‘Discovery and Innovation’

Student Jona Hoxha named finalist at 2016 START conference in Washington, D.C.

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 25, 2016) — Are you a student interested in research? Don’t miss this year’s Undergraduate Research Forum, scheduled for 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, in the Campus Center Ballroom.

The Forum is a place for students to learn about research opportunities across a wide array of academic departments, research centers, institutes and labs. More than 30 different disciplines and centers will be represented, including the sciences and applied sciences, engineering, business and music.

“There is no doubt that engaging in the research experience greatly enhances learning by extending it beyond the classroom,” said Jeanette Altarriba, vice provost and dean for Undergraduate Education, whose office organizes the forum. “The Undergraduate Research Forum is aimed at providing students direct contact with faculty and researchers on our campus, to learn how they can become part of that experience and immerse themselves in the process of discovery and innovation.”

The forum is held twice a year, in the spring and fall semesters, and this forum is expected to be the largest one to date.

Students will be able to meet with faculty members and student researchers from: the Agris Lab; Exoplanet Research Group; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Ion Beam Laboratory; Mathematics and Statistics; the School of Public Health; the Global Institute for Health and Human Rights; the Institute for Health and the Environment; the Geographic Information and Remote Sensing Lab; History; Archeology and Anthropology; Linguistics; English; Documentary Studies; Music; Economics; Center for Institutional Investment Management; Finance; Institute for Financial Market Regulation; Information Technology Management; Digital Forensics; Psychology; Sociology; Big Allied and Dangerous Database; Political Science; the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society; the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity; the School of Criminal Justice; and the Writing Center.

There also will be five students currently involved in research on hand to talk about their experiences. One is Jona Hoxha, a senior who is working with Victor Asal, associate professor of Political Science and chair of the Department of Public Administration.

Hoxha, who began doing research at UAlbany as a freshman, was recently named a finalist in a national competition of student research, including postdoctoral student research, at the annual conference of the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism. Aided by a fellowship from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Response to Terrorism, Hoxha has conducted independent research on terrorism in Eastern Europe.

Hoxha said she’s excited about encouraging more students seek out research opportunities. “Getting involved in research can open your eyes and opportunities to potential career paths that perhaps you would not have considered before,” she said.

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