized format, such as CSE (Council of Science Editors), APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), or CMS (Chicago Manual of Style). References should be listed in alphabetical order and original authors cited. All sources cited in the text must be included in the Reference section. 1

When writing a scientific paper, the importance of writing concisely and accurately to clearly communicate the message should be emphasized to students. 1 – 3 Students should avoid slang and repetition, as well as abbreviations that may not be well known. 1 If an abbreviation must be used, identify the word with the abbreviation in parentheses the first time the term is used. Using appropriate and correct grammar and spelling throughout are essential elements of a well-written report. 1 , 3 Finally, when the article has been organized and formatted properly, students are encouraged to peer review to obtain constructive criticism and then to revise the manuscript appropriately. Good scientific writing, like any kind of writing, is a process that requires careful editing and revision. 1

A key dimension of NRC's A Framework for K–12 Science Education , Scientific and Engineering Practices, and the developing Next Generation Science Standards emphasizes the importance of students being able to ask questions, define problems, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, draw conclusions, and communicate results. 5 , 6 In the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, we found the guidelines presented in this article useful for high school science students because this group of students (and probably most undergraduates) often lack in understanding of, and skills to develop and write, the various components of an effective scientific paper. Students routinely need to focus more on the data collected and analyze what the results indicated in relation to the research question/hypothesis, as well as develop a detailed discussion of what they learned. Consequently, teaching students how to effectively organize and write a research report is a critical component when engaging students in scientific inquiry.

Acknowledgments

This article was supported by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) grant (Award Number R25RR026299) from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health. The SEPA program at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee is part of the Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, Community Outreach and Education Core, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (Award Number P30ES004184). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Disclosure Statement

No competing financial interests exist.

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="research papers for graduate students"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Advising guide for research students.

Success as a graduate student is a shared responsibility between students and faculty. For research students, the relationship with your research advisor, also known as your special committee chair, is extremely important. 

Your responsibility to identify and choose an advisor is one of the most critical tasks you have early in your graduate school career. It’s an opportunity to meet and get to know faculty in your field, to assess your needs for support and supervision, and to collaboratively define your goals, values, and strategic plan for your academic and professional career.

Graduate School Requirement

At Cornell, the faculty advisor in research degree programs is referred to as the special committee chair.

Doctoral students have a special committee of at least three Cornell faculty, which includes the special committee chair and two minor committee members.

Master’s students have a special committee of at least two Cornell faculty, which includes the special committee chair and one minor member.

For both doctoral and master’s degree students, the special committee chair must be a graduate faculty member in the student’s own field.

Definition of an Advisor

Advising  and  mentoring  are often used interchangeably, but understanding the distinctions is important as you choose an advisor.

Advisor Responsibilities

• Guides you in meeting the requirements and expectations for your degree
• Required coursework
• Exams required by the graduate field or the Graduate School
• Research proposal/prospectus
• Research project
• Thesis or dissertation
• Writes informed letters of recommendation for your job applications
• May be a valued colleague or collaborator after you graduate

Mentor Responsibilities

• Provides support and guidance that extends beyond scope of advising
• Demystifies the structure, culture, and unstated expectations of graduate education
• Expands your professional network by introducing you to others
• Provides nominations for awards or other recognitions
• Brings job opportunities to your attention and writes letters of recommendation as you apply for jobs
• Advocates for you within the graduate program and discipline
• May serve as a role model and source of inspiration
• May become a colleague and peer in your discipline and may continue serving a mentoring role

Finding an Advisor

When do i select my first advisor.

At Cornell, the process for obtaining your first advisor varies by field.

Your faculty advisor may be assigned prior to your arrival or you may begin your program with a faculty member you met during the application process.

In some graduate fields, the faculty director of graduate studies (DGS) advises all incoming students. This provides you with time to get to know faculty in your field. By the end of the first semester or year (varying by field), it’s expected that you will have identified your own, long-term advisor. 

In fields where students apply to study with a specific faculty member (rather than do rotations and choose a lab or research group and advisor), you will have chosen an advisor prior to arriving on campus.

You can begin initial conversations about expectations and the advising relationship with your new advisor prior to the start of your program via email.

Start your graduate study and research with clear expectations and thoughtful communication about your plans for an effective advising relationship and success in graduate school.

How do I find an advisor? 

Meet and get to know faculty in your courses and in graduate field seminars and other events.

Talk to advanced students about their experiences and perceptions of the faculty in your programs and ask questions about possible advisors:

• How would you describe their approach to advising?
• What can you tell me about their work style?
• What can you tell me about their research interests?
• How good are their communication skills?
• How clear are their expectations for their graduate students?
• Do they use timeliness in reviewing their students’ writing and their approach to giving feedback?
• How available are they to meet with their graduate students?

After you have gathered information, make an appointment to meet with a potential advisor.

Possible Questions

• Is there a typical timeline you encourage your students to follow in completing their degree programs?
• How often do you meet with your students at different stages of their graduate program? (For example, during coursework, research, and writing stages)
• What are your expectations for students to make conference presentations and submit publications?
• What are your authorship policies? (This is especially relevant in fields where there is collaborative research and publishing involving the student and advisor or a group of students, postdocs, and faculty.)
• How soon should I identify my research project?
• How do you describe the degree of guidance and supervision you provide with regards to your students becoming more independent in their research and scholarship?
• If you are joining a lab or research group: What are the sources of funding for this research? Are there any new or pending research grants?
• How many of your students seek, and secure, external funding? What are your expectations for students to apply for external fellowships?
• Do you have a statement of advising you can share that lists our respective responsibilities and clarifies mutual expectations?
• What’s your advice on how students can manage what they find to be the biggest challenges in their graduate program?

Add other questions to your list based on your own needs and specifics of your program, such as questions about specialized equipment, lab safety, travel to field sites, support and accommodations for special health needs, communication during a faculty member’s sabbatical, funding in fields where there are fewer fellowships and research grants, etc.

Getting Other Mentoring Needs Met

How do i find other mentor(s) .

You may find one faculty member who can serve as both advisor and mentor, but that’s not always the case.

Consider identifying and cultivating additional mentors if that is the case. 

Suggestions on where to look for a mentor:

• The minor members of your special committee
• A faculty member who is not on your committee, and perhaps not even in your graduate field
• Peers and postdoctoral fellows who have knowledge and experience in pertinent issues

No one mentor can meet all your needs.

Good mentors have many protégés and many other demands on their time, such as teaching, research, and university or professional service. They also may not have all the expertise you need, for example, if you decide to search for jobs in multiple employment sectors.

Develop a broad network of mentors whose expertise varies and who provide different functions based on your changing needs as you progress from new student to independent scholar and researcher.

NCFDD offers a webinar, “ Cultivating Your Network of Mentors, Sponsors, and Collaborators “, which students can view after activating a free NCFDD membership through Cornell.

Maximizing the Advising Relationship

A successful relationship with your advisor depends on several different factors and varies with needs and working styles of the individuals. Some of these factors are under your control. But some are not. 

