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Calena Awesome

 
Calena Awesome Elementary Education Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar

About Calena

Year: Senior
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Matthew Clay
Research Recognition: 2025 Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar

Learn more about the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award!

Describe Your Research

While I had completed group “research projects” for my Online courses at FHSU before, I had not experienced what would come from agreeing to work with Dr. Clay on the 360-research video projects. As a distance learner, I had not established personal relationships with my professors or peers and would typically only reach out to them if I had issues with an assignment. While I was hesitant at first to agree to the research project, the 360-research videos would provide an opportunity to give more diverse and impactful science lessons at the elementary level, and I felt the experience for myself would be meaningful and educational. While tent-camping for the trip, I was the first person to record 360-research video at El Dorado State Park and the first person to record on water. For a separate trip, I participated in 360-research in Rocky Mountain National Park with a group of future teachers. On our trip to RMNP, I stepped out of my comfort zone and encountered wildlife up close, hiked many diverse trails, and experienced nature through the lens of educational potential. The 360-research videos can be used to enhance science lessons and go on virtual field trips that would otherwise not be possible in a classroom setting.

What was it like sharing your research?

I presented at the AATC conference in Denver, CO which was my first ever conference presentation. My presentation was titled "What's Possible When You Answer an Email: An Online Undergraduate Student's Experiences in Nature." I spoke in front of a diverse group of people about the 360-research projects, their positive impacts that they can have in the classroom, as well as my experiences as a virtual student participating in in-person research. The conference was a positive experience in which I met many intelligent educators and professionals and learned about the different issues that impact students and teachers in classrooms across the United States. I really appreciate Dr. Clay reaching out to me and including me in the project and mentoring me along the way.

What are your future career goals?

I graduated in December and was hired mid-year for a fifth-grade teaching position at USD 259 in Wichita, KS. I plan to pursue my Master's Degree in the fall of 2025 and I think this research project has helped give me the confidence and enthusiasm to continue to invest in my educational goals. I have used the 360-research videos in my classroom and they always enhance the lesson and the students have more engagement and enthusiasm about what is being taught and learned.

Why should other students get involved in research?

I would recommend other students get involved with research or scholarly activities at FHSU because it opens up many opportunities for growth and learning. While being an online student can give the impression that you are disconnected from the university or campus, there is power in connection with others, even if it is virtual. I think there are long-term impacts of in-person research experiences on the career prospects and academic confidence of online undergraduate students.

About Calena

Year: Senior
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Matthew Clay
Research Recognition: 2025 Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar

Learn more about the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award!