For Graduate Students
THInC - Where JHCOE goes for research support
The Herb Innovation Center (THInC) serves as a pivotal resource for graduate students in the Judith Herb College of Education. We are dedicated to fostering innovative research practices and enhancing scholarly development. Our mission is to support and empower students through comprehensive research assistance, workshops, and collaborative opportunities.
Quick Summaries of the information you'll find in the following tabs:
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3M Competition: Our 3M Research Competition serves as JHCOE's preliminary round to the prestigious university-wide Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Winners who place in late-track 3M will move onto UToledo's 3MT, and if chosen as a winner there can move on to the regional 3MT competition.
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Research: We offer personalized guidance on research design, methodology, data analysis, and literature review, helping students refine their research questions and develop robust proposals.
- THInC Series: Our center hosts regular workshops on various research topics, including qualitative and quantitative methods, data visualization, and academic writing, equipping students with essential skills for their studies.
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More: Supplemental writing assistance, faculty mentors, GSA reps, and resources
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Testimonials from current and past JHCOE graduate students:
Kristen Porter - doctoral candidate in Educational Psychology
Our conversation was insightful and provided me with valuable direction as I navigate my journey. Engaging in discussions like ours greatly enhances my drive to balance full-time work, family, and the challenges of completing my dissertation. I’m now even considering the possibility of publication, which I hadn’t previously thought about. Thank you once again, and I look forward to our continued discussions and my participation in the SMART and SHARE series.
Christopher Wojciechowski - doctoral candidate in Educational Research and Measurement
Participating in the THInC 3MT competition provided me with an opportunity to view my own research through the perspective of an outsider, paring down jargon and focusing on plain language. I believe that participation in the Early Track competition had a positive impact on the quality of my dissertation’s Chapter 1.
Donovan Nichols - doctoral candidate in Higher Education
As a doctoral student, writing dozens of pages isn’t the hard part for me. Synthesizing those dozens of pages into a few impactful words is the real challenge. The THInC 3MT competition pushed me in the right direction and stimulated me to be more thoughtful and purposeful as I conduct my research.
Carolani Green - doctoral student in Higher Education
THInC is providing me with invaluable real-world experience in research and working in higher education as a Research Assistant. I’m a PhD student in JHCOE and while I have a master’s degree, I never conducted or participated in university level research before. Getting guidance and support in real research is helping me prepare for my dissertation and giving me confidence in my research abilities. I’m very grateful for the help and opportunities provided by THInC and am excited to get into research!
Have you worked with THInC recently and would like to have your testimonial put up for other students? Email us at herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu
By fostering a vibrant research community, the Herb Innovation Center aims to cultivate the next generation of educational researchers, ensuring that graduate students have the tools and support needed to succeed in their academic endeavors.
3 M Research Competition
We are excited to announce the Graduate 3M Research Competition, an initiative by THInC designed to foster greater engagement in campus graduate research endeavors. In collaboration with the esteemed university wide 3MT competition through the College of Graduate Studies, our fall semester 3M competition offers graduates at JHCOE the opportunity to showcase their ideas in concise, dynamic presentations lasting no more than 3 minutes. Our competition acts as a bridge towards the university wide 3MT competition through the College of Graduate Studies.
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition stands as a prestigious international platform that challenges graduate students to distill the essence of their research into a concise and engaging three-minute presentation. Originating from the University of Queensland, Australia, the 3MT competition has gained global recognition, drawing participants from universities worldwide. In this high-stakes event, participants must effectively communicate the significance and impact of their research to a non-specialist audience, showcasing their ability to convey complex ideas with clarity, creativity, and brevity. With its emphasis on communication, innovation, and scholarly excellence, the 3MT competition serves as a testament to the transformative power of effective storytelling and compelling research dissemination on a global scale.
Research is a core aspect of graduate education, seeking out additional research opportunities offers numerous benefits, including skill development, networking, interdisciplinary exploration, and career preparation. By embracing the challenges and opportunities presented in 3M, participants refine their research and communication skills, positioning themselves for success in the university-wide competition and beyond.
What is it? The Graduate 3M Research Competition invites you to present your ideas using just one PowerPoint slide, tailored for a non-specialist audience.
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- Option 1 – Early track: Present a research project idea (i.e., no data, results or conclusions yet). Present a compelling research project idea, focusing on its conceptual framework without delving into data or conclusions.
- Option 2 – Late track: Present research you have conducted that includes results and conclusions.
What do I need to do? Submit a two-slide PowerPoint for your presentation and give your 3-Minute presentation during the competition - that's it! Go to THInC's 3M/5M page for comprehensive rules, examples, and registration details.
How can THInC help you with research as a graduate student?
The Herb Innovation Center (THInC) serves as a comprehensive resource hub for graduate students, offering multifaceted support to facilitate their engagement in research endeavors. THInC is dedicated to guiding students from the initial stages of developing research ideas to the successful execution of impactful projects. Read below to see how we've helped current and past JHCOE graduate students, how we can help you, and why you should engage in research as a graduate student.