Suggestions for Building a Successful Advising Relationship

• Identify what you need from an advisor.
• Communicate clearly and frequently with your advisor to convey your questions, expectations, goals, challenges, and degree progress. Follow up verbal communication and meetings with an email detailing your understanding of what you both agreed to and next steps.
• Update your written academic plan each semester or whenever major changes or adjustments are needed.
• Consider including your plans to write competitive fellowship applications and co-authored grant proposals.
• Consider including  plans for professional development  that support your skill-building objectives and career goals.
• Recognize that you and your advisor have distinct perspectives, backgrounds, and interests. Share yours. Listen to your advisor’s. There is mutual benefit to sharing and learning from this diversity.
• Work with your advisor to define a regular meeting schedule. Prepare and send written materials in advance of each meeting. These could include: your questions, academic and research plan and timeline, and drafts of current writing projects, such as fellowship applications, manuscripts, or thesis/dissertation chapters.
• Be prepared to negotiate, show flexibility, and compromise, as is important for any successful relationship.
• Be as candid as you are comfortable with about your challenges and concerns. Seek guidance about campus and other resources that can help you manage and address any obstacles.
• Reach out to others for advice. Anticipate challenges and obstacles in your graduate degree program and their impact on the advising relationship.

Be proactive in finding resources and gathering information that can help you and your advisor arrive at solutions to any problems and optimize your time together.

Making Use of Meetings

First meetings.

Your first meeting sets the tone for a productive, satisfying, and enduring relationship with your advisor. Your first meeting is an opportunity to discuss expectations and to review a working draft of your academic plan.

Questions to ask about expectations

• What do your most successful students do to complete their degree on time?
• How often do you want us to meet?
• May I send you questions via email, or do you prefer I just come to your office?
• Would you like weekly (biweekly? monthly?) updates on my research progress?
• Do you prefer reviewing the complete draft of a manuscript or may I send you sections for feedback?
• After each meeting, I’ll make a list of what we each agreed to do before our next meeting, to help me keep moving forward with my research. Would you like a copy of that list, too, via email?

Draft Academic Plan

Prepare and bring a draft plan that outlines your “big picture” plans for your coursework, research, and writing, as well as an anticipated graduation date. (Or, email in advance with a message, such as, “I’m looking forward to meeting with you on [date] at [time], [location]. In advance, I’m sending a copy of my academic plan and proposed schedule for our discussion.”)

Contents of the plan

• Include the requirements and deadlines of your degree program. (This is information you should be able to find online or in your program’s graduate student handbook.)
• Include a general timeline indicating when you plan to meet requirements for courses or seminars, any required papers (such as a second-year paper), exams required by the graduate field (such as the Q exam) or by the Graduate School (the A exam and the B exam for research degree students).
• If your graduate field has a specific set of required courses, indicate the semester you may complete each of them, and be open to suggestions from your advisor.
• If your field does not have required courses, have some idea about the courses you are interested in taking and solicit input and suggestions from your faculty advisor.

Subsequent Meetings

Use each subsequent meeting as an opportunity to update your written academic plan and stay on track to complete your required papers and exams, your research proposal or prospectus, and the chapters or articles that comprise your thesis or dissertation.

In later meetings, you can elaborate on your general initial plan:

• Adding specific coursework or seminars
• Add professional development opportunities that interest you (workshops, dissertation writing boot camp, Summer Success Symposium, Colman Leadership Program, etc.)
• Include intentions to participate in external conferences and travel to research sites
• Identify a semester or summer when you would like to complete an internship.

Your written plan is also important to document what your advisor has agreed to, especially when the deadline to submit a manuscript or your thesis is looming and you are awaiting feedback or approval from your advisor. Use a combination of oral and written communications to stay in touch with your advisor, establish common expectations, and mark your progress toward degree completion.

Meeting Frequency

The frequency of meetings between advisors and advisees varies by field and individual. Assess your own needs and understand your advisor’s expectations for frequency of communication (in person and via email).

• Does your advisor like to provide guidance each step of the way so that he or she is aware of the details of everything you are doing?
• Does your advisor want you to launch your work more independently and report back at pre-determined or regular intervals?
• What do you need to be productive? Are you ready to work more independently?

Be proactive in seeking information. Explicitly ask how often your advisor usually meets with new students and how the advisor prefers to be updated on your progress in between meetings. Ask your peers how frequently they meet with their advisor and whether this has changed over time.

There will be disciplinary differences in meeting frequency.

• In humanities and in some social sciences, where library, archive, and field research take students away from campus, maintaining regular communication is essential, including through scheduled meetings, whether in-person or virtual.
• In life sciences and physical sciences and engineering, students often see their advisors daily in the lab or meet as a research group about externally funded projects; these regular check-ins and conversations may replace formal meetings. Make sure that you are also scheduling one-on-one times to talk about your broader goals and academic and career planning progress, however.

Some of your decisions about meeting frequency will be informed by talking to others, but much of it you learn through experience working together with your advisor. Even this will  change over time  as you become a more independent researcher and scholar. Communicate with your advisor regularly about your changing needs and expectations at each stage of your graduate career.

Resolving Conflict

In any relationship, there can be conflict. And, in the advisor-advisee relationship, the power dynamic created by the supervision, evaluation and, in some cases, funding role of your advisor can make conflicts with your advisor seem especially high.

You have options, however, including:

• Code of Legislation of the Graduate Faculty
• Campus Code of Conduct
• Policy on Academic Misconduct
• Research Misconduct
• Graduate School Grievance Policy
• Intellectual Property policies
• Graduate Student Assistantships (Policy 1.3)
• Talking with your advisor to clarify any miscommunication. Cornell University’s Office of the Ombudsman , one of the offices on campus that offers confidentiality, can also assist you by talking through the issue and helping you gather information you need before you speak directly with your advisor.
• Speaking with someone in the Graduate School, either the Associate Dean for Academics ( [email protected] ) for academic issues, or the Senior Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life ( [email protected] ) for other issues. These deans will listen, offer advice and support, and coach you through any conversation you might want to have with your advisor. Together, you can brainstorm possible solutions and evaluate alternative plans for resolution.
• Touching base with your director of graduate studies (DGS) – if this person is not also your advisor – to talk to about policies and possible solutions to the conflict.
• Soliciting peer advice. Discuss strategies for managing and resolving conflict with your advisor. “Do you have any suggestions for me?” “Have you ever had an issue like this…?” can be effective questions.
• Identifying a new advisor if the conflict can not be resolved. Your DGS can help with this, and the Graduate School (as above) can help as well.

The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity offers a webinar, “ How to Engage in Healthy Conflict “, which students can view after activating a free NCFDD membership through Cornell.

Changing Advisors

On occasion, students find that they need or want to change their advisor. An advisor can resign as the student’s special committee chair/faculty advisor. The  Code  of Legislation of the Graduate Faculty describes the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty in each of these situations.

