Application deadline: February 1, 2008
Program dates: May 19 - July 25, 2008
Undergraduate students at all four participating institutions, Truman, St. Charles, Metropolitan, and Moberly, have the opportunity to participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience to be held on the Truman campus. The 10-week, on-campus experience engages undergraduate students in a collaborative research project, each mentored by an individual or a pair of Truman faculty (review mentors and projects). Undergraduates pursuing any science, technology, engineering, math or computer science field are eligible to apply.
The on-campus program commences with a full-day orientation retreat at a nearby State Park, where the scope of the program is introduced, mentors discuss their research interests and projects, and focused discussions within each mentor-student team occurs. The day also includes outdoor recreation and a barbeque. This approach develops an early sense of community, which is sustained in part by all students living and eating together in the same residence hall.
During the first two weeks, students work closely with their mentors to conceptualize their projects and begin learning techniques. Workshops help students gain competence in defining/refining research questions and reading/interpreting/searching the primary literature. The goal of this early phase is for the students to become deeply invested in their projects. This culminates in week three with a completed written research proposal and an oral presentation.
While students begin their research during the first two weeks, subsequent weeks are more intensely devoted to scholarly work. At least two weekly meetings of all students and mentors are planned: a topical workshop on Wednesdays and a group lunch on Fridays. Rather than prescribe the discussion topics, the group selects the topics that best match their interests and goals. Examples of potential topics include the following: keeping a research notebook, conducting interdisciplinary research, women and underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, research ethics, international research experiences, different modes of conducting research, writing grant proposals, careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, writing a curriculum vitae, and how to prepare a poster for printing on large-format printers. The program includes presentations by a visiting speaker and a field trip to an off-campus partner institution. A mid-summer picnic and other impromptu gatherings are also planned.
Several sessions during the final weeks focus on bringing data collection, analysis, and synthesis to reasonable conclusion and provide information on continued research and planning for graduate and professional school. The summer program ends with a formal Research Symposium where each student delivers an oral presentation.
Participants earn a stipend of $3,200 as well as 3 hours of university credit ($600 value). They are provided with on-campus housing and meals ($1,700 value). Participants also receive a research budget to support their project and funding to attend a professional conference.
Apply online for the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience