Freshmen: Incentive to Participate in Research Activities in Laboratories at The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of UFPA

Abstract

Objective: This work aims to analyze the impacts of the participation of freshmen of the Mechanical Engineering course of the Federal University of Pará in research projects and in the preparation of scientific articles. This approach seeks to encourage the insertion of these students in laboratory activities, promoting their academic and scientific development since the beginning of the course.   Theoretical Framework: Entry to university brings many challenges. Therefore, the practice of activities that inhibit academic evasion are beneficial for the scientific environment and labor market, by acting in the development of new professionals.   Method: Freshmen of the Mechanical Engineering course were invited to experimental activities in order to encourage them to research and inclusion in academia, acting in the production of scientific articles for the Brazilian Symposium for the Progress of Science (SBPC)for its 75th Annual Meeting of 2023.   Results and Discussion: Initially 22 students participated in the project, however only 5 remained until the end, resulting in 5 work submissions. In addition, it was verified the insertion of a portion of the students who gave up the project in other laboratories of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.   Research Implications: Affirmative actions that promote student integration are beneficial, providing opportunities for teamwork, knowledge sharing and appreciation of inclusion in the academic environment.   Originality/Value: This type of incentive has a significant impact on the academic and professional life of the students involved, favoring curricular complementation for those who wish to follow postgraduate courses, or in the engineering job market.