Typical reasons to seek a new advisor include:

• Research interests that veer from the faculty’s expertise or ability to fund a certain project
• Your advisor retires or resigns from the university or takes an extended leave of absence for personal or professional reasons
• Differences in goals, values, or an approach to work or communication style that can’t be resolved
• Serious issues, involving suspected inappropriate behavior, questionable research conduct, or alleged bias, discrimination, or harassment

If you are considering changing advisors:

• Talk to a member of your committee, your director of graduate studies (DGS), or someone in the Graduate School about the proposed change. Some issues, such as funding, require timely attention.
• Identify other faculty members who could serve as your advisor, then meet with one or more of them. The goal is to decide together if you are a good fit with their program. Tips: Discuss or rehearse this conversation with a trusted person, especially if there were issues with your last advisor. Be transparent about these issues and address them going forward with a new advisor. Often prospective advisors are more willing to take on a new graduate student who conveys genuine enthusiasm for their area of study rather than a student who seems to be looking for a way out of a current advising relationship that has gone sour.
• Consider how and when to inform your advisor if you plan to change advisors. Be professional and respectful. Thank your advisor for past support and guidance. Don’t damage, or further damage, the relationship.
• Your DGS, if appropriate
• Office of the University Ombudsman
• Graduate School’s Senior Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life ( [email protected] )
• Graduate School’s Associate Dean for Academics ( [email protected] )

Forms: 

• Use Student Center if you are changing your advisor before your A exam (for Ph.D. students).
• Use the Post A Committee Change Petition form for changes after the A exam. More information is available on the Graduate School’s Policy pages .

Challenges and Potential Solutions

All good relationships take work. To navigate an advising relationship successfully over time, you should familiarize yourself with some common challenges and possible actions to take.

Challenge: Mismatch in communication needs or style

One example of a communication challenge in an advising relationship is when you want input along the way during a writing project, but you have an advisor who prefers to wait to comment on a complete written draft.

Some possible steps to address this might be to talk to peers about they have handled this in their relationship with their advisor or to explain to your advisor how his or her input at this earlier stage will help speed you along toward having a complete draft for review. It’s important in communicating with your advisor to show that you understand what alternative they are proposing and why (e.g., “I understand that …”).

Challenge: Advisor unavailable or away

Your advisor might be away from campus for a semester or more to conduct research or take a sabbatical leave. Or when a grant proposal deadline or report is looming, your advisor might be less available. Maybe you’ve emailed your advisor several times with no response.

Planning and stating in advance what you need, such as feedback on a manuscript draft or signatures on a fellowship application, can help your advisor anticipate when you will have time-sensitive requests. Making plans in advance to communicate by email or video conference when either of you will be away from campus for a longer period of time is another useful strategy. Your director of graduate studies (DGS) and other faculty who serve as special committee members can also provide advice when your advisor is unavailable.

Challenge: Misaligned expectations

You are ready to submit a manuscript for publication. Your advisor says it needs much more work. Or you begin your job search, applying to liberal arts colleges with very high reputations, or schools in your preferred geographic location, but your advisor insists that you should apply for positions at top research universities.

Discussing your needs and expectations early, and often, in the advising relationship is essential. Get comfortable, and skilled, advocating for yourself with your advisor. Use the annual  Student Progress Review  as an opportunity to communicate your professional interests and goals with your advisor. Use multiple mentors beyond your advisor to get advice and expertise on topics where you need a different perspective or support.

Sometimes challenges can become opportunities for you to develop and refine new skills in communication, negotiation, self-advocacy, and management of conflict, time, and resources. For example, although you might feel abandoned if your advisor is unavailable for a time, even this potentially negative experience could become an opportunity to learn how to advocate for yourself and communicate about your needs and perceived difficulties in the relationship.

Advising Resources

Graduate School deans and directors  are available to answer academic and non-academic questions and provide referrals to useful resources.

Counseling and Psychological Services  (CAPS) staff offer confidential, professional support for students seeking help with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, adjustment challenges, relationship difficulties, questions about identity, and managing existing mental health conditions.

Let’s Talk Drop-in Consultations  are informal, confidential walk-in consultations at various locations around campus.

External Resources

University of Michigan Rackham, How to Get the Mentoring You Want  

Laura Gail Lunsford & Vicki L. Baker, 2016, Great Mentoring in Graduate School: A Quick Start Guide for Protégés

Michigan State University, Guidelines for Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Relationships  

Michigan State University, Graduate Student Career and Professional Development  

Template for Meeting Notes

Adapted and expanded from Maria Gardiner, Flinders University © Flinders University 2007; used with permission and published in  The Productive Graduate Student Writer  (Allen, 2019). Used here with permission of the author and publisher.  

Use this template for making notes to help you plan for a productive meeting with your advisor, keep track of plans made, and clearly identify next steps that you’ll need to take to follow up on what you discussed.

Mentoring Resources

Graduate school programs focused on mentoring, building mentoring skills for an academic career.

Develop and enhance effective communication and mentorship skills that are broadly transferrable to all careers. Offered by Future Faculty and Academic Careers.

Graduate and Professional Students International (GPSI) Peer Mentoring Program

Share lessons learned as a new international student at Cornell as a peer mentor with new international student peer mentees. Offered by the GPSI in collaboration with the Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement.

Graduate Students Mentoring Undergraduates (GSMU)

Share knowledge with and provide support to undergraduate students interested in pursuing further education. Offered in collaboration with the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI).

Multicultural Academic Council (MAC) Peer Mentoring Program

Develop strategies to excel academically and personally at Cornell and beyond as a peer mentee or share strategies as a peer mentor. Offered by MAC in collaboration with the Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement.

NextGen Professors Program

Learn from faculty in Power Mentoring Sessions and prepare for careers across institutional types. Offered by the Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement and Future Faculty and Academic Careers.

Graduate School Programs with a Mentoring Component

Graduate school primer: navigating academia workshop series.

Program for new students on navigating graduate school with sessions on mentoring.

Perspectives: The Complete Graduate Student

Program for continuing students on common issues with some sessions on mentoring.

GPWomeN-PCCW Speaker Series

Series for all students featuring talks by Cornell alumnae with an occasional mentoring focus.

Future Professors Institute

One-day event featuring workshops and guest speakers with occasional mentoring focus.

Intergroup Dialogue Project (IDP)

Peer-led courses blending theory and experiential learning to facilitate meaningful communication with occasional mentoring focus.

Building Allyship Series

Series for the campus community featuring panels designed for productive dialogue with occasional mentoring focus.

Institutional Memberships

Center for the integration of research, teaching, and learning (cirtl) network.

Access to resources on teaching and research mentoring.

Access to career development and mentoring resources.

New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS)

Access to resources, including webinars and articles on mentoring.

Mentoring Programs Across Campus

Give and receive advice as part of a peer mentoring program for all College of Engineering students. Offered by Diversity Programs in Engineering.

Mi Comunidad/My Community

Peer mentoring program run by graduate and professional students affiliated with the Latin@ Graduate Student Coalition (LGSC) and supported by the Latina/o Studies Program (LSP) and Latina/o/x Student Success Office (LSSO) at Cornell University.

Additional Resources:

• Mentoring and Leadership Tips from Graduate School Programs
• Cornell University Office of Faculty Development and Diversity – Resources for Mentors and Mentees
• Careers Beyond Academia LibGuide
• National Research Mentoring Network

Graduate School Articles on Mentoring:

• Alumna Addresses Importance of Mentoring
• Becoming Better Mentors Through Workshop Series
• August Offers Mentoring Advice
• ‘A Better Chance of Providing Access’: Future Professors Institute Fosters Inclusivity

Virtual Training and External Resources

• How to Get the Mentoring You Want: A Guide for Graduate Students – University of Michigan, Rackham Graduate School
• The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM – National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine
• Mentor Training: Online Learning Modules – University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute
• Mentor Curricula and Training: Entering Mentoring – Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research

For other resources, view the Advising Guide for Research Students.

