Major Interest Group (IDNS 2197)

While conducting research, students learn by doing. Despite the many benefits of undergraduate research, relatively few students gain research experience as undergraduates. The reasons for this are many, and include systemic contextual barriers to entry and persistence that are difficult to address. However, there are four issues that are easier to tackle: i) a lack of infrastructure to support all but the most academically advanced students, ii) the short time-course typical of most formal undergraduate research programs, iii) the narrowness of student horizons and demands, and iv) student naïveté and self-limitation. I have developed an enriching undergraduate program that addresses these problems to promote the personal and intellectual growth of STEM majors and to facilitate the achievement of their professional goals.

This class is for students enrolled in a National Science Foundation funded Hispanic Serving Institution grant aimed at Improving Undergraduate STEM Education. The Program includes a Freshmen Interest Group (FIG), Majors Interest Group (MIG and research experience). My portion of the Program is the MIG, which supports the training of students in the responsible conduct of research, how to find a mentor, and how to conduct themselves professionally. It is about getting students ready to participate fully in STEM disciplines, starting with undergraduate research on campus. To get the most out of the class, students invest in self-reflection and honest assessment of what they want out of their experience at UH and their career. This is not a passive class; students need to come to class prepared, and they need to be ready to engage with the group. Class will meet online for Fall 2021 and course information is relayed via BlackBoard. For more information, contact Drs. Monqiue Ogletree, Donna Stokes, or Tony Frankino.