The 2014 Summer Research Apprentice Program Begins!

SRAP student Holden meets
his mentor, Franco Basile

With the school year coming to a close, many students are preparing for summer jobs, vacations and relaxation. But for 22 students from around the United States, their summer plans include gearing up for the 2014 Summer Research Apprentice Program (SRAP), a 6-week, intensive research program at the University of Wyoming.

On June 8^th, students arrived in Laramie, WY to begin a summer of research, education and fun. Each student was placed in a lab to work with a mentor, to spend the next six weeks conducting research and learning new concepts. Participating departments on campus represent a diverse array of STEM fields including botany, engineering, psychology, hydrology, geology and geophysics. At the end of the program, each student will write an in-depth research paper and present their research to their peers and mentors.

SRAP 2014 Staff and Program Coordinator, Lisa Abeyta (right)

 “SRAP is a great program to introduce high school students into college life,” says Lisa Abeyta, Student Research Programs Coordinator. “This program not only allows students to gain experience in the lab, but also to gain a sense of independence.”

Over 200 students applied for a spot in the 29^th annual SRAP program. Of that, twenty-two exceptional students were chosen to participate.

Outside of the lab, students will create friendships with other participants, take educational field trips, and enjoy all that Laramie and the surrounding area has to offer.

Last year, students hiked the trails at Vedauwoo, visited the Denver Zoo, took part in an etiquette dinner and practiced yoga, along with other fun activities. Many additional activities are planned for students this year, including a night at the Jelm Mountain Observatory outside Laramie.

SRAP 2014 participants

SRAP is Wyoming EPSCoR’s longest running program. It was started in 1985 to provide minority and first-generation, college-bound students with hands-on experience in the STEM fields.

“We are proud of SRAP and the students that have come through the program,” Lisa says. “Students have gone on to pursue their goals and achieve their dreams.”

Stay tuned to our blog this summer for weekly highlights on SRAP participants and their research! You can read all about past participants by searching “SRAP” in our archives.

By Robin Rasmussen
Photos by Robin Rasmussen and Robert Waggener

Wyoming EPSCoR Continues to Expand Research Statewide

Wyoming EPSCoR works to expand research opportunities around Wyoming by building strong working relationships with Wyoming community college faculty and students.

“Wyoming EPSCoR supports community college researchers by increasing research capacity and encouraging innovation by educators and students,” says Liz Nysson, Education, Outreach and Diversity Coordinator for Wyoming EPSCoR.

The three community college programs Wyoming EPSCoR sponsors include the Community College Transition Program, the Community College Research Program, and the Community College STEM Summer Research Projects.

“With support from the National Science Foundation and the new Wyoming Center for Environmental Hydrology and Geophysics, we are able to expand and renew community college support.” says Liz.

The Community College Transition Program (CCTP) is for students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math who are transferring to the University of Wyoming to complete their undergraduate degrees. Awardees receive $1,500 per semester for two years and gain research experience. During the first semester, awardees rotate through several faculty labs and join a laboratory during the following semesters to complete an undergraduate research project with a faculty mentor. The application deadline for CCTP is April 1^st, 2014 for the 2014 fall semester.

Community College Research Program (CCRP) is intended to encourage research initiatives for community college educators by providing multiple years of support. For the next three years, CCRP is in collaboration with the Wyoming Center for Environmental Hydrology and Geophysics (WyCEHG). Community college projects with a strong tie to WyCEHG research and those that would benefit from the use of WyCEHG equipment will be considered. The application deadline for pre-proposals is March 3^rd at 5 p.m.

The Community College STEM Summer Research Projects (CC-STEM) aims to provide support to community college summer research projects with students. Research projects must be within a STEM-related field. CC-STEM recipients receive $7,000 for project and student support. The application deadline for the Community College STEM Summer Research Project is March 21^st at 5 p.m.

If you are interested in applying for any of these programs, please visit our website or contact Rick Matlock (rixdogs@uwyo.edu) or Liz Nysson (lizn@uwyo.edu) for more information. 

By Robin Rasmussen