Impact of undergraduate research participation in characterization of materials

Nowadays, undergraduate research is recognized as an essential component of STEM discipline enhancing students learning outcome. As a result, governmental and non-governmental agencies have been allocating a substantial amount of funding and resources to support undergraduate students through scholarships and research activities. In addition to reinforcing the traditional classroom learning experience and providing the students with hands-on experience early on in their studies, undergraduate research is one of the key motivating factors to pursue graduate education and advance careers in STEM fields. In this paper, the positive impact of mentoring and engaging undergraduate students in paid research activities, and the project outcomes including awards and recognitions received by the students are discussed.

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