SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill launched its Faculty Research Database, a comprehensive platform designed to showcase the diverse research activities — either in progress or completed — undertaken by faculty members on campus.
Many faculty members engage in research, conducting a multitude of projects in a variety of disciplines including biology, arts and humanities, and physical and social sciences. With an active culture of research at Penn State Schuylkill, the database serves as a centralized focal point where faculty research projects are brought together to provide a valuable resource for students, fellow researchers and the broader community.
"The Faculty Research Database is a fantastic resource for our undergraduate researchers on campus and the members of our community," said Cory Scherer, interim director of academic affairs at Penn State Schuylkill. "The research our faculty members conduct is extraordinary and the database is a reflection of how involved the campus is with interdisciplinary research efforts."
According to Scherer, the database has a robust search functionality, where users can easily navigate through the database using an advanced search function to find information on specific topics, faculty members or academic departments. The database also provides collaboration opportunities as it facilitates networking by connecting researchers with shared interests, encouraging interdisciplinary partnerships that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and betterment of the commonwealth.
Lisa Robinson, lecturer of business at Penn State Schuylkill, created the database alongside fellow faculty member, Brian Gardner, lecturer of information technology and program coordinator of cybersecurity analytics and operations and information technology. Fourth-year student researcher, Poetic Session, was also involved in the creation of the database. Robinson presented the database at the Engagement Scholarship Consortium at Michigan State University in October.
As the research progresses and grows with faculty on campus, the researchers said the Faculty Research Database will follow suit, as it will be reviewed and updated every two years to ensure accuracy in the representation of in-progress and completed work.