The Graduate Program in Nutrition at The Pennsylvania State University is pleased to continue its offering of a summer program, "Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site Program: Biology and Chemistry of Nutritional Processes." The intended impact is to improve the interest level and qualifications of participants to apply to and enroll in post-graduate education, especially in preparation for careers in science research and/or college teaching.
This experiential learning program builds on the commitment and capabilities of fifteen faculty members. Research areas focus on nutrient metabolism related to neurological development, lipoprotein metabolism, antioxidant defense functions, skeletal development, endocrinology, immunology, inflammatory response, behavioral neurobiology, and food science. The 10-week summer experience will provide 10 students: (a) knowledge of the varied approaches, techniques, and critical thinking skills used in research; (b) excitement of hands-on scientific inquiry; (c) practice to improve communication skills; and (d) guidance in graduate programs and career planning. Seven students will be recruited from a national applicant pool composed of minority students or students from institutions with limited research activities; three students will come from PSU. Penn State will financially support 3 students, assist in purchasing supplies needed for the student projects, as well as provide the resources and mentoring available at a top research institution.
Within the team environment of the faculty mentor and the graduate student or other staff person, each undergraduate student will design a research project that can be successfully completed within the summer timeline. Students will attend seminars by faculty, as well as go to workshops to improve scientific communication skills. Social events will complement the scientific community developed within the faculty members' laboratories. Finally, the summer will culminate in a student research poster session, similar to that of a national science meeting.