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• 04 March 2024
• Clarification 05 March 2024

Millions of research papers at risk of disappearing from the Internet

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A study identified more than two million articles that did not appear in a major digital archive, despite having an active DOI. Credit: Anna Berkut/Alamy

More than one-quarter of scholarly articles are not being properly archived and preserved, a study of more than seven million digital publications suggests. The findings, published in the Journal of Librarianship and Scholarly Communication on 24 January 1 , indicate that systems to preserve papers online have failed to keep pace with the growth of research output.

“Our entire epistemology of science and research relies on the chain of footnotes,” explains author Martin Eve, a researcher in literature, technology and publishing at Birkbeck, University of London. “If you can’t verify what someone else has said at some other point, you’re just trusting to blind faith for artefacts that you can no longer read yourself.”

Eve, who is also involved in research and development at digital-infrastructure organization Crossref, checked whether 7,438,037 works labelled with digital object identifiers (DOIs) are held in archives. DOIs — which consist of a string of numbers, letters and symbols — are unique fingerprints used to identify and link to specific publications, such as scholarly articles and official reports. Crossref is the largest DOI registration agency, allocating the identifiers to about 20,000 members, including publishers, museums and other institutions.

The sample of DOIs included in the study was made up of a random selection of up to 1,000 registered to each member organization. Twenty-eight per cent of these works — more than two million articles — did not appear in a major digital archive, despite having an active DOI. Only 58% of the DOIs referenced works that had been stored in at least one archive. The other 14% were excluded from the study because they were published too recently, were not journal articles or did not have an identifiable source.

Preservation challenge

Eve notes that the study has limitations: namely that it tracked only articles with DOIs, and that it did not search every digital repository for articles (he did not check whether items with a DOI were stored in institutional repositories, for example).

Nevertheless, preservation specialists have welcomed the analysis. “It’s been hard to know the real extent of the digital preservation challenge faced by e-journals,” says William Kilbride, managing director of the Digital Preservation Coalition, headquartered in York, UK. The coalition publishes a handbook detailing good preservation practice.

“Many people have the blind assumption that if you have a DOI, it’s there forever,” says Mikael Laakso, who studies scholarly publishing at the Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki. “But that doesn’t mean that the link will always work.” In 2021, Laakso and his colleagues reported 2 that more than 170 open-access journals had disappeared from the Internet between 2000 and 2019.

Kate Wittenberg, managing director of the digital archiving service Portico in New York City, warns that small publishers are at higher risk of failing to preserve articles than are large ones. “It costs money to preserve content,” she says, adding that archiving involves infrastructure, technology and expertise that many smaller organizations do not have access to.

Eve’s study suggests some measures that could improve digital preservation, including stronger requirements at DOI registration agencies and better education and awareness of the issue among publishers and researchers.

“Everybody thinks of the immediate gains they might get from having a paper out somewhere, but we really should be thinking about the long-term sustainability of the research ecosystem,” Eve says. “After you’ve been dead for 100 years, are people going to be able to get access to the things you’ve worked on?”

Nature 627 , 256 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00616-5

Updates & Corrections

Clarification 05 March 2024 : The headline of this story has been edited to reflect the fact that some of these papers have not entirely disappeared from the Internet. Rather, many papers are still accessible but have not been properly archived.

Eve, M. P. J. Libr. Sch. Commun. 12 , eP16288 (2024).

Article   Google Scholar  

Laakso, M., Matthias, L. & Jahn, N. J. Assoc. Inf. Sci. Technol. 72 , 1099–1112 (2021).

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PhD student Glendedora Dolce standing with Maryland State Delegate Jennifer White Holland. Holland functions as Dolce's Health Policy Institute host.

For graduate students who are passionate about putting research and policy recommendations into action, the Johns Hopkins Health Policy Institute (HPI) is an invaluable experience. HPI Fellows are paired with Maryland state senators and delegates to perform policy-driven research and analysis, engage with stakeholders and prepare legislative materials, including policy briefs, memos, position papers, written/oral testimony, and legislation itself.  

Among the Spring 2024 HPI Fellows is Glendedora Dolce, now in her second year as a Health and Public Policy doctoral student. A former licensed public nurse (LPN), Dolce had dreams of becoming a physician, but decided to pursue a career in public health to prevent injuries, illnesses and health disparities, rather than treating them. She received her master's degree in public health from Emory University, where she became interested in child passenger safety through work at the local health department. After attaining her MPH, she worked at the U.S. Department of Transportation as a Public Health Fellow; it was there that she saw trends that would become the basis of her dissertation. “I noticed there was a higher number of car crash injuries in historically redlined communities,” she says, “so now I’m digging into who exactly is being injured in those communities and what can be done to protect their safety. Hopefully my research can inform urban planners and departments of transportation and ensure they plan with an equity lens.”   

Dolce was drawn to the Health and Public Policy PhD program by Johns Hopkins’ reputation as a leader in public health and was entirely convinced after seeing a lecture by HPM Chair Dr. Keshia Pollack Porter and attending Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy Summer Institute. “I started looking into the department after that and saw that it really had everything I wanted. It would provide the best education and challenge me in a lot of ways.” 

Dolce’s HPI host is Delegate Jennifer White Holland, MSPH, a Bloomberg School alum who also serves as policy and community engagement director for the Horizon Foundation in Howard County. HPI applicants can select up to three lawmakers they would be interested in working with in the Maryland General Assembly, but Glendedora only listed Delegate White Holland because she felt such a strong connection to the delegate’s work. “She has a real passion for health equity and her constituents,” says Dolce, “and she’s sponsored a lot of impactful legislation.” In this year’s Maryland General Assembly session, Delegate White Holland’s bills include the Maryland Maternal Health Act, which strengthens coordination of care for mothers and mothers-to-be, and the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, which would require employers to post salary ranges on all job listings. “At the very core, justice and equity are key themes in the bills I put forth,” says Delegate White Holland. “For the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, women, particularly Black women and Latina women, are still at a disadvantage, trying to overcome decades of pay disparities. As I think about younger and future generations, it's important that we have access to information to bring to the negotiating table.” 

Dolce has been a vital asset in moving this legislation forward, says Delegate White Holland. “She’s truly a delight and brings a lot of real-life experience. Her unique career path, her interest in land use, transportation and planning and how she participates in issues at that intersection and their impact on public health is at her core. She has been involved in every bill that I have before me, doing research and helping to flesh out questions and answers to various issues. I remember what it was like at the graduate level, so being able to tap her has been a huge help. I also understand her life experience, as another young woman of color, embarking on a journey at Johns Hopkins University. Any way that I can help and provide those opportunities is fulfilling for our office and our district. I'm already wondering how I might keep her on staff long-term. She’s a significant value-add.” 

The firsthand experience of HPI in policymaking and politics in the legislative session is likewise a critical value-add for Dolce. “There’s a big disconnect between researchers and policymakers,” she says. “The HPI fellowship has taught me how to communicate with policymakers, thinking as the supporter and the opposer. This will be beneficial when conducting policy research.”  

