Undergraduate researcher Spencer Smolen and mentor Carolyn Esswein from the School of Architecture and Urban Planning discuss their work to make school playgrounds safer and better for play and learning while also improving stormwater management. The work involves collaboration with Milwaukee Public Schools educators, administrators and students to collect their insights regarding schoolyard design approaches. They collected data with polls and questionnaires, culminating in the creation of drawings illustrating proposed schoolyard enhancements. The enhancements are envisioned to accommodate students of different age groups along with the broader community. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Conservation and Environmental Science undergraduate researcher Eugenio Calderon Rodriguez and mentor Neal O’Reilly worked on developing a methodology to assess how vulnerable buildings are to bird strikes. Rodriguez and O'Reilly worked on a phone app that allows users to input data on where they witness bird strikes. Rodriguez collected field data on characteristics that may facilitate bird strikes, using buildings in downtown Milwaukee. A manual will be developed for publication and distribution by the American Bird Conservancy. The Fiserv Forum, where this photo was taken, is the first certified bird-friendly professional sports arena. The arena uses fritting, a thin ceramic coating that makes glass visible to birds up close but allows the glass to retain its transparency. It signals to the birds that the window is a barrier, not something to fly through. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Film undergraduate researcher Aral Nen and mentor Sean Kafer look over documentary footage for their work on unity, progress and activism in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Along with conducting research on the role of activists and community needs, Nen edits the video of interviews with subjects that have been recorded by Kafer and other team members. Nen’s role is key in helping finalize the film. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Undergraduate student Owen Groth’s research as a choreographer with mentor Sheri Williams Pannell included reading and analyzing the script of the musical “Once Upon a Mattress,” researching the music and styles represented, interpreting the story through dance, and creating and teaching choreography to cast members. Growth also assisted with movement required as part of a scene or transition, collaborating with the director, music director, scenic designer, costume designer and prop designer. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Social Work undergraduate researcher Zoe Kearney and her mentor Andrew Steward review data collected for Aging Together, a pilot program designed to provide peer support and education to older adults regarding ageism and health. Participants reflect and share their experiences with aging and age-related bias. Ageism, which encompasses bias, prejudice and discrimination based on one’s age, is addressed at sessions at locations throughout Milwaukee. Kearney focuses on in-person data collection at Washington Park Senior Center, and the rest of the team at three separate sites. Kearney collects data about the feasibility and acceptability of the program via attendance sheets, audio recordings and feedback surveys at the end of each session. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Providing opportunities for undergraduates – not just graduate students – to do research is an important part of UWM’s mission.
Whether students interested in science, engineering, the humanities or art, UWM’s Office of Undergraduate Research supports over 500 undergrads every year to engage in research collaborations with faculty.
They do things such as assessing a building’s vulnerability for bird strikes, helping to transform schoolyards to be greener and safer, or choreographing a musical comedy. And students can start doing research even before their freshman year.
