By partnering with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Upward Bound Math-Science (UNL-UBMS)-TRIO Program, the School of Biological Sciences aims to provide a continuity in mentoring in the context of research engagement that will support participants’ undergraduate education experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a main focus on life sciences.
"This summer we were fortunate enough to expand to Mathematics because of Dr. Jim Lewis and the Department of Mathematics supporting one of the Math Scholars, Khanh Le," said Marianna Burks, a biology Instructor and Science Learning Specialist in SBS and TRIO.
Le is a math student who was provided her summer research experience through Mathematics and is now in the First Year Research Experience Program.
The cornerstone of the program is the Summer Research Bridge Experience that engages recent UBMS high school graduates in a paid summer research internship at UNL that includes mentoring and skill development. The intent is to continue to support these Summer Bridge Scholars through established programs on campus, including first-year TRIO courses, FYRE, and UCARE, and via continued mentoring throughout their time at UNL.
UNL-UBMS student participants are provided a paid summer research internship, currently supported by funding from the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) and individual faculty grants in the Department of Chemistry. Program co-directors Burks and Kristi Montooth work together with UNL-UBMS Project Director and Staff, UNL-SBS Director and UNL-SBS Biology Diversity and Inclusion Assistant Director to coordinate the summer research experience and continued opportunities that provide underrepresented students experiential learning and mentoring in STEM. The goal is to increase first year retention and graduation rates of first-generation and underrepresented students in STEM majors by providing experiential learning and mentoring that supports students as they transition into their first year of university and beyond.
This pilot project has led to nearly $1 million grant to continue the program for five years.
Learn more about TRIO here: https://trio.unl.edu/upward-bound-math-science