Brewster Grad Picked For Randall Research Scholars Program

Christopher McCarthy of Brewster, NY (10509), is one of 40 incoming freshmen selected for the Randall Research Scholars Program in The University of Alabama's Honors College.

The nationally recognized undergraduate research program pairs top students with leading UA faculty to complete scholarly research projects in any field of study. Students are selected after a competitive application process that includes phone and on-campus interviews.

During their freshman year, students complete an intensive series of courses on technology fundamentals, problem solving, project management and research fundamentals. These essential skills enable students to quickly learn and adapt to new knowledge domains and technical environments required for faculty-directed research projects.

Throughout their sophomore to senior years, the Randall Rsearch Scholars will interview with faculty and select a project to work on as a research assistant with a faculty member who will act as project director. Students typically will work on projects in areas related to their academic discipline; however, they may elect to work in an unrelated field to challenge themselves and broaden their exposure to academic research.

A member of the first class of what was then the Computer Based Honors Program in 1968, Dr. Cathy Randall earned her bachelor's degree, two master's degrees and two doctoral degrees from UA. She served the Capstone in various capacities throughout her career, including 25 years (1980-2004) as director of the Computer-Based Honors Program (now the Randall Research Scholars Program). Under her leadership, the program flourished, and, today, elite academic students from around the globe vie to experience the research opportunities available to undergraduate students.

The University of Alabama, the state's oldest and largest public institution of higher education, is a student-centered research university that draws the best and brightest to an academic community committed to providing a premier undergraduate and graduate education. UA is dedicated to achieving excellence in scholarship, collaboration and intellectual engagement; providing public outreach and service to the state of Alabama and the nation; and nurturing a campus environment that fosters collegiality, respect and inclusivity.

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