Undergraduate Kelly Harris worked with Campus Athletics Research Network (CARN) director Luke Potwarka (centre) and Marc Iturriaga of the Department of Athletics and Recreational Services to develop diagnostic survey tools to improve recreation programming.
“I’ve caught the research bug,” says undergrad student Kelly Harris (pictured left). The affliction is the result of an innovative new collaboration between the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS) and the University’s Department of Athletics and Recreational Services.
The Campus Athletics Research Network (CARN) serves as a “research shop” where undergraduate and masters students select a challenge faced by the Athletics department and address it using theoretically grounded research approaches and techniques.
Harris’s first project involved developing a diagnostic survey to help the Athletics department match campus recreation programs with new users’ interests. She’s now considering a second CARN project, which examines factors influencing alumni decisions to give to varsity athletics.
“The CARN provides important experiential learning opportunities for RLS students,” says CARN director Luke Potwarka. “It allows our students to apply theory and engage in a research process to address ‘real world’ challenges.”
For many students, this is the first chance to experience the relevance and application of research first-hand. “Students have the opportunity make practical recommendations to the Athletics department based on their research findings,” explains Potwarka. “For me, witnessing students’ research being used to inform managerial decisions, policy, and strategy is the most rewarding element of the network.”