Experiential learning is an important aspect of college for any student. For junior Alex Glidewell, a Randall Research Scholar and a Coca-Cola First Generation student, experiential learning through the College of Information Sciences introduced him to a whole new field of research he didn’t even know existed.
Alex, a psychology major, said his research with C&IS supplements the programming he already attains through the Randall Research Scholars (RRS).
“Me, Dr. Leah LeFebvre and fellow student, Grace Dean, have all been working on a project for the last year on ghosting,” Alex said. “We’re focusing on how ghosting affects friendships and family relationships, and how that either correlates or compares to the effects on romantic and sexual relationships.”
Ghosting, the act of unexpectedly cutting off all communication with a friend or partner, is an under researched area, as the phenomenon is relatively new in the age of social media.
Along with knowledge gained through lab work, Alex said that RRS has led him to innovative ideas and opportunities for academic growth.
“I didn’t even know ghosting research existed,” he said. “It’s not something people talk about a whole lot; some people complain about it, but it’s not something people openly discuss unless it’s among friends. I was really interested because I didn’t know anyone at this school conducted research on ghosting.”
In addition to the real-world skills Alex is gaining through his research and classes, he said the RRS has allowed him to interact with a diverse group of people across campus he would not otherwise have met. Named after Dr. Catherine J. Randall, the Randall Research Scholars Program is a nationally recognized undergraduate research program which pairs exceptional students directly with leading research professors and cutting-edge computing technology to complete scholarly research projects in any field of study.
“The Randall Research Scholars has really allowed me to shake hands with a lot of other students and it’s also allowed me to really expand my knowledge,” he said. “We talk a lot about how we present ourselves and about professionalism when engaging in research and engaging in academics. I’ve really bolstered my speaking skills, my presentation skills and how I present myself.”
As a first-generation college student, Alex stressed the importance of giving, especially so that students like him can excel during their time at the Capstone.
“I come from a small town and my family didn’t have the money to send me to college,” he said. “Now, I can focus on academics and research to better the world and community around me without having to worry about finances.”
Alex is anticipated to graduate in May 2024 and hopes to attend medical school for psychiatry. He is just one of the countless students at The University of Alabama touched by the experiential learning opportunities made possible through The Rising Tide Capital Campaign.
