School of Science

Benefits of Participating in Undergraduate Research

• Explore different career paths
• Build transferable skills and enhance your resume
• Improve your chances for graduate or professional school
• Opportunity to present and publish your research
• Contribute knowledge and impact the world

The School of Science supports undergraduate research opportunities for MDC students enrolled in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) pathway.

What is “research”?

The Council on Undergraduate Research defines it as:

An inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.

Research is a process to discover new knowledge by using a systematic investigation. It’s different from other forms of discovering new knowledge, like reading a book or going to class, because you use the scientific method to discover the knowledge.

How does it work at MDC?

The School of Science has opportunities for students to participate in undergraduate research experiences every summer semester. Students are paired with a faculty mentor to work on a project related to the mentor’s scholarly work or ongoing research. Your mentor will get you started on a project, teach you the tools and techniques, and provide the resources that you will need for your research. The School of Science will provide you with professional skills workshops that complement what you are learning from your mentor and help prepare you to share your research with others.

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The SRI Process

Apply

• Applications for the Summer Research Program 2024 are now closed.
• Students must complete the STEM Research Institute – Student Application
• Faculty must complete the STEM Research Institute – Faculty Application
• Summer Research 2024 Dates: Monday, May 13 to Monday, August 12
• Deadline: Monday, March 18, 2024.
• Examples of Research Projects

Research

• Students and faculty are paired.
• Students attend an Orientation.
• Research begins!

Present

• Students submit original abstracts and scientific posters.
• Students present at the School of Science Annual STEM Research Symposium in the fall and other regional conferences.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be in good academic standing.
2. Must be an active and enrolled STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree-seeking student at MDC.Non-Degree Seeking and Dual-Enrollment students to do qualify for the program. Health Sciences (i.e., pre-med, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy) are not considered STEM for the purpose of SRI.

   MDC offer the following STEM pathways:

3. Must have a minimum of six (6) credits completed in any of the STEM disciplines. (The following STEM courses will not be counted towards the six-credit minimum: MAT 1033, CHM 1033 and CGS 1060).
4. For summer research, students must be enrolled in at least three (3) summer-term, pathway/major- related credits at MDC (must provide paid summer schedule prior to beginning research). For spring research, students must be enrolled in at least three (3) spring-term pathway/major-related courses at MDC (must provide paid spring or summer schedule prior to beginning research).
5. Must provide at least one (1) letter of recommendation from a STEM professor.
6. Must be committed to completing the deliverables stated by the program and those agreed upon with
   the faculty mentor.
7. Must be willing to travel to campus or designated research location as needed and agreed upon with the faculty mentor.
8. Must be a Citizen of the United States, National of the United States (as defined in Section 101 (a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), Aliens admitted as refugees under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or Aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. *
9. Students’ academic schedules must allow for sufficient time commitment to research efforts. (i.e. not taking too many credits, timing of classes must allow for laboratory activities).
10. Must have completed the FAFSA form for the academic year.

*Please note that these are the eligibility requirements for research sponsored by federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Science Foundation. If you are interested in participating in undergraduate research and do not meet the citizenship requirement, please reach out to us. We may have additional opportunities that you can participate in.

The Program