Olivia Baron Summer Research Fellow 2022
"A Review of Nonviolent Best Practices for Behavioral Intervention to Replace Corporal Punishment"
"Corporal punishment is the permitted use of physical punishment in education systems. Despite the numerous negative outcomes associated with the practice, 20 states still utilize it on students as a form of behavioral intervention. There needs to be a change, but we must avoid implementing different interventions that are also harmful to students (ex: calling police for every bad behavior leads to the school-to-prison pipeline). For this reason, this research is focused on beginning a project that will evaluate existing behavioral interventions and highlight the top 3 least harmful and most cost-effective systems for schools to implement."
Q. FINISH THIS SENTENCE: "I enjoy research because....."
A. "I get to delve into information that I find interesting and share my passion of my various interests with others. There is always more to be discovered and I think learning how to ask questions, and developing ways to answer said questions, is incredibly rewarding."
Q. How did you first get interested in undergraduate research at UK?
A. "It all started with my advisor pushing me out of my comfort zone. In my major, research is really important for getting accepted to graduate schools. After searching through existing research projects, I applied to one that sounded interesting to me and have absolutely loved my experience!"
Q. What has been the most exciting aspect of your research experience so far?
A. "The new skills that I have developed over a few months is insane. Since joining the lab from last semester, I have learned how to hook someone up to an EEG, place body electrodes, run various computer programs for lab sessions, and communicate in a team for research. I am excited about the things I will continue to learn next semester and to see how summer research for OUR compares to my prior experience."
Q. How has undergraduate research impacted your college experience at the University of Kentucky?
A. "Undergraduate research has enabled me to figure out what I am interested in learning about and has shaped me into a critical thinker. When I am reading new research, I am constantly questioning how the existing article could be further developed or applying information I already know to gain a deeper understanding of what I am reading."
Q. What advice would you give to UK students who are considering starting research?
A. "Just go for it! If you do not like it, then at least you tried. If you do, then you may have found a new passion. Either way, you will learn important skills that will be helpful wherever you go."