Request for Information/Research Assistance
The Herb Innovation Center (THInC) is dedicated to assisting you in finding your pathway into the realm of undergraduate research. Upon submission, our team will promptly follow up with you to provide guidance on the next steps.
THInC's Graduate Research Resources:
Here is a list of ways THInC supports JHCOE graduate students in their research:
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Developing Research Ideas: THInC provides invaluable assistance in developing research ideas. Through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one consultations, graduate students receive guidance in refining their concepts, identifying research gaps, and formulating compelling research questions. Additionally, THInC facilitates brainstorming sessions and collaborative forums where students can exchange ideas, fostering an environment conducive to innovative exploration.
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Conducting Research: Once research ideas are solidified, THInC aids graduate students in navigating the intricacies of conducting research. From research methodologies to data collection techniques, THInC offers training sessions and resources to equip students with the necessary tools and skills for successful research execution. Moreover, THInC provides access to research databases, literature reviews, and academic journals to support students in contextualizing their research within existing scholarship
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Research Dissemination: We assist students in preparing their findings for publication and presentation, including guidance on creating posters, presentations, and articles tailored to academic and professional audiences.
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Navigating the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process: IRB can be daunting for graduate students embarking on research projects. THInC offers step-by-step guidance and support in the IRB application process, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. Through personalized consultations, students receive assistance in crafting IRB proposals, addressing potential ethical considerations, and navigating the submission and review process with confidence.
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Assistance with Data Analysis: Recognizing the significance of the manhours that go into data analysis, THInC facilitates access to research resources, facilities, and equipment to streamline project implementation. Whether through assisting with grants and funding opportunities, or access to data compiling assistance, THInC empowers graduate students to maximize their research potential and execute projects with efficiency and effectiveness.
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Collaborative Roles: Join ongoing projects as a team member, where you can participate in data collection, analysis, and interpretation alongside experienced researchers. This collaborative approach allows you to learn from others while contributing your skills.
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Mentorship Opportunities: Work closely with faculty and seasoned researchers who can guide you through the research process. You'll receive mentorship that helps you develop your abilities and gain insights into effective research practices.
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Skill Development: Engage in hands-on activities that enhance your research skills without the pressure of leading a project. From literature reviews to data management, you’ll acquire practical experience that prepares you for future endeavors.
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Networking: Connect with fellow graduate students and faculty in the College of Education, building relationships that can open doors for future research collaborations and professional opportunities.
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Flexible Involvement: Choose projects that align with your interests and availability, allowing you to immerse yourself in research while balancing your other academic commitments.
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Access to Resources: Students can access a wealth of databases, journals, and other research materials. We also provide tools for citation management and ethical research practices.
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Grant Assistance: Our team offers support in identifying funding opportunities and crafting compelling grant proposals to help secure financial backing for research projects.
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In essence, THInC stands as a cornerstone of support for graduate students, offering comprehensive resources, guidance, and mentorship to empower them in their research pursuits and scholarly endeavors. Through its holistic approach, THInC empowers graduate students to translate their research aspirations into impactful contributions to their fields and beyond.
Call or email THInC to get started in your research journey today.
Email: herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu Phone: 419.530.6134
Why participate in extra research as a graduate student?
Graduate students should actively seek out additional research opportunities for several compelling reasons, one of which is the fact that research is a fundamental component of many master's and doctoral programs. Here is a list of potential reasons why our graduate students might work on extra research:
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- Master's Thesis and Dissertation Preparation: Engaging in diverse research projects cultivates essential skills vital for successful completion of master's theses and doctoral dissertations. Students refine critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, laying a solid foundation for academic excellence and professional achievement in their research endeavors.
- Publication and Presentation Opportunities: Additional research involvement increases the likelihood of publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and contributing to scholarly discourse. These experiences not only bolster academic credentials but also enhance visibility and recognition within their respective fields. These are essential for doctoral students interested in moving into the field of higher education upon graduation.
- Preparation for Career Paths: For graduate students considering careers beyond academia, involvement in diverse research projects provides invaluable preparation. It equips them with transferable skills and experiences that are highly sought after in industry, government, nonprofit sectors, and beyond.
- Depth and Breadth of Experience: Engaging in research beyond the scope of their formal programs allows graduate students to delve deeper into their areas of interest. It broadens their exposure to different methodologies, topics, and research environments, enriching their academic journey.
- Skill Development: Participating in diverse research projects enhances graduate students' skill sets. They have the chance to refine their critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are invaluable across various academic and professional contexts.
- Networking and Collaboration: Collaborating on research projects exposes graduate students to a broader network of peers, mentors, and professionals in their field. These connections can lead to future collaborations, career opportunities, and professional development.
- Exploration of Interdisciplinary Areas: Research outside the formal curriculum enables graduate students to explore interdisciplinary intersections and pursue innovative ideas that may not align directly with their degree programs. This interdisciplinary approach fosters creativity and innovation in problem-solving.
