Student research not always ideal
As a graduate student and research coordinator in the environmental health sciences department with Professor Richard Ambrose, I have supervised numerous Student Research Program and work-study students seeking research in our ecology and environmental science lab.
After reading the article on student research jobs (“Student research a coveted job,” News, May 29), I must comment that, while most students are competent and reliable, many lack previous job experience, and some can be downright flaky.
When students cannot be relied upon for independent data collection and management responsibilities, time-intensive supervision often gives way to the assignment of less critical tasks.
However, the biggest obstacle to mutually favorable student research involvement is the simple incompatibility of schedules.
While students are typically available for defined periods of one to three hours a couple of times per week, the timing associated with many research projects is more variable, often requiring larger blocks of time that span the day and can even extend into the evening hours.
When searching for research opportunities, students should carefully assess how their anticipated schedules might fit in with the lab’s research activities.
They should also realize that most research occurs through the slow and steady progress of seemingly menial steps. There are very few eureka moments in science.
Steven Lee
Staff research associate,
UCLA Department of Environmental Health Sciences
Memorial sends a powerful message
I walk through Wilson Plaza every day and was moved by the mock graveyard and photos in place on Tuesday (“Grave reminder of Iraq war casualties,” News, May 30).
I’m old enough to remember the trauma and protests of the Vietnam War and found this scene very similar. Such a display really does make you think about the true cost of war.
“Conflict” is too polite a word, and statistics don’t convey an accurate impression of cost.
What I found even more moving was that when I walked through Wilson Plaza on Wednesday morning, I found the Navy ROTC and Marine ROTC units doing their usual morning drills in their usual place, right next to the mock graveyard.
I wonder if those kids realize what they may really be getting themselves into?
Nancy Neymark
UCLA Department of Computer Science
More steps needed to end genocide
The Darfur genocide has claimed an estimated 400,000 lives and displaced millions in undoubtedly government-backed violence.
Although it is great that President Bush is finally imposing new unilateral sanctions against the government of Sudan (“Governments must act sooner to end genocide,” Viewpoint, May 30), there is much more that needs to be done.
In addition to the new economic sanctions, President Bush should push for a U.N. Security Council resolution that imposes additional sanctions on high-ranking Sudanese leaders.
In addition, he should impose plans for a no-fly zone in Darfur and create a nonconsensual force deployment to protect civilians if the situation continues to deteriorate in Darfur.
In order to get these actions implemented, persistent pressure on President Bush, our senators and our representatives must continue. We can do this through phone calls (the easiest way is to call 1-800-GENOCIDE), letter writing and lobby visits.
The steps taken by the president show that advocacy efforts are making a difference. So let’s take even more action to end this genocide and make “never again” mean never again.
Raisa Zaidi
Third-year, political science
Darfur Action Committee
Karina Garcia
Fourth-year, international development studies
Darfur Action Committee