The impact of a creativity-focused REU on students' conceptions of research and creativity

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) have been strongly supported through the National Science Foundation as a way to increase the number of students engaged with research and potentially attend graduate school. This qualitative study examines the impact of a creativity-focused REU program in biomedical engineering on students' conceptions of research and its relationship to the creative process. In addition, this study examines how faculty incorporate concepts of the creative process in their work with the REU students. Results of the study show that after participating in the program, students were likely to have a conception of research that was broader and more cyclical. Results also suggest that students recognize the connection between research and the creative process, and that the experience dispelled misconceptions of creativity that it only applies to the arts. Limitations of the study and future directions for the program and related research are discussed.