Long term, Glendedora sees herself staying in Baltimore—notably the birthplace of redlining—and becoming involved in policy at the local level. “I want to bridge the gap between research and policymakers,” she says. “It would be very innovative to do both.” 

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March 19, 2024 | Mikala Kane - Neag School of Education

Neag School Graduate Students Publish Second Issue of Education Research Journal

The editor-reviewed, open-access, annual journal is founded and run by graduate students at the Neag School and has published four articles in its Spring 2024 issue

The UConn Neag School of Education’s academic journal has published its second issue , thanks to the hard work and dedication of a group of graduate students.

“We are overjoyed to share the second issue of the Neag School of Education Journal,” reads a letter from the journal’s board members in the Spring 2024 issue. “Leading from our mission, our journal provides a unique space for graduate and early career scholars to develop and share a broad variety of scholarly work, including research articles, essays, literature reviews, and reflective pieces. … Each of this year’s articles exemplify the equity-grounded, methodologically rigorous, and innovative research that this journal endeavors to elevate.”

The journal prizes pieces that seek to “improve education and social systems in order to facilitate increasingly effective, equitable, and socially just practices for educators and practitioners from a variety of fields, perspectives, and theoretical lenses as they serve their local communities.”

The four articles accepted and published in the Spring 2024 issue are:

• “Neuroscience Concepts Supporting Teachers’ Adaptive Expertise″ – an essay that delves into the integration of neuroscience concepts in teaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding cognitive and neural mechanisms for effective instructional decisions.
• “From Fixed to Flexible: Needed Conditions to Promote Elementary Teachers’ Equitable Use of Within-Class Ability Grouping” – an essay that explores the historical context of fixed and flexible within-class student grouping practices and examines their impact on students’ access to equitable learning outcomes.
• “Does This Mean We Get an A? Causal Implications of Changes in School Accountability” – a quantitative research piece that utilizes regression discontinuity to draw causal conclusions about the impact of school rating categorization through the New York City Department of Education’s most recent school report card rating system.
• “Perceptions of Higher Education Professionals on the Utility of the Activities, Programs, or Policies Tool to Promote Self-Determination for College Students with Disabilities” – a qualitative exploratory study that investigates the experiences of 30 post-secondary disability resource and student affairs professionals with the Activities, Programs, or Policies (APP) Tool.

In addition to providing graduate students and early-career scholars an opportunity to share their work more widely, the editors say the journal fosters collaboration among students and their colleagues. It also helps to demystify the publishing process and supports editors as they move toward publishing their own work in the field. Making the journal open access was also important, ensuring that its content could serve as an available source of information for current and future practitioners. Importantly, authors maintain their copyright and thus can work on their pieces after publication for future submission elsewhere – a feature aligned with the journal’s orientation toward building authors’ capacity and opportunities.

The journal will begin accepting manuscripts for its third issue later this year. Details will be shared on the journal’s webpage , which will also include a submission form when the submission window reopens. Manuscripts must be one of the following four types: research articles, essays, literature reviews, or personal reflections. Of course, the manuscript must deal with a topic of interest to those in the field of education.

We have many fantastic and dedicated people to thank for the realization of our second issue,” the letter from the board members says. “To Dr. Jennie Weiner, our advisor, thank you for your tireless dedication to this journal and to students. You model to us what a human-centered and compassionate review process can be and have taught us enduring lessons as reviewers and researchers. Another ‘thank you’ to Dr. Jason Irizarry, our dean, who has enthusiastically supported the journal from its inception and made it clear that our work and voices matter. … Thank you to the members of the journal whose hard work and enthusiasm made this issue possible. We are excited to continue advancing this work with your assistance going forward. Finally, thank you to the authors of the pieces featured in this issue and all who submitted work. It goes without saying that this would be impossible without your contributions. We are immensely proud to feature your work in this issue.”

To learn more about the Neag School of Education Journal, visit education.uconn.edu/neag-journal .

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Student Explores Misconceptions About Burnout in New Research

Ali Ryan researched the relationship between self-care, difficult work settings, burnout and mental health for school psychology graduate students. Her dissertation confronts the limits of self-care and puts more responsibility on the systems in which students work.

March 14, 2024 | By Brenda Gillen

Ali Ryan's research into the relationship between self-care, difficult work settings, burnout and mental health for school psychology graduate students revealed surprising findings. She initially thought it would help her curate a list of science-backed self-care recommendations to alleviate trainees' struggles. Now in her fourth year of the University of Northern Colorado's School Psychology, Ph.D. program , her understanding of the topic's complexities has deepened. Ryan's dissertation confronts the limits of self-care and puts more responsibility on the systems in which students work. 

"...burnout comes from dysfunctional systems where the demands are way higher than the resources. No amount of individual self-care is going to fix that." — Ali Ryan

Her background as a yoga teacher contributed to her interests in mindfulness, self-care and positive psychology. She wanted to understand why so many school psychology students were struggling and how they could be helped. Wary of unscientific recommendations, her prior investigation examined worthwhile self-care practices.  

"Along the way in my graduate career I picked up different pieces that would build toward this dissertation wherever there was an opportunity. There's a 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' idea that helping professionals should be able to manage their work's very real emotional challenges without outside support. Through my research, I learned about the Job Demands and Resources model of burnout, which assumes that burnout develops when job demands are high, leading to energy depletion, and job resources are limited, undermining employees' motivation. When I applied that model to my work, it indicated that burnout comes from dysfunctional systems where the demands are way higher than the resources. No amount of individual self-care is going to fix that," Ryan said. 

Her research concentrated on the experiences of students in school psychology training. School psychologists work in mental health roles and provide support for special education, including learning disability evaluations. Graduate students gain experience through practicum and externship experiences where they work with supervision. During her training, Ryan saw firsthand how the mismatch of demands and resources can lead to the burned-out states of exhaustion and disengagement described in the Job Demands and Resources model.  

"This is tough work. Learning how to become a school psychologist requires introspection, self-awareness and the ability to figure out how to have psychological and emotional boundaries," she said. 

If school psychology graduate students are burned out, Ryan said those symptoms could exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Her research could help foster a mentally healthy next generation of school psychologists. 

"I hope more research will be built upon what I'm starting, and from it we can, as a field, determine the best practices to support people and train school psychologists who are able to work within complex systems and stay well. Our faculty and trainers can do a lot to shift that dynamic," Ryan said.  

Ryan worked on her dissertation and related research projects with David Hulac , professor and chair of the School Psychology Department in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences . 

"Dr. Hulac is incredibly supportive and has been open to learning alongside me. He asks challenging questions that have helped me grow. I think through things more deeply because of regular meetings with him. Learning the methodology I'm using for analyzing statistics has been a huge growing edge for me," she said. 

Hulac said Ryan's research is important because it recognizes that within the systems that require long hours and demand more and more, people need to be provided with more resources — training, advising, mentorship or simply someone else to help. 

"When you think about becoming a professor, you think about working with students like Ali, where you have long conversations about ideas. There have been times where we have gotten pleasantly lost in a discussion about what different research topics mean. Ali is the Platonic ideal of a student: self-driven, curious and interested in challenging perspectives with curiosity," Hulac said. 

