Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
In this project, we aim to develop the REEU program to recruit and train talented and motivated undergraduate students, especially those from underrepresented groups, across the state of Alabama. The overall goal of this project is to prepare competent students of diverse backgrounds to join the future workforce in food and nutrition fields, by providing resources, training, and hands-on research experiences at the University of Alabama. The main recruiting target consists of underrepresented students from minority-serving institutions and community colleges, where they typically lack opportunities to conduct research in the fields of food and nutrition. Over the four-year grant period, the specific objectives are:Objective 1: We will recruit and enroll food and nutrition undergraduate students (n=40) with at least 60% of students from underrepresented groups.Objective 2: Mentored students (n=40) will complete a 10-week summer research experience with at least 75% of students applying to advanced training programs and/or graduate programs in the areas of food science, nutrition, medicine, or other closely related fields.Built upon the success from our previous internally funded REU program, we will expand our efforts by (1) recruiting a larger and more diverse pool of underrepresented students; (2) collaborating with additional departmental mentors to offer a wider spectrum of research opportunities; (3) enriching students' campus and off-campus experiences through more group activities; and (4) strengthening our program evaluation plan to track students' academic success longitudinally.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of this project is to prepare competent students of diverse backgrounds to join the future workforce in food and nutrition fields by providing resources, training, and hands-on research experiences at UA. The main target of this program is to recruit underrepresented students from minority-serving institutions and community colleges where students otherwise lack the opportunities to conduct research in food and nutrition.Specific objectives are: 1) Over the four-year grant period, we will recruit and enroll food and nutrition undergraduate students (n=40) with at least 60% of students from underrepresented groups; 2)Over the four-year grant period, mentored students (n=40) will complete a 10-week summer research experience with at least 75% of students applying to advanced training programs and/or graduate programs in the areas of food science, nutrition, medicine, or other closely related fields.
Project Methods
The used methods in this project are listed below:In Objective 1, we will promote our REEU program to students in universities across Alabama, especiallyHBCUs, community colleges, and small, regional universities, such as Stillman College, Shelton State Community College, Oakwood University, Alabama State University, Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee University, Samford University, and University of West Alabama,because they all offer majors in food, nutrition, or closely-related fields.Upon the application deadline, the project team will meet and review all application materials. We have established our selection criteria and procedure. The PDs will meet to discuss all applicants, make admission decisions, and match each student with a researcher or research team.In Objective 2, we will develop the 10-week REEUprogram that will be student-centered, focusing on research training and mentoring, highlighting diverse campus experiences, and aiming to attract and excite students to develop a research career in food and nutrition. The program is designed to include the following phases:pre-program meetings;mentor-mentee matching;moving in and orientation; conducting research; weekly workshops; andnetworking activities.