{"id":12250,"date":"2015-11-25T08:34:20","date_gmt":"2015-11-25T13:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/college.unc.edu\/?p=12250"},"modified":"2024-07-02T16:08:52","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T16:08:52","slug":"science-scholars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/collegearchive.unc.edu\/?p=12250","title":{"rendered":"Chancellor\u2019s Science Scholars program helps undergrads forge a pathway to careers in research"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"encourage<\/a>
Chancellor’s Science Scholars begin their Carolina education with an accelerated, intensive six-week summer program. Students receive high-level advising support throughout their four years, both as a group and individually.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Like her peers in the Chancellor\u2019s Science Scholars program,<\/a> sophomore Diana Lopez hopes to pursue a career in scientific research.<\/p>\n

The program, which began in 2013 and moved into the College of Arts and Sciences in August, provides financial and academic support to encourage talented students who are dedicated to advancing diversity in the sciences to pursue Ph.D. or M.D.\/Ph.D. degrees in science or mathematics.<\/p>\n

The program is modeled after the nationally recognized Meyerhoff Scholars Program at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/a>
Mike Crimmins, Mary Ann Smith Professor of Chemistry, is executive director of the program.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cWe have to find a way to get more students of diverse backgrounds into doctorate programs,\u201d said Mike Crimmins, executive director of the program and the Mary Ann Smith Professor of Chemistry. \u201cThis intensive academic start to their undergraduate studies, along with continuous support, will allow them to succeed in math and science at their full potential both now and in graduate school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lopez, who hopes to earn an M.D.\/Ph.D. in neuroscience, spent last summer at a University of Miami lab studying pH changes in the brain and the subsequent effects on behavior. She\u2019s currently working in the concussion lab of UNC neuroscientist Kevin Guskiewicz, dean-designate of the College.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing involved in research as an undergrad has opened so many doors for me,\u201d Lopez said. \u201cIt has opened my eyes to the countless topics to investigate, especially having to do with the human brain, which is infinitely complex and, to me, the most fascinating organ in the human body. In addition, I have met a lot of like-minded people from all over the world who are also involved in the field that have taught me so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"At<\/a>
At a recent meeting with student scholars, program coordinator Melinda Frank encouraged them to prepare a CV and investigate research opportunities on campus.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ninety scholars in the program make up three cohort classes (students who entered the university in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively). They are encouraged to bond with students in their cohort as they begin their Carolina education with an accelerated, intensive six-week summer program. Students receive high-level advising support throughout their