Scholarly or Creative WTE

Scholarly or Creative WTE (SCWTE)

The Scholarly and Creative WTE (SCWTE) offers you the chance to dive into undergraduate research and complete an independent project that lets you explore, learn and create under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

With the SCWTE, you can:

• Conduct research on a subject that fascinates you, developing your own unique insights.
• Undertake an independent project, like experimenting with a scientific concept or creating an original piece of art or music.
• Start your own business or write and produce a play.
• And much more!

This WTE program empowers you to pursue your passions, whether in research or creative endeavors, and to gain hands-on experience that prepares you for future success.

Types of SCWTE projects

Research projects

SCWTE supports students who are studying turtle behavior in the field, conducting forensic chemistry experiments, and undertaking psychological research to understand the root causes of mental health.

For her SCWTE project, Kaitlynn Scott studied the effect of goat grazing on a population of ornate box turtles.

Creative projects

SCWTE supports students who are making artworks for their senior solo exhibitions, traveling to conferences to learn new techniques and attending summer music workshops to develop their repertoires.

For his SCWTE project, Theatre student Joseph Coddington produced and starred in the musical "Tick, Tick, BOOM!"

Travel

SCWTE supports students enrolled in courses that offer unique travel experiences, such as attending an urban planning conference in Minneapolis, exploring the unique geography of Kansas, and studying French Creole history and culture in New Orleans.

Students traveled with political science instructor Kristafer Ailsleiger to Germany for the international Model United Nations meeting.

Researching box turtles with Dr. Reed

At Washburn, you'll have the chance to work directly with Dr. Benjamin Reed, who's been guiding students like you since 2018. You'll join a team focused on conserving ornate box turtles, tracking their movements analyzing shell patterns and comparing stress hormone levels.

Reed says, "Research opportunities are open to anyone and everyone, and there is always a way to connect disciplines." Students from all backgrounds at Washburn are encouraged to dive into undergraduate research, gain hands-on experience and make a tangible impact. Many have presented at conferences, published research papers and supported expert testimony given before the Kansas State Legislature. This is a real chance to make an impact—and it's open to you.

WTE Project Steps

1. Find a faculty mentor

Reaching out to a professor that inspired you in class or whose interest overlaps with your project is a great way to start.

2. Create a detailed plan

Work with your faculty mentor to create a plan and timeline for your project.

3. Declare SCWTE project

To declare a Scholarly & Creative WTE project, please click the button labeled 'Declare Project' and fill out the Dynamic Form.

• Declare Project

4. Present project

You can present your project at Day of Transformation, Apeiron or in another public venue.

5. Complete project form

The last step is filling out the SCWTE project completion form.

Funding your project with grants

You can receive up to $1,000 for your project, depending on the availability of funds. All grants are awarded on a rolling basis; there are no deadlines.

Student Grants

Student Grants provide funds for undergraduate students to purchase materials, equipment, travel or other eligible expenses. 

Student grant application

Travel Grants

Travel Grants provide funds for faculty and students to travel to professional and academic conferences to present research and/or to participate in workshops.

Travel grant application

Exploring America Grants

Exploring America Grants allow faculty members to travel with students within the United States as part of a credit-bearing course.

Exploring America application

Poster Grants

Poster Grants provide funds for printing posters for use at Apeiron, Day of Transformation, or conferences. Posters must be printed at UMAPS. 

Poster grant application

Guidelines for students

The requirements for the Scholarly or Creative Washburn Transformational Experience are:

1. The scholarly or creative project must be significant. That is, the project should result in a significant commitment of scholarly/creative effort on the part of the student, as judged by the student’s faculty mentor. The project need not be in the student's major.
2. The scholarly or creative project may be an independent project that is not part of a structured (faculty-planned) course. The project can be part of a capstone course in which the students create or develop their own projects, but not a course in which the students simply follow the instruction of an instructor
3. The project must be completed under the tutelage of at least one faculty member. The faculty mentor need not be in the student's major.
4. The completed project must be presented in a public forum that can take a wide variety of forms. If you are uncertain about whether the forum is sufficient, please contact Dr. Lindsey Ibañez at lindsey.ibanez@washburn.edu or 785.670.1610. 
5. Completion and approval of all WTE "paperwork" (Declaration, Activity Plan, Completion Request Form).

Guidelines for faculty

The Washburn Transformational Experience would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of the faculty mentors who supervise student projects.

Faculty mentors are responsible for communicating with student mentees regarding project requirements and academic expectations, approving SCWTE project declarations, and confirming that SCWTE projects have been completed.

Faculty mentors may be eligible for compensation.

SCWTE Coordinator

As the associate director of the Center for Undergraduate Scholarly and Creative Projects, I administer the Scholarly and Creative WTE program, which is a unique and exceptional opportunity for Washburn students to explore their interests, work with faculty mentors, develop their professional portfolios, and receive university recognition for their efforts. I am also a sociology professor. If you'd like to learn more about the Scholarly and Creative WTE, you can reach me at lindsey.ibanez@washburn.edu or 785.670.1610.

• View Dr. Ibanez's Profile

WTE Program

The Washburn Transformational Experience Program helps you learn by creating a project that matches your interests

WTE Program

Transformation Day

Day of Transformation is one of the events you can present your completed WTE project.

Transformation Day

Apeiron

Apeiron, a university event held each spring, is another opportunity to present your project.

Apeiron event

GET IN TOUCH WITH Scholarly Creative WTE

SCWTE
Plass Learning Resources Center
Room 2017
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.1610
scwte@washburn.edu