FYRE First Year Research Experience - Student Information

Program Detailed Information

Student Application Process for Spring 2010 Projects


Between November 1, 2009 and January 20, 2010:

1. read information about how students get involved

2. read the various FYRE Faculty research projects/ and current student team research projects offered.

3. Visit departments and interview faculty about their projects.

4. Submit the FYRE application by 5 pm on January 20, 2010 to Martha Weber weberme@muohio.edu Undergraduate Research Coordinator in the Office for the Advancement of Research and Scholarship, 102 Roudebush.

First Year Research Experience (FYRE) provides students with opportunities to engage in research and to establish early contact with faculty mentors. All available tracks require students to additionally engage in common seminar/workshop experiences, and participate in the Annual Undergraduate Research Forum sponsored by the Office for the Advancement of Research (OARS).

• Why Students Shoul Get Involved
• Gain support through establishing social mentoring relationships.
• Engage in faculty research early in your academic career.
• Experience the practice of research through workshops, seminars and activities
• Enhance your communication and presentation skills.
• Be a part of a community of student/researchers/scholars during your first year.
• Participate in other research activities throughout your undergraduate career.

Students may choose one of the four tracks described below:

FYRE Student Program Tracks for Spring 2010

• FYRE STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
  This option allows students to participate in an ongoing research project: Awards range from $100-$200, and will be disbursed to the faculty sponsor. Faculty from Science, Technology, Engineering and Math departments will serve as faculty hosts/sponsors.
• FYRE Research Shadowing (Students experience the research environment without fully participating in an ongoing project)
  This option allows students to experience the research environment without fully participating in an ongoing project. Awards range from $100-$200, and will be disbursed to the faculty sponsor.
• FYRE TEAM RESEARCH (Opportunity to join an existing student-led research team for spring 2010)
  allow students to experience the practice of research through workshops, seminars and activities
  This option allows teams of students to conduct a research project during the academic year. Awards range from $500-$1,000). Maximum number of students per team is 6; at least 2 members must be freshmen. Team research groups will develop a one page proposal including goals, background and significance, project design, and expected outcomes for a single project. The responsibilities of each team member should be clearly stated.

How Do Students Get Involved?
Students interested in applying to the FYRE Spring Program will:
1) Read information on the web about available Faculty FYRE Project Summary Page
Note:There may be additional faculty willing to work with you on a FYRE project, talk with departmental advisors or visit faculty department web pages to find their research interests.
2) Interview at least one faculty member and
3) submit signed completed application form
4) Agree to terms of the FYRE Program which include:
# 1 Laboratory Research Involvement: As a FYRE scholar, you will be involved in laboratory research projects during the Fall and Spring terms. Students in the FYRE-STEM and FYRE Team Research Projects tracks will sign up for at least one credit hour of independent study in their respective departments. A credit hour is equivalent to about 3-5 hours of lab/research work. Please consult with your faculty mentor; these requirements will vary by department.
# 2 Attendance at Seminars and Workshops: In addition to the lab experience, the FYRE program aims to foster the development of a community of student researchers/ scholars within the first year experience who socialize and collaborate together. Several enrichment opportunities will be offered in the form of seminars and workshops. These offerings will qualify for one credit hour of independent study in the department of your major.

Download the FYRE Program Round 2 Application Form to conduct research in spring 2010.

Interview Time Frame 11/01/09 - 01/20/10
Interview a least one faculty member of your choosing and fill out the FYRE application form which asks you to summarize in 100-150 words your reasons for choosing the lab (e.g. interest in the topic, relevance to career aspirations etc). Each description should be 100-150 words. If the faculty member agrees to work with you have them sign the FYRE application form and submit it by the deadline.

Submission Deadline January 20, 2010
Submit Completed Application by 5:00 p.m Martha Weber, Undergraduate Research Coordinator in the Office for the Advancement of Research and Scholarship, 102 Roudebush. Students will be notified by January 29, 2010 of their acceptance.