Reaching Incoming Student Enrichment (RISE) at NCSU – 2013

Program Description

The Reaching Incoming Student Enrichment (RISE) Program at North Carolina State University (NCSU) is a summer program for incoming freshmen who are interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The RISE Program is an exciting opportunity for students to be involved in scientific research and discovery while gaining early access to the college experience. We are pleased to partner with the NCSU Summer START Program for the third year in a row. RISE is funded by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

Participants in the RISE Program will jumpstart their college career by taking six credits worth of summer classes: a one-credit hour orientation course as part of the Summer START Program, and a five-credit hour course, BIO 165 – Introduction to Environmental Research. In BIO 165, students will engage in scientific discovery through a research project in environmental toxicology. This course will allow development of skills necessary for students to begin pursuing careers as scientific investigators, and will culminate in a presentation of their research findings at the end of the program. Students will be exposed to research in action through field trips to industry and government labs located in Research Triangle Park (RTP), and students will learn about undergraduate research opportunities and various scientific careers. After completing this course, students will be able to:

• develop research hypotheses.
• design and evaluate experimental approaches to test hypotheses.
• distinguish primary research literature from other sources of information.
• identify information from scientific literature that is relevant to their hypothesis.
• perform field sampling and simple lab analysis for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
• execute standard toxicological experiments.
• use material safety data sheets to identify potential hazards.
• graph experimental data using Microsoft Excel.
• communicate their findings effectively through oral presentations.

 
During the 6-week program, students will be housed in a dorm on the NCSU campus with other participants of the Summer START Program. Throughout the experience, optional extracurricular activities will be offered, such as trips to local museums and participation in service projects. These activities allow students to learn the campus and surrounding area while creating bonds with their new classmates before the fall semester begins.

• Goals of the RISE Program

  Increase scientific proficiency for incoming freshmen:

  • Participants have the unique opportunity to work on a true research project and produce their own original data.
  • Students will gain an understanding of how scientific discovery takes place, as well as develop skills necessary to be active members of the research community.
  • Students who complete the RISE Program will be well equipped to continue on into other HHMI funded programs at NCSU, such as the Research PackTrack Program.

   
  Provide an early acclimation to college life:

  • Students are able to move onto campus 6 weeks earlier than other freshmen, and have the option of remaining in their summer dorm for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year.
  • Participants will complete six credit hours of course work, giving them a head start on their degree progress.
  • The orientation course will provide an introduction to the resources available to students at NCSU, as well as helpful hints for good study skills and time management.

• When is it?

  The RISE Program will take place during the second summer session of the 2013 academic year. Move in will be June 26th, 2013, and the program will end on August 6th, 2013.

• Program costs

  Funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) will cover tuition and fees, room and board, and a meal plan during the 6 week summer session for all RISE participants. Students who are chosen for RISE should expect to fully dedicate themselves to program participation, and should not pursue other courses or employment during the 6 week period.

• Who is eligible?

  Incoming NCSU freshmen who have declared a major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), College of Science (COS), College of Engineering, or College of Natural Resources (CNR) are eligible to apply. Participants should have an interest in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).

• How do I apply?

  Interested students should submit a completed application form online. One letter of recommendation will need to be submitted on your behalf.

  Recommendation letters can be emailed to Beth Dittman at realscience@ncsu.edu (please indicate student name in email subject), or mailed to:

  Beth Dittman
  HHMI RISE Program
  NC State University
  Box 7617
  Raleigh, NC 27695-7617

  Completed applications are due by March 15, 2013.

• Questions?

  Beth Dittman
  Program Coordinator, Department of Biology
  Email: realscience@ncsu.edu
  Phone: (919) 513-7276