A Mississippi State University summer program that allows college students to become skilled researchers is receiving new support.
The National Science Foundation will provide more than $150,000 over the next three years to the Research Experience for Undergraduates. The funding supports 10-week research programs in chemistry for 10 college students from throughout the state and region.
The program first was funded in 1994 by a $138,000 NSF grant, said project co-director Judith Eglin, assistant professor of chemistry. Last year, more than 200 applicants from more than 100 colleges and universities applied.
"We've tried to use research as a way to teach undergraduates," she said. "They have an opportunity to work with 14 members of our chemistry faculty and are given the responsibilities of researchers."
For many students from smaller universities or colleges, these research experiences are the first exposure to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. The program is designed to encourage the pursuit of graduate study in science.
"This renewed funding is a confirmation that the program is succeeding in providing meaningful learning experiences for participants," said co-director William Henry, associate professor of chemistry.
Learning to deal with the frustrations and rewards of structured academic exploration is only one part of the learning process. Students also must explain their work in two presentations to the chemistry department faculty.
"They learn to do presentations, because that's a part of research," Eglin said. "We guide them through the process and we see them gain self-confidence."
The 1997 summer program also will require that students do a poster presentation that describes their research, Eglin said. "We also would like to have students present their work at other locations to have that professional interaction with other researchers," she added.
Eglin and Henry say they are hopeful the program can expand to serve more students.
For more information, telephone (601) 325-3584.