Skip to main content

Request info

RIA # 64: Dr. Kevin Ahern on Supporting Undergraduate Researchers

Dr. Kevin Ahern

Dr. Kevin Ahern

On this episode, Katie is joined by Dr. Kevin Ahern, a Professor of Biochemistry/Biophysics who has taken a very non-traditional path to becoming a professor.  A Beaver alum, Ahern received his Ph.D from OSU in 1986 and after post-doctoral work at UCSD, rejoined OSU as a business manager in 1989.  Transitioning to the instructional ranks in 1995, Ahern served there until he was promoted from Senior Instructor to Professor in 2014, a rank he currently holds.  Along the way, Ahern served as a scientific writer and editor with stints as contributing editor of Science Magazine, BioTechniques, and Genetic Engineering News.  His YouTube instructional videos have over 4,000,000 views and his three open educational resource textbooks have saved students almost $50,000,000.

Transcript (.docx)

Show Notes

Would you like to incorporate this episode of “Research in Action” into your course? Download the Episode 64 Instructor Guide (.pdf) or visit our Podcast Instructor Guides page to find additional information.

Segment 1: Writing Creatively as a Researcher [00:00-11:58]

In this first segment, Kevin shares about some of the creative writing he does as a scientist.

In this segment, the following resources are mentioned:

Segment 2: Supporting Undergraduate Researchers [11:59-19:58]

In segment two, Kevin shares his experience supporting undergraduate researchers.

In this segment, the following resources are mentioned:

Segment 3: Best Practices with Mentoring Undergraduate Researchers [19:59-31:16]

In segment three, Kevin describes some strategies for effectively mentoring undergraduate researchers.

In this segment, the following resources are mentioned:

Bonus Clip #1 [00:00-4:20]: Success Stories of Undergraduate Research

Bonus Clip #2 [00:00-4:34]: Creating Open Educational Resources

In this bonus clip, the following resources are mentioned:

To share feedback about this podcast episode, ask questions that could be featured in a future episode, or to share research-related resources, post a comment below or contact the “Research in Action” podcast:

Twitter: @RIA_podcast or #RIA_podcast
Email: riapodcast@oregonstate.edu
Voicemail: 541-737-1111

If you listen to the podcast via iTunes, please consider leaving us a review.

The views expressed by guests on the Research in Action podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Ecampus or Oregon State University.