FUSE (Fordham University Science Experience) ia a program aimed at increasing access to and retention of underrepresented minority students in science. In its first year the program will recruit 12 promising students: six entering freshmen, four entering sophomores, two entering juniors and zero entering seniors. The key elements of the program include the following: early socialization of students in a mentored research experience with teacher-scholars who are experienced in mentoring undergraduate, especially minority, students in research; networking and academic enrichment experiences including informal discussions with minority scientists; academic support services including advising. Each aspect of the program will emphasize the importance of networking, but the core of the proposed program is early intervention with a focus on the research experience. Each student will have the opportunity to select a faculty mentor from the areas of cell and molecular biology, cell physiology, cellular biochemistry or photochemistry. FUSE students will work closely with faculty mentors on individual research projects and are encouraged to prepare presentations of their research at local and national scientific meetings.
