As an R1 university, University of California, Davis is part of a prestigious group of universities that is conducting research at the highest level. Fewer than 200 institutions in the U.S. have this classification. But not only is research being conducted by faculty. Over 50% of UC Davis undergrads conduct research and creative projects beyond the classroom, and a major new career initiative aims to have 100% participate in experiential learning before they graduate. This day-in-the-life video follows an undergraduate student as she spends a day doing research in the field and in the lab as part of a summer program in evolution and ecology at the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory. As part of the program, students spend an entire summer devoting their full time to a research project that they design with their faculty mentor. With the mentor's guidance, students analyze their data, evaluate hypotheses, and communicate their findings. The program is a unique opportunity for students to conduct their own project and experience the challenges and successes of the research process, all in a collaborative environment.
From the Judges
The crisp audio and technical beauty of this UC Davis video was transporting. It captured our attention and placed us right there with the student researchers. The excitement associated with unique research opportunities can be hard to communicate, but the team at UC Davis had us (and its student audience) exclaiming, "Wow! Look at what these students get to do!"
