Introducing undergraduates to research: Long-term impacts of the D.O.E. Student Research Participation program
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States). Div. of Educational Programs
- Oak Ridge Inst. for Science and Education, TN (United States)
Research on career development clearly indicates that active participation in research projects at the under-graduate level is one of the most important factors contributing to recruitment and retention of students in scientific careers. Furthermore, the establishment of research mentoring relationships with experienced scientists serves to develop graduate students` aspirations for research careers. In recognition of the important role that hands-on research experience plays in the career development of undergraduate science students, the US Department of Energy (DOE) Student Research Participation (SRP) program was instituted in 1979 to encourage undergraduate students to seek advanced degrees in scientific areas of interest to DOE. The SRP program provides undergraduate students with hand-on training in energy-related research areas, often using equipment not available on college and university campuses. Students participate in the research under the guidance of a senior staff member at a DOE facility. Long-term SRP program effects were investigated through a follow-up of former participants administered in the summer of 1993. Offices at various DOE facilities administering the 1985 SRP program provided permanent addresses for 579 individuals. The survey was mailed to this group of students in June 1993. This paper discusses the results from this survey and the conclusions from evaluating the SRP program.
- OSTI ID:
- 147907
- Journal Information:
- Council on Undergraduate Research Quarterly, Journal Name: Council on Undergraduate Research Quarterly; ISSN XZ458I; ISSN 1072-5830
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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