After she graduates, Ryan would like to work both as a therapist in private practice and an elementary school psychologist. Her research goals include developing best practices for teaching the benefits and limits of self-care and working toward shifting the understanding of burnout. She said mindfulness and gratitude practices aren't burnout cure-alls, but there's good research supporting their benefits.  

"If I could send one message, it's that I hope people will continue engaging in self-care, but also acknowledge the limits of their control over their career challenges. I think there's a lot of freedom in realizing we are not the problem and there may be bigger things at play," Ryan said. 

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How to Manage Research Papers: A Cheat Sheet for Graduate Students

• August 1, 2022
• PRODUCTIVITY

Often, researchers find themselves overwhelmed by the vast number of papers they have to read and keep track of.

One of the biggest reasons for this is that we are not using existing tools and services to make our lives easier by managing research papers. In addition, it’s hard to find a versatile product that meets all our needs under one interface, but that is a topic for another post.

Our search for the best research paper management system might not be as straightforward as we think.

Manage research papers is an art that can be developed over time, starting with some handy resources.

Here are some tools I use to keep track of my favorite research papers and also keep up to date with the latest studies.

The main focus of this blog post will be on consumption (rather than writing), and I will cover:

Managing the input

Managing the process, managing the output.

Choose a place to keep unread papers.

Some people like printing papers and some don’t, and that’s okay! I used to print relevant papers for my research that I found interesting.

In the long run, printing all the papers might be overwhelming.

A designated place for unread papers is important, whether a physical folder on your desk or a virtual folder on your desktop.

The folder should serve more than just as a storage area; it should also be a reminder to read your unread papers. You may be tempted to download papers and forget about them, falling victim to PDF alibi syndrome , whereby you fool yourself into thinking you’ve read them.

So, schedule time to review papers every few weeks (on your calendar if necessary). A quick skim and a few notes are all you need to do. You won’t necessarily read each paper in detail.

Avoid the temptation to leave notes like “finish reading later.” However, if necessary, consider using notes like “need to read again before citing” for papers that were skimmed too quickly.

TIP: In case you don’t want to download the papers or have a file system like the one described above, try using an internet plugin such as “ MyMind “. You can sort your files, color code them and use tags.

Choose a reference manager.

An automated system will save a great deal of time in manuscript preparation if you are still manually formatting your references.

I downloaded all the research papers that interested me in the past, but now I realize that’s a bad idea. In addition to not reading even 10 percent of those papers, they also took up a lot of space and were messy without adding anything to my knowledge. I could have sorted the papers properly with a system after downloading them.

A little research led me to a solution.

While taking an online course, I heard about the reference manager, Zotero . I have been using Mendeley, but Zotero has some interesting features that I enjoy. One of these reasons is linking notes with Obsidian (which is my primary note-taking app).

As a result, I started using Zotero , and managing research papers has never been easier.

It is possible to create a poster or two without a reference manager, but citing references by hand for manuscripts and grants is extremely risky.

You can also track papers as you collect them by using a reference manager, especially since most reference managers offer powerful search functions. There are many options to choose from.

In addition to Zotero , Mendeley could be a good alternative. These two reference managers are both free. Several paid software may be free through your institution, including Papers and EndNote .

Take your time to choose the research paper manager that suits your needs, but don’t get overwhelmed. If you decide to switch later, you can always do so. Over the past several years, I have successfully transferred references from RefWorks to Mendeley to Zotero.

A reference-management tool such as Zotero, Mendeley, or Endnote helps you create lists of references, store them, and organize them in a database of folders, keywords, and tags. A browser plugin is available for saving a paper with a single click, and a word processor plugin is available for creating bibliographies and adding in-text citations.

Whenever I find a paper I’m interested in reading; I add it immediately to my reference manager. Once it’s safely stored, I can close the browser tab, knowing it’s easily accessible in the future.

TIP: It might be better to add papers to your reference manager through their web plugin rather than manually (by downloading a .pdf file) since manually adding them might not update all the necessary metadata.

Choose how to keep track of your notes.

Writing a summary of each paper as you read it is a great idea, but where do you store it?

Keeping track of your thoughts on papers you read is one of the most important aspects of managing research papers.

It is common for people to write separate documents for each paper, while others don’t write anything at all but simply tag papers (either virtually or physically) with keywords.

In the past, I kept a running a document with a few sentences about each paper I read.

However, this workflow can sometimes be overwhelming.

I’ve realized I was spending more time managing research papers than reading them. For me, it was not a very constructive methodology.

I wanted to use the most straightforward research paper managing system to store my output, so I took notes directly in my reference manager (Zotero has an in-built PDF reader for taking notes).

The annotations I take are extracted into a new file and kept in the same location as the paper.

Later, I extracted these notes to my primary note-taking app, Obsidian , and made some additional notes there.

Choose how to file papers.

The importance of having a system probably outweighs the importance of choosing a system.

But, no matter the system you have, it would be better to file the papers properly.

It can be difficult to file by topic due to the interdisciplinary nature of science.

The best thing to do would be to develop a file name system (per each .pdf file). However, if you had to do it manually, you might only do it for the first few papers. Therefore, you may need to automate the file renaming process.

I use the Zotero plugin “ Zotfile .” to do this task.

By using research paper information, you can name a file. Using the first author’s name, the year the article was published, and the first three words of the article title, you might name the file “ azamSelectiveProbingThinFilm2019 “(first author first name: Azam, first three words of the title: Selective Probing ThinFilm, year of publication: 2019).

Alternatively, you can use Zotero’s “ Citekey ” feature to generate a filename.

Final words

It is important to create a system to manage research papers so that they can be easily accessed in the future. You can easily keep track of what you’ve read if you follow the steps above.

However, there is no “one” right way to manage research papers, and I’m curious about how others do it. Feel free to comment, and we will update the post with any interesting responses!

This is the second post of the four-part blog series:  The Bulletproof Literature Management System . Follow the links below to read the other posts in the series:

• How to How to find Research Papers
• How to Manage Research Papers (You are here)
• How to Read Research Papers
• How to Organize Research Papers

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Overcoming Challenges and Promoting Strategies for Mastery of APA Formatting

Author: Pamela Ann Gordon, Ph.D.

The scholarly way

Learning how to write in a scholarly fashion is like learning any other skill set. A student might review what others wrote and study that style or read “how-to” books on scholarly writing.  Until a manuscript is produced incorporating a structured, scholarly, formatting style, however, it remains uncharted territory. APA formatting style is used in academic writing and publishing in the social sciences discipline to format and organize written work (APA, 2020). The American Psychological Association first mentioned a writing style in a 1929 journal article (APA, 2020). Various revisions in the Manual evolved since that original article to reflect changes in writing standards and as of 2024, the 7 th edition of the APA Manual is the current version.

APA formatting is literally viewed as a continuing nightmare by novice writers.

Pamela Ann Gordon

Embraced by scholarly writers as a guideline to standardize a document’s presentation structure, APA formatting is literally viewed as a continuing nightmare by novice writers. Students express a variety of excuses while attempting to justify reluctance in following the guidelines listed in the APA Manual : too many different rules; not all journal publishers or universities and colleges use APA as the designated style; not enough examples provided in the Manual ; and too many sources, such as library database sources and citation generators, use formatting that is not APA or use older editions of APA formatting (Preiss & Gordon, 2024).

