The Emerging Scholars Program happily brought on board Sociology student Nicole Lynch as the "Emerging Scholars Program Coordinator". The Emerging Scholars Program provides students with a unique year-long opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained from courses at UMASS Lowell to a faculty member's on-going research. Students who participate gain valuable research experience and build on their classroom learning. Nicole completed the rigorous Emerging Scholars Program during the 2013-2014 academic year. After noticing her hard work ethic, the Program interviewed Nicole and decided she would be the best fit as the Program Coordinator.
As the Program Coordinator, Nicole acts as the liaison between the students, the Program, and the faculty members. She mainly communicates with the current emerging scholars to better help guide them throughout the program. "I coordinate monthly meetings with the Emerging Scholar's students to provide a place that we can touch base and come together as a group" said Nicole.
A great way to get through such an academically rigorous program is by having a strong support system, and her monthly meetings help facilitate a supportive learning environment. "The students can talk freely about their concerns with honesty, and they can receive support and encouragement from myself and other students. All of the students really get to learn from one another and grow throughout the year." After each meeting, Nicole reports back to members of the Leadership Team of the Program. The meetings held by Nicole help give the students a voice, as well as feedback of ways to better improve the Emerging Scholars Program.
She also plays an essential role in the development and growth of the program, in addition to recruiting new Scholars for next year. Nicole is part of the application and admission process for next years Emerging Scholars.
A background in Sociology has given Nicole the tools she needs to excel in her role as Program Coordinator, "I have been able to draw upon my people skills, as well as other valuable skills such as, reading people, empathy, and reading situations, all of which are drawn from my knowledge base in Sociology."
The Emerging Scholars Program is an invaluable opportunity for networking with professors, fostering relationships with professors, and developing solid research skills. The Program prepared Nicole for her decision to pursue graduate study after completing her undergraduate degree. She hopes to obtain a Master's Degree in Counseling. If any students are interested in the Emerging Scholars Program and would like more information contact Nicole Lynch at Nicole_Lynch2@student.uml.edu
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