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Improving Skills and Academic Support at ULCHS: The Evolution of STAR Lab

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ULCHS has taken a progressive step in supporting students through the establishment of the Resource Center, now poised for a rebranding as the Skills Training and Academic Resources Lab (STAR Lab). Initially conceived as a space to provide academic support, the center's mission has expanded, offering a robust array of services to improve both personal and professional skills of the student body.

The STAR Lab was originally created to address specific limitations faced by students, particularly in thesis formatting, scientific research comprehension, and the proper use of citations and references. As the new academic year brings the STAR Lab will expand its offerings to include essential tools like Microsoft Office training, supporting students with formatting, creating presentations, and data analysis.

Working closely with students from diverse fields such as public health, pharmacy, and the residency programs, the STAR Lab has tailored its services to meet the distinct needs of each discipline. The team headed by Mr. Lowell Kokuloku Jr. has conducted multiple training sessions, including two-week programs focused on thesis document formatting and the use of reference management tools like Mendeley.

One notable success has been working with students from the first-year medical residents in Community medicine program. These residents received personalized guidance over a four-to-six-week period, covering the entire research process, from literature reviews to developing effective research methodologies. The residents were also mentored by a visiting scholar from Oxford University, further enhancing their research capabilities.

Looking ahead, the Resource Center's transition to the STAR Lab is set to happen before the new academic year. Trainings will now move beyond basic Microsoft Word skills to include PowerPoint and Excel for data analysis, reflecting a broader commitment to equipping students with practical tools for their academic and professional journeys.

In addition to working with students, the STAR Lab aims to engage faculty members and resident doctors at John F. Kennedy Medical Center. There is an ongoing effort to promote the utilization of essential resources, such as UpToDate and Lecturio, which the university has invested in but remain underutilized by both students and faculty. The team is actively working to ensure these tools become integral parts of medical education and research.

The STAR Lab’s success is built on collaboration, not only within the university but with external partners as well. For example, Vanderbilt Institute and Peace Corps Liberia have provided technical support and tutoring services, enriching the student learning experience. “There are plans to introduce a student assistant program, hiring students as paid tutors to assist their peers and further expand the Resource Center's impact” Lowell asserts.

The long-term goal is to ensure that every student at ULCHS benefits from the academic resources and trainings available through the STAR Lab, supporting their academic success and professional development.

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