Alabama State University News July 9, 2010 Students Gain Research Experience at ASU's Summer Program By Timothy C. Ervin College students from around the nation are getting hands-on research experience at ASU this summer as part of the University's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site program. Summer research experiences can be crucial in shaping future careers for undergraduate college students. This summer, Alabama State University's Department of Biology and its faculty welcomed undergraduates from across the nation interested in experiencing laboratory research firsthand. For 10 weeks, some of the best rising junior and senior students from colleges and universities in Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, New Mexico and New York are immersed in ASU's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site program. It is a part of ASU's Interdisciplinary Studies for Sensor and Biosensor Development program and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Defense through the Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Experiences (ASSURE) program. The REU is open to undergraduate students enrolled in biology, chemistry, engineering, or those interested in pursuing careers in science. "It provides 10 talented undergraduate students the opportunity to carry out independent research projects under the guidance of our faculty mentors," said Dr. Omar Oyarzabal, associate professor of microbiology at ASU Oyarzabal. "They also work side by side with our graduate students who serve as role models and as mentors." In addition to conducting original research under the mentorship of ASU's faculty members and graduate students, the students will acquire hands-on experiences by conducting experimental research in laboratories that are actively involved in the development of sensors and biosensors. Jessica Kieninger, a senior from Franklin College in Franklin, Ind., is conducting research on canplylobacter bacteria (a food borne illness). She said the program gave her experience that she might otherwise not have received. "I am learning a lot," Kieninger said. "So far during my undergraduate studies, I haven't had a chance to get much research experience; so, I want to learn all I can while I'm here." The program also will provide guidance on preparation for graduate school and the graduate experience. In addition, there will be a seminar series on ethics in science to highlight the importance of imposing a high standard of ethics in research endeavors. The program will culminate on July 29 when all students will communicate their research results in poster presentations. To learn more about the Research Experience for Undergraduate Site Program, contact ASU's Department of Biology at 334-229-8449. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/meeting-form.html for the October 24-26, 2010 HBCU Library Alliance 4th Membership Meeting and the "Conference on Advocacy" pre-conference in Montgomery, AL. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.