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| As part of the new
Quantitative Analysis Center (QAC)-sponsored apprenticeship program, Max Wu
’08 worked with Steve Stemler, assistant professor of psychology and Cynthia
Matthew, visiting assistant professor of psychology, on a project titled
“The Concept of Responsibility Within Organizational Structures." |
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| Posted 08.07.07 |
New Apprenticeship Program Trains Students to be Mentors
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Students had the opportunity to attend daily
classes, workshops and conduct research with Wesleyan faculty this summer as
part of the new Quantitative Analysis Center (QAC) apprenticeship program.
The 10 undergraduate students enrolled in the program took classes in the
morning, usually taught by Manolis Kaparakis, director of the QAC, or by
another Wesleyan faculty member. In the afternoons, the students worked as
teaching assistants for faculty.
 “Students
were able to develop a proficiency in statistics and research methods by
taking part in the apprenticeship program,” says Don Moon, dean of the
Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Programs. “We expect that the program
will be of real benefit to our students, both in enhancing their
understanding of quantitative methods and in giving them skills that are
much in demand in all walks of life.”
The projects tackled a wide range of topics. For example, math and economics
major Hajin "Angela" Lee '09 (pictured above) worked with Wendy Rayack,
associate professor of economics, on a project titled "Welfare Reform and
Wages in the Retail Sector.”
 Madalina
Ursu ’09 (pictured at left) worked with Richard Grossman, professor and
chair of economics, on the topic "Creating New Irish Stock Market Indices,
1869-1929." And Max Wu ’08 worked with Steve Stemler, assistant professor of
psychology and Cynthia Matthew, visiting assistant professor of psychology,
on a project titled “The Concept of Responsibility Within Organizational
Structures."
All student apprentices were financially supported, either by a QAC stipend,
a faculty member’s grant, or university scholarships. Moon expects that some
of the students who participated this year will work as QAC tutors during
the 2007-08 academic year.
“We also hope that faculty will be able to hire some of these trained
students as research assistants, thus both advancing the faculty member’s
work and enabling them to work more effectively and giving the students
excellent experience,” Moon says.
The Apprenticeship Program concluded July 27 with a Poster Session, where
students presented a report of their work in progress. Several of the
students will continue similar research next year.
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By
Olivia Bartlett,
The Wesleyan Connection editor. Photos by David Pesci, director of Media
Relations. |
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