The realities of writing and engagement

University of Phoenix graduate students and doctoral learners are required to use APA (7 th ed.) formatting for all scholarly work (UOPx, 2024). The challenge arises when students return to school after a lengthy hiatus or have less than foundational knowledge due to never fully learning the APA formatting style during previous scholastic endeavors. Many students bravely attempt a time-consuming marathon of reading the APA Manual like a novel, which proves to be an ineffective method since the 427-page tome is not exactly a riveting read.

The worst case scenario occurs when a student chooses to ignore the guidelines altogether, which may result in instances of intentional or unintentional plagiarism. The bottom line is that even if the student demonstrates a solid understanding of the presented content, errors in formatting lessen the overall quality of the work (Hughes et al., 2017).

Like all methods that encourage understanding and learning, the best approaches are a blending of theory and experiential application.

Incorporating a variety of resources helps students build a foundation of knowledge regarding the formatting process. Mandernach et al. (2016) suggested instructors implement a combination of direct teaching, internet resources, and feedback on students’ hands-on work.  A unique learning strategy involves the use of screencasts which rely on instructor narrated videos with screen capture. Fallon et al. (2018) noted that combining screencasts with students creating custom, personalized templates offer a constructive system for learning APA formatting.

Another popular strategy is behavioral programmed instruction. This method “involves criterion-based progression through self-paced learning materials wherein the learner can check for the correct answer after responding and respond again if necessary” (Parry-Cruwys et al., 2022, p. 1167). Like all methods that encourage understanding and learning, the best approaches are a blending of theory and experiential application that empowers students with knowledge and self-confidence.

Encouraging students to embrace an engagement mindset to mastery of APA formatting is a challenge. Ensuring learners gain a thorough understanding of APA guidelines requires time and practice. It is important that students realize how the commitment to learning APA formatting prevents plagiarism and instances of academic dishonesty. An instructor's focus on strategies to provide students with a value-added set of tools and resources certainly makes the learning process more efficient and effective.

To read more on this topic, follow the link to this author's whitepaper APA Formatting: Promoting Integrity and Structure.

American Psychological Association. (2020) Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7 th ed.). Author.

Fallon, M., Mahon, M. A., & Coyle, M. (2018, October). Watching screencasts help students learn APA format better than reading the manual. Teaching of Psychology, 45 (4), 324-332. DOI: 10.1177/0098628318796415. 

Hughes, J. L., Brannan, D., Cannon, B., Camden, A. A., & Anthenien, A. M. (2017, Fall). Conquering APA style: Advice from APA style experts.  Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 22(3), p154-162. DOI: 10.24839/2325-7342

Mandernach, J., Zafonte, M., & Taylor, C. (2016). Instructional strategies to improve college students’ APA style writing. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 27 (3), 407-412.

Parry-Cruwys, D. E., Guinness, K. E., Atkinson, R. S., Domozick, K., Escobar, A., & MacDonald, J. M. (2022, November). Using behavioral instruction to teach American Psychological Association citation formatting. Behavioral Interventions, 37 (4), 1166-1180. DOI: 10.1002/bin.1904.

Preiss, A., & Gordon, P. A. (2024). APA formatting: Promoting integrity and structure [White Paper]. University of Phoenix Research Hub. Add URL when published

University of Phoenix. (2024). University of Phoenix 2024 faculty handbook. https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/faculty-resources/resources/2023-faculty-handbook-2/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pamela Ann Gordon, Ph.D.

Pamela Ann Gordon, PhD, resides in South Florida and earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Management from Northcentral University. She is a staff doctoral instructor at University of Phoenix in the College of Doctoral Studies

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Graduate School announces recipients of sustainable development research grants

Published March 18, 2024

The Graduate School at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has announced the recipients of the Sustainable Development Research Grants for graduate students. These awards, totaling $40,000, aim to support research that addresses pressing local and global challenges in alignment with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The purpose of these grants is to showcase UL Lafayette graduate student research, prioritize sustainable development in Louisiana, and highlight the interconnectedness of economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. The awards provide seed money for innovative projects, reward completed projects, and create a portfolio of research that will be showcased at the Graduate Student Sustainable Development Research Summit on April 12, 2024. These grants are part of a larger collaboration between five campus entities: Academic Affairs—Student and Faculty Excellence, the Graduate School, the Office of Campus Inclusion, the Office of Sustainability, and Dr. Brian Bolton, professor of Finance and the Dwight W. Andrus, Jr. / BORSF Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair in Finance. The 2024 Graduate Student Sustainable Development Research Award Recipients: Jahidul Alam(English Ph.D. program)   Francis Bacon and Early Modern Environment: Exploring How Salomon’s House Refutes His Anthropocene SDGs 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Faculty Reference: Dr. Clancy Ratliff

Leticia Andrus (Educational Leadership Ed.D. program) Diversity Beyond Borders: A Literature Review of the Representation of International Students in Diversity Discourses in American Universities SDGs 4, 8, 16, 17 Faculty Reference: Dr. Sebnem Cilesiz

Bipin Bastakoti(Environmental Resource Science (M.S. program)  Soil Health Degradation in the Vermilion-Teche Basin of Louisiana  SDGs 2, 8, 13, 15 Faculty Reference: Dr. Durga Poudel

Presious Batubo(Earth and Energy Science Ph.D. program) Analyzing Sedimentary Deposits to Reconstruct Medium-sized Paleo-Tsunami using Deep Neural Networks SDGs 9, 11 Faculty Reference: Dr. Gabriele Morra Katarina Brankovic (Francophone Studies Ph.D. program) Building a Culture of Inclusivity, Diversity, and Accessibility: Advancing Sustainability at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette SDGs 4, 11, 16 Administrative Reference: Dr. Carol Landry

Markashia Brown(Educational Leadership Ed.D. program) What do we already know about the Financial Literacy of Women & First-Generation African- American Women Students SDGs 4, 5, 8, 10 Faculty Reference: Amanda Mayeaux

Redeemer Buatsi (Communication M.S. program) Reporting Rape in the United States-A Content Analysis of Media Coverage of Rape in the State of Louisiana SDGs 3, 5, 16 Faculty Reference: Dr. Patricia Holmes

Kirsten Cases (Architecture M.Arch. program) Reacclimating Neglected Infrastructure Through Stabilizing Carbon Dynamics SDGs 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17 Faculty References: Professors Corey Saft & Olivia Pontiff

Allison Comeaux (Educational Leadership Ed.D. program) How Do Post-Secondary Disability Service Accommodations in the U.S. Impact Educational Attainment SDGs 4, 16 Faculty Reference: Dr. Amanda Mayeaux

Anamika Das (English M.A. program) Application of Natural Semantic Metalanguage in cross-cultural meaning analysis: comparing the usage of Bangla happy greetings with American English SDGs 4, 10, 16, 17 Faculty Reference: Dr. Mark Honegger

Shayan Ebrahimi (Systems Engineering Ph.D. program) Accelerating Decarbonization through Digital Twinning  SDGs 7, 9, 12 Faculty Reference: Dr. Farzad Ferdowsi