- Personal and Professional Growth: Engaging in research outside the confines of formal programs promotes personal and professional growth. It fosters resilience, adaptability, and the ability to navigate complex academic and professional landscapes.
In summary, while research is a core aspect of graduate education, seeking out additional research opportunities offers numerous benefits, including skill development, networking, interdisciplinary exploration, and career preparation. By embracing these opportunities, graduate students can maximize their potential, expand their horizons, and make meaningful contributions to their fields of study.
SHARE Series
THInC's Seminar on Highlighting Academic Research (SHARE) Series offers graduate students an opportunity to share their current research in a relaxed environment, where faculty and fellow students are available to listen and engage with insightful questions. Light refreshments and snacks will also be provided.
SMART Series
THInC's Seminar on Methods and Research Techniques (SMART) Series offers graduate students the opportunity to learn about various research methods and techniques, teach others, or practice their presentation skills by discussing a topic of their choice. In this series, faculty, guests, and students can present on a research method or technique and even showcase its application in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. This series is designed to raise awareness of research methodologies within the college and across the broader academic community. The event will welcome JHCOE faculty and students, along with faculty from other departments and invited guests from outside the college. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Supplemental Writing Support for JHCOE Graduate Students
The Herb Innovation Center (THInC) provides free supplemental writing support to all students within the Judith Herb College of Education (JHCOE) at the graduate writing level. We offer 30 or 60-minute writing sessions for coursework assignments and other academic-related tasks to enhance students’ educational experience. The writing support is not a replacement for any support provided by the University of Toledo Writing Center or faculty teaching courses or mentoring students on various projects (e.g., Thesis, Dissertation). The writing support is purely supplemental (see type of Support Supplemental writing support below). Students should first seek out writing support provided by their primary faculty (i.e., their faculty mentor/advisor or course instructor) and the Writing Center before seeking out supplemental writing support offered by the Herb Innovation Center.
The type of supplemental writing support offered to JHCOE students through The Herb Innovation Center may include:
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- Graduate level writing requirements, style, and conventions
- Assistance with following the 7th edition of the APA publication manual
- Publication standards for research writing
- Brainstorming topics and ideas for research writing
- Improving writing style (e.g., clarity, flow, editing, etc.)
To sign up for a writing support session, fill out the Request for Information/Research Assistance and select "supplemental writing support" or email THInC at herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu
Request for Information/Research Assistance
Featured Faculty Mentors
THInC offers valuable connections to esteemed faculty mentors, a selection of whom is listed below. Engaging in mentorship represents a significant opportunity for students to deepen their educational experience and receive steadfast support throughout their academic and professional journey. Mentors serve as invaluable guides, providing indispensable advice, encouragement, and resources to help students realize their fullest potential.
Email the Herb Innovation Center team at herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu to get connected with a faculty mentor.
- Colleen Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Exploring the complex and interactional role the context of a classroom, school, district or state plays in how teachers and students experience teaching and learning social studies in grades 6-12. Within this, she has a particular focus on how teachers teach and students learn about religion in social studies classrooms. - Lynne Hamer, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Historical foundations of education/historical intersections between schooling and marginalized populations; life writing/educational biography and oral history
- Edward Janak, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Historical foundations of education/historical intersections between schooling and marginalized populations; life writing/educational biography and oral history; pop culture/mass culture and education - Natasha Johnson, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Chemistry education; multicultural science education; STEM interest, access, and persistence - Revathy Kumar Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Social and cultural processes involved in constructing a sense of self and identity among adolescents and young adults in culturally diverse societies, the role of teachers, teacher-education programs, schools, communities, and families in facilitating minority and immigrant adolescents’ development, learning, and motivation - Sekhar Pindiprolu, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Teaching and learning strategies, computer-assisted instruction, designing instruction, program evaluations - Dale T. Snauwaert, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Justice, education for peace and justice, democracy, democratic education - Robert A. Schultz, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Gifted/Talented education; Social and Emotional Needs; Creativity; Curriculum Theory and Philosophical Foundations of Education; Assessment and Evaluation; Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research Methods; Parents and Parenting
- Mark Templin, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Science instruction, science teacher education, activity theory
- Svetlana Beltyukova, Ph.D
Areas of research interest: Psychometric Analysis, Survey Development, Parametric and Nonparametric Statistical analysis, Quantitative and Mixed-Method Research Design, Program evaluation
- Michael Toland, Ph.D.
Areas of research interest: Sense of belonging, developing surveys, undergraduate research, applied statistics, applied measurement
Want to see about getting a faculty mentor? Fill out the Request for Information/Research Assistance and select "getting connected with a faculty mentor" or email THInC at herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu
Request for Information/Research Assistance
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
The Graduate Student Association representative for JHCOE during the 2024-2025 academic year is Carolani Green
Why would I contact my GSA rep? Feel free to reach out to her for any concerns, questions, or information pertaining to graduate students.
Resources
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2014). They say / I say: The moves that matter in academic writing (3rd ed.). Norton & Company, Inc.
Strunk, W. & White, E. B. (1999). The elements of style (4th ed.). Pearson.