Graduate Student Resources

Graduate Student Association (GSA)

The Graduate Student Association representatives for the JHCOE during the 2023-2024 academic year are:
Donovan Nichols and Jane Rhoades

Why would I contact my GSA rep? Feel free to reach out to them for any concerns, questions, or information pertaining to graduate students.

Click here to find out more about GSA at UToledo.

3M 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 Collge of Graduate Studies, our bi-annual 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 Collge 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.

Why compete? Participating in our competition, 3M, serves as a gateway to the prestigious university-wide Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Engaging in 3M not only provides an avenue for showcasing research prowess and potentially earning monetary rewards but also lays the foundation for participation in the broader 3MT event. 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.

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 that includes results and conclusions. Utilize data from previous or ongoing class projects to compete in this track.

What do I need to do? Go to THInC's 3M/5M page for comprehensive rules, examples, and registration details.

We look forward to your participation and the innovative ideas you bring forth. Together, let's elevate the graduate research landscape on our campus!

How can THInC help you with research?

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's commitment extends from the inception of research ideas to the realization of impactful projects.

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.
Grants: THInC offers support in finding grants, writing grant proposals, and navigating the grant application process. Our resources and consultations can assist graduate students in securing funding to further their research initiatives and academic pursuits.
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.
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.
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.
Mentorship and Collaboration: THInC serves as a conduit for mentorship and collaboration. Graduate students are connected with experienced faculty mentors and research advisors who provide invaluable guidance, support, and mentorship throughout the research process. THInC fosters a vibrant community of scholars and can help connect graduate students with a faculty mentor in their field, enabling graduate students to cultivate meaningful connections and expand their professional networks.

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. 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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). We offer 30-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. To sign up for a FREE 30-minute writing support session, please email Dr. Falynn Thompson (Falynn.Thompson@utoledo.edu).

The type of supplemental writing support offered to JHCOE students through The Herb Innovation Center include:

Brainstorming topics and ideas for writing projects
Improving writing style (e.g., clarity, flow, etc.)
Assistance with following the 7th edition of the APA publication manual
Help with punctuation, spelling, and grammar
Final editing

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.