John A. Koropchak, Ph.D.

This fund is being established to support undergraduate research efforts at SIU including, but not limited to, the McNair Scholars, REACH, and Undergraduate Assistantships. Research is the discovery and creation ofnew knowledge and new perspectives about the world, in every discipline, from art to zoology. One advantage ofattending a comprehensive research university is the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty and graduate students on special projects in the lab, in the field, in the archives, or in the studio. Research allows students to learn more about the latest methods and techniques in their chosen fields. It allows them to contribute to the advancement oftheir disciplines. It is excellent preparation for going on to graduate school and studies have shown that participation in research increases student retention.