New office makes research opportunities obtainable for undergraduate students
Florida A&M University (FAMU) has established the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) to increase the number of students participating in and completing undergraduate research and internship opportunities.
“It is essential for our students to have access and ability to participate in meaningful research projects. OUR will allow students to apply their classroom knowledge through tangible experiences not readily available in other settings,” said Maurice Edington, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs.
Led by Interim Director Byron Greene, OUR will collaborate with FAMU’s colleges and schools to encourage and motivate undergraduate students to fully leverage these unique extensions of their academic careers.
“Our objective is focused on creating thought leaders at FAMU today, to solve the challenges facing quality life issues of the future,” said Greene.
Undergraduate students are not always aware of or able to access the exceptional exploratory opportunities FAMU provides. OUR will enable students to easily access information about these offerings and apply for investigative projects and programs in which they have a keen interest. In turn, students will enhance their academic experience and better position themselves to enter the workforce with applied knowledge and skills essential to their success.
One of the signature activities of FAMU’s OUR is the World Class Scholars Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (WCS Summer REU), which launched this summer. The inaugural Summer REU supported 37 students from 17 majors to work with a FAMU faculty research mentor for eight weeks during the summer semester.
“This program allowed our students to become critical thinkers in their disciplines, enhance academic performance, and better connect the classroom experience with real-world, problem-solving opportunities,” said Greene.
World Class scholars also attended weekly summer seminars conducted by faculty to boost students’ awareness of different approaches to research inquiry and critical-thinking capacities.
OUR is currently being housed in the School of Business and Industry, Room 418. Students may call (850) 561-2679 for more information.
FAMU is a land-grant institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, resolution of complex issues and the empowerment of citizens and communities. FAMU’s distinction as a doctoral/research institution will continue to provide mechanisms to address emerging issues through local and global partnerships. Expanding upon the university’s land-grand status, it will enhance the lives of constituents through innovative research, engaging cooperative extension and public service.
