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Providing Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) from Rural & Tribal Colleges
Author(s) -
Doze Van,
Cisek Karen,
Pyle Sally,
Bennett T.M. Bull
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.633.2
Subject(s) - undergraduate research , medical education , graduate students , psychology , peer mentoring , professional development , pedagogy , medicine
For rural and tribal college students, a demographic underrepresented in research labs and graduate school programs, research opportunities at home institutions may be sparse. Undergraduate years are critical for engaging students in research to increase the number pursuing graduate work and careers in science. Recruiting and retaining students from these backgrounds, who may be hesitant to pursue opportunities based on social factors ( e.g., first generation, non‐traditional, single parents), poses an added challenge. To reach these populations, we give special consideration to recruitment, lab experience, and retention. We partner with Native American scientists and faculty, conduct multiple campus visits for recruitment, and use peer mentoring and strategic pairing of new students with experienced students from similar backgrounds. The program's goals are to promote an interest in research and science careers, foster academic and social independence, and provide professional development. In addition to significant time receiving basic lab training and developing research projects, students attend professional development sessions. We have successfully trained >50 REU students. This has resulted in a significant number of rural and tribal students completing their undergraduate degrees and progressing to post‐baccalaureate programs. Supported by NIH P20RR0167141, NSF 0347259 and 0851869.