Faculty Commentary: Dr. Chow

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Posted on April 3, 2023 by MCOB Outreach

MCOB Outreach

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Soaring to SOBIE

What are the valuable connections between research and real-world career work?

As I explain to our students when speaking to them on this topic, research is the process of identifying a problem or situation, investigating the root causes of that situation, developing and implementing a solution, measuring the results of the solution, and communicating the results to others–a process most professionals embark on in their work environments.

I have been involved in mentoring our students in research activities through the Mitchell College of Business Undergraduate Research Program for more than a dozen years. Over the course of those years, we have had many fine students participate who have conducted research in all disciplines of business.

Undergraduate researchers have presented at conferences and symposiums, participated in the University’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program, and even published their work in peer-reviewed journals.  

Since 2017, we have had 11 MCOB students present at the USA symposium for Undergraduate Research, four have submitted manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals (three have been accepted for publication), 19 students have applied for Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (nine awarded to date), and 41 MCOB students have submitted and been accepted to present at the Society of Business, Industry and Economics (SOBIE) conference.

These students have enjoyed the full support of the Mitchell College; faculty have mentored these students and aided their preparations for formal research presentations. Last spring, we took seven students to present their research at an academic and industry conference in Florida. During this conference, it was clear that our students were a ‘cut above’ those from other institutions.  

Just last semester, five of our students presented their research at the University’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ethan Flowers, a senior International Business and Finance major, had a paper accepted by the Journal of Business, Industry, and Economics, a peer-reviewed academic journal.  

Today, I am excited to report that we have 14 students currently working on research. Most of them will complete their research and present their findings at the SOBIE conference in Florida. The cost to take these students is approximately $500 each, covering travel, meals, and lodging. With that in mind, I am hopeful that some of you will join us in supporting future student research by sponsoring one or more students for the conference.

We have created a Mitchell College of Business Undergraduate Research Conference Account for designated donations, the website is below:

Support Undergraduate Research in the Mitchell College of Business - University of South Alabama

Thank you for considering supporting our students in their research journey. If you have any questions regarding this program, please do not hesitate to contact me.  

 

 

 

Dr.  Alan Chow

Associate Professor

Marketing and Quantitative Methods

Mitchell College of Business

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