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Olga Hawranick

Mathematics

Olga Hawranick
Advisor: Vicki Sealey, Mathematics

Featured Researcher: Olga Hawranick

The big thing I realized when doing research with my faculty mentor was that research takes time. It’s not as quick as you’d think. A lot of work goes behind the scenes and getting to be a part of that is pretty sweet!


1. Briefly describe your research project and its importance. (Try to write this in a way that people outside of your field will be able to understand).

 Recent studies suggest that student performance significantly increases with active learning (ex: group work and discussions that solicit student input) compared with lecturing, where students may be passively listening. In our qualitative research study, we seek to determine barriers that faculty have encountered concerning the implementation of active learning strategies. 

2. How did you first get involved with research?

I first got into research through HSTA in high school. I started doing research in my field the spring semester of my freshman year through RAP and the summer right after through the SURE program. 

3. What does a day of researching look like for you (tools/methods/setting/etc.)?

My research is pretty different compared to what one initially thinks when hearing “research”. My research involves a lot of interviews of focus groups, classrooms, or one on ones. Then, transcribing and careful analysis of what is being said and motioned is done. 

4. What surprised you about doing research?

The big thing I realized when doing research with my faculty mentor was that research takes time. It’s not as quick as you’d think. A lot of work goes behind the scenes and getting to be a part of that is pretty sweet!

5. What’s a challenge that you’ve had in your research experience and how did you overcome it?

I’ve been on a couple of different projects helping graduate students, so sometimes the workload can be much, but nothing that I can’t handle. 

6. What do you like most about doing research?

I like being exposed to this different learning experience where you could be observing instruction on topics that you’ve already covered to others that are in my future course load. 

7. How do you spend your time when you’re not researching?

Love getting outside for a nice run or bike ride.