Central Michigan University

Friday, October 16, 2009

National grant gives biology students a chance to 'BUMP Into Research'

CMU biology professor Cynthia Damer with students in the biology lab (from left) Tasha Smith, Helen Mao, Jaimie Pineda and Kerry Lepley.

Photo by Peggy Brisbane
CMU University Communications

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Media Contact(s):

Tracy Burton
989-774-1072
tracy.burton@cmich.edu

A $627,150 grant from the National Science Foundation will help biology students at Central Michigan University secure support to help pay for college and conduct advanced research, giving them both practical experience and preparation for graduate school.

The Biology Undergraduate Mentoring Program, known as "BUMP Into Research," offers undergraduates from underrepresented groups an opportunity to engage in long-term research projects. BUMP will partner with high schools in Michigan as well as the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College to recruit students with an interest in biology and research.

"BUMP will have a tremendous impact on students in the program by providing individualized mentoring, a two-year in-depth research experience and preparation for their academic future," said CMU associate biology professor Cynthia Damer, who applied for the grant with Anna Monfils, an assistant professor of biology at CMU.

The grant supports students who will conduct biological research with a CMU faculty member as a mentor. Five students will be recruited into the program each year for the next three years beginning in the summer of 2010.

Each student will receive a $24,000 stipend over the course of two academic years, $2,000 for summer living expenses, and funding to purchase research supplies and to present their research at a professional conference.

"When students are responsible for managing their own research project and are closely mentored by a faculty member, we see a marked positive growth in their self-efficacy and academic maturity," Monfils said.

To learn more about the "BUMP into Research" program, visit CMU's biology department web site at http://www.cst.cmich.edu/units/bio.