The University of Nebraska-Lincoln welcomed 103 undergraduates from across the country to campus this June for the start of the 2018 Nebraska Summer Research Program. The 10-week experience provides mentoring and research participation while allowing scholars to preview graduate school life at a Research I university.
The scholars live on campus and work with faculty in one of 14 research units, probing topics ranging from nanotechnology to the sustainability of civil infrastructure. The Office of Graduate Studies supports the scholars with weekly social and professional development activities, while also serving the faculty and individual research programs by coordinating logistics, supporting grant applications, and assisting in program development/direction.
For some students, this program is their first exposure to Nebraska, and many are developing great interest in graduate programs at UNL. Associate Professor of Chemistry Mark Griep sees the program as not only helping to nurture research interests and skills in students, but also as a boon to UNL. “The benefit to the university is to raise awareness across the U.S. about [the university’s] continued commitment to cutting edge research experiences,” Griep said. Students leave UNL eager to discuss their involvement achievements with their home campus, and many will soon apply for graduate study at Nebraska.
Since the Summer Research Program began in 2001, Graduate Studies has welcomed 991 academically talented students, underrepresented in graduate education, to campus to work alongside our renowned faculty in a variety of disciplines. Nebraska is unique among the Big Ten Academic Alliance as all participating programs are required to be fully funded by a grant, making this a highly competitive experience. Each year, more than 1,000 students apply for the opportunity to spend a summer in Nebraska.
To further support faculty and enhance the student experience, Graduate Studies facilitates the following:
• Professional development workshops focused on research ethics, research
presentation skills, GRE preparation and diversity and inclusion.
• Social activities in partnership with the Outdoor Adventure Center such as evening
paddles, bike rides and lake days.
• The Summer Research Banquet and Summer Research Symposium
• Comprehensive program assessment in partnership with the Social and Behavioral
Sciences Research Consortium.
On August 7, these summer research students along with scholars from the UNL UCARE and McNair programs will present their research at a public research symposium in the Nebraska Union from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
If you are interested in learning more, contact Alisha Hanshaw, Director of Graduate Enrollment.
Learn more about the Nebraska Summer Research Program