ENhancing Success through Undergraduate Research Experiences
The ENhancing Success through Undergraduate Research Experiences (ENSURE) program is an opportunity for students with diverse backgrounds to gain experience in a research laboratory, work with current Austin College undergraduate students, receive mentorship from faculty, and learn about Austin College. The program may offer research opportunities in biology, chemistry, mathematics & computer sciences, neuroscience, physics, and public health. Incoming Austin College first year students who are first generation college students, from under-represented populations, or qualify for need-based financial aid are encouraged to apply. Recipients of the competitive award will receive a stipend to spend 4 weeks of the summer conducting research at Austin College.
Deposited incoming first year students are encouraged to apply. The program occurs for 4 weeks during the Summer Sciences Research Program. The incoming students would join existing summer research teams already in session. The new students will work closely with a student and faculty mentor on a research project. Students may have the opportunity to present their work at the Austin College Scholars Conference.
The benefits to the students will be an upper-class mentor, faculty advisor, events to integrate them into campus life and connections to on-campus services, and a cohort of fellow students working through their first undergraduate research experience. Students would receive college apartment housing for the time of the program and also be paid $1600 total for four weeks. The commitment is for 35 hours of lab work per week. We expect these students will gain self-confidence and independence in their education so they are prepared to succeed at Austin College. Students should also gain career awareness, mechanisms for identifying internships and fellowships during college, and post-graduation employment options.
If you have questions about the program, please contact the CREATE office.