Kubiat George (Engineering: Chemical M.S. program) Synergistic effect of UV and condensation on the degradation of carbon black reinforced EPON- IPD thermosets with high enthalpy storage of shape memory SDGs 2, 6, 9, 11 Faculty Reference: Dr. William Chirdon Holly Heafner (Environmental Resource Science M.S. program) Environmental inequities and lead toxicity: a geospatial and demographic evaluation of soil contamination in Lafayette, LA SDGs 3, 4, 10, 11, 16 Faculty Reference: Dr. Anna Paltseva

Atif Khan (Engineering: Civil M.S. program) Utilization of Sugarcane Bagasse ash and Rice Husk ash in sustainable construction bricks  SDGs 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 Faculty Reference: Dr. Md. Jamal Khattak

Farooq Azam Khanzada (Systems Engineering Ph.D. program) Does Automated Enforcement at Signalized Intersections Truly Enhance Safety? SDGs 11 Faculty Reference: Dr. Xiaoduan Sun

Deepak Jain Veerendra Kumar (Systems Engineering Ph.D. program) Advancing Soiling Loss Predictions in PV Systems with Enhanced Models  SDGs 7, 13 Faculty Reference: Dr. Terry Chambers

Tyrell Lassair (Earth and Energy Science Ph.D. program) Urban Agriculture as a Strategy to Increase Food Access and Alleviate Food Insecurity  SDGs 2, 3, 4 Faculty Reference: Dr. Anna Paltseva

Lillian Mambiri (Systems Engineering Ph.D. program) Bio-fabrication via Stereolithography of 4D Polycaprolactone-based Scaffolds for Osteogenesis, Angiogenesis and Tumor Mechanobiology SDGs 1, 3, 10, 12 Faculty Reference: Dr. Dilip Depan

Mahpara Mashiyat(Earth and Energy Science Ph.D. program) Observations of structural and functional changes in mineral and organic soil wetlands caused by saltwater intrusion events in Louisiana SDGs 13, 14, 15 Faculty Reference: Dr. Jorge Villa

Tasnima Supty (Biology M.S. program) Impact of Childhood Adversity on Neuroinflammation: Exploring the Connections & Implications  SDGs 3, 4, 8, 11, 16 Faculty Reference: Dr. Karen Smith Jon-Patric Veal (Psychology M.S. program) How Variations in Perspective Taking Can Mediate the Effects of Empathy on Implicit Racial Bias   SDGs 10, 16 Faculty Reference: Dr. Emily Sandoz

Renee Vincent (English Ph.D. program) When DNR Means 'Do Not Rescue': Hurricane Katrina and Medical Inequity within Disaster SDGs 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17 Faculty Reference: Dr. David Squires

More information on the first round and the entire Sustainable Development Project can be found here.  For more information about the Sustainable Development Research Awards Program and grant recipients, visit https://moody.louisiana.edu/SDGresearch

UL Lafayette’s gifted education master’s program to move solely online

Ph.d. student pilots deep-sea glider in hunt for data, university leading $14 million effort to produce more resilient oysters, vipers lose rep as snakes with the fastest strike.

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These students are building AI for health care access

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For many, navigating the tangled web of health care systems is a frustrating maze. From finding providers to scheduling appointments to gaining insurance authorization, it can feel impossible at times.

Daniel Tcheurekdjian is using artificial intelligence to untangle the system. The Ohio State sophomore theoretical physics and math major founded the startup Aleph Innovations about a year ago to build AI technology that streamlines the health care process by, for example, matching patients with physicians quicker.

The startup has found support on Ohio State’s campus and beyond. This past summer, it was awarded a spot in the second cohort of the President’s Buckeye Accelerator . Aleph Innovations was also selected for Intel’s startup accelerator program, Intel Liftoff . Prior to that, the Aleph team was picked for the prestigious international leadership development Millennium Fellows program.

All of these connections, according to Daniel, are pushing Aleph closer to its goal of building AI tech to smooth out the health care access process.

“The biggest flaw in the health care system is getting people in touch with the care they need. Once we’re providing care, we do an excellent job. But we have serious difficulties getting there, whether that’s navigating insurance companies or getting people into the clinic because of geographic separation. Trying to schedule a primary care visit eight months out is crazy.

“Part of the reason it hasn’t been addressed is it’s challenging. These are highly complex problems. AI provides an opportunity to erase these resource problems to get people to the places they need to be to receive care. That type of access and development is what we do. Advancing these technologies will make an impact on people’s lives.”

This past summer and autumn, Daniel and his team gained valuable insights through the Millennium Fellowship.

“We had the opportunity to speak with leaders in industries all around the world, international actors and organizations we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to work with otherwise.

“Working with officials from the United Nations, for example, working with national/international think tanks, working with people on the front lines in the fight against famine, working with so many incredible people and seeing how they were leveraging technology was incredibly valuable.”

A major payoff of the fellowship was developing a critical understanding of how to make an impact on people’s lives.

“The most useful part was understanding the scope and breadth of the challenges we were trying to tackle required techniques in social development. The ability to develop a more robust understanding of the approaches already being used to address these problems and learning directly from the people doing it.

“When you’re building technology, especially for something that affects a core part of people’s lives, it’s very tempting from the technical side of things, to see a problem, invent a solution and build it. But that type of top-down approach to solving systemic issues does not work if you don’t engage with communities, invite them to work with you. If you don’t, you’ll never understand the actual problems plaguing these communities.

“ If you are a student at Ohio State and you have a deep passion to make the world a better place, you should have the confidence to go after whatever it is you want to do. The only thing holding you back is you not believing in yourself. ”

“For us, it is critical to have a positive social impact. Because we’re working in health care, the technologies we develop will have a direct impact on people’s health. And the fellowship gave us a lot of aid in building that rapport with our community because we were learning from people doing that, we were learning the techniques to engage with people and leaders in communities. When you’re focused on technical development, that engagement might not be at the forefront of your thinking but it’s absolutely essential.”

Closer to home, the Aleph team has gained massive support through the Buckeye Accelerator and at Ohio State.

“Ohio State is so great at providing mentorship and helping you build a community to succeed. The Buckeye Accelerator program has been fantastic. We’re becoming so much stronger as a unit because of this community and getting connected to the resources Ohio State and the Keenan Center have to offer, along with working with the other ventures in the cohort, connecting us to mentors with the business side of things and marketing, it’s been excellent.

“It's such an honor to be involved in this and it’s given me the confidence to help others start their own companies, help them get connected to the entrepreneurship community. Whether it’s aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering — industries very different than what I’m working in — it’s all part of being in this community. From a personal perspective it’s really encouraging to see so many people working diligently to try to build new things as entrepreneurs.”

Daniel also has plenty of advice to current and future Ohio State students.

“Ohio State is a top-tier research institution; we have serious academic talent here. And if you are a student at Ohio State and you have a deep passion to make the world a better place, you should have the confidence to go after whatever it is you want to do. The only thing holding you back is you not believing in yourself.

“Remember you are more capable than you think you are. The hardest step is being crazy enough to start whatever it is: Take a class, try out for a sports team, start a company, apply for an international fellowship, whatever the case. Many people at this university would be not only excellent at what they want to do, but they would also thrive in doing so if they only believe in themselves.”

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