Fort Valley State University (FVSU), an 1890 co-educational institution serving a student community consisting of 93% African-Americans, proposes to continue a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site in biotechnology. The primary focus of the REU program will be encouraging and facilitating the pursuit of research careers and, secondarily, assisting students with interests in other science-based careers to appreciate the nature of research. Ten students (minorities/women) selected from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority serving institutions (MSIs) will work on their research projects with pre-selected mentors for 10 weeks in various research areas including genetic engineering, tissue culture, molecular genetics, environmental science, and biochemistry. Students will participate in other laboratory activities such as seminars by invited speakers and lab group meetings. They will also attend workshops that relate to professional career development, scientific writing and ethics in science. On field trips students will visit major research biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions. Participants will complete research projects, make oral presentations, and submit written abstracts of their work. Students will assess the program's effectiveness through exit surveys and a long-term tracking system. To promote continued interest in research, two students will be nominated for additional research funds to extend their research experience during the following school year. These students will be encouraged to present their summer research findings at a scientific meeting. For more info, contact Dr. Dhir at dhirs0@fvsu.edu or visit www.fvsu.edu/biotech/centerindex.asp.htm.
