Research sparks national attention
By Rachana Dixit, news editor
Posted on August 28, 2006

The 2007 U.S. News and World Report “America’s Best Colleges” guide has ranked JMU among 35 other institutions for valuable undergraduate research experiences and creative projects, pushing the university more into the national limelight.

In these types of programs, undergraduate students work independently or in small teams. Often supervised by a faculty member, the group will conduct self-directed research that will be presented on or off campus in various research symposiums.

Although various departments have the opportunity to conduct their own research, many of JMU’s science and math-based programs have made research a core aspect of their undergraduate experience. David Brakke, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, said research allows many students to develop attractive skill sets for future opportunities, such as careers or graduate and professional school.