University of Michigan - Flint

University of Michigan-Flint

UROP Student Profile - Tobias Lerke

   
 
 
Tobias Lerke
Major: Computer Science
Tobias is currently working on a project investigating the exposure of virtualization and cloud computing systems in information technology services used primarily in academia

Please describe your UROP project.
In my project, I am investigating the exposure of virtualization and cloud computing systems in information technology services used primarily in academia. My faculty sponsor is Suleyman Uludag.

How did you get involved in research?
When I first heard that there was an undergraduate research program at U of M-Flint I immediately followed up and it lead me to Andre Louis, the research project manager. The first class of Gerontology my professor, Rie Suzuki, said she had a research project and she was looking for assistance. From there everything fell into place. So my first professional research began fall semester '08.

How has participating in research impacted your education?
I have learned much about the community and the utilizations of medical resources by the community in Genesee County because of my research. I learned more on how to talk to people, especially when I needed information.

What has been the most satisfying aspect of your research experience?
I get to talk to and meet with people that I would otherwise have not. I’ve had to visit and/or contact all the major hospitals and clinics in Genesee County. If it was not for this project I would have never met Zachary Tomlinson, the accessibility services coordinator for U of M-Flint or Tamika January, the resource program analyst for Michigan.

What are your future plans? How has participating in research helped you in preparing for those future plans?
My future plans involve possibly researching the processes of aging. This research project has greatly increased my charisma and my familiarity with the whole process of research. I learned who to contact, how to contact them, and how to record information learned.

What advice would you give to students interested in being involved in research?
I would advice students to become passionate about doing research, and being patient when working with professors. Keep your mind on the overall research building experience and always look back thinking I have learned many new things. I would also advice not to just do research in your field or major. You will learn much more diverse skills by gaining research experiences as a whole and being well rounded. Start now, don't wait till later as an undergrad or even graduate school. The sooner you start the more you will learn and be able to apply the knowledge
.

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