The Freshman Research Scholars Program is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research and has been in operation about ten years. Its primary objective is to develop and foster interest in scholarly research at an early stage in the career of a college student. Students work with faculty researchers who operate in a mentor capacity to learn fundamental procedures of research, laboratory safety, and research ethics. Fifty freshmen are selected each year to participate in the program. They spend four to six hours per week working with their assigned faculty mentors in a hands-on research environment.
Departmental participation varies from year to year.
This year s participation includes 25 departments spanning the physical, biological, and social sciences and the humanities. Dr. Richard Bunce, associate professor of chemistry, and Dr. E. C. Nelson, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, were joined by Dr. Jim Blair, head of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biochemistry. Scholar Brady Sidwell of Goltry said he wanted to participate in the program because he thought it would enhance his preparation for graduate school.