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Visiting students experience research firsthand Lindsey Williams, Central Methodist University; Patrick Dussault, professor of chemistry; and Bethany Calloway, Sonoma State University. Click here to view more photos These programs are an ideal way for talented students to experience what graduate school might be like and immerse themselves in the UNL community, said Michelle Howell Smith, director of graduate recruitment in the Office of Graduate Studies, which coordinates summer research program participants. Graduate Studies had 350 applicants for this year's program. Participants typically come from smaller, less research-oriented colleges and historically minority institutions. One of the goals is to encourage minority and women students to consider graduate school at UNL or elsewhere as part of a broader effort to enhance diversity in science, engineering, mathematics, technology and other fields. Various departments and research centers across campus offer summer research experiences, including several Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs funded by the National Science Foundation. Core summer programs are offered by the Redox Biology Center/Center for Biological Chemistry, Undergraduate Summer Research Experience in Virology, Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Functional Nanomaterials and Nanoscience, Plant Sciences and Bioinformatics Program, Nebraska REU in Applied Mathematics and Undergraduate Summer Research Experience in Chemistry. Additional programs are offered in biological sciences, economics, law, medicine and psychology. Participants work with research teams of graduate students, researchers and other students. Each team is led by a faculty member who has been identified as an excellent mentor to undergraduates. In addition to the one-on-one mentoring opportunities, participants attend weekly seminars in their interest areas, workshops about preparing for graduate school, an etiquette dinner, a research symposium and various social activities. The summer research programs are key recruitment opportunities for UNL. Seven of last year's participants have enrolled in graduate school at UNL for the fall semester. "The participants get to know our faculty and facilities," Howell Smith said. "It's easier for them to picture themselves going to graduate school here after participating in the program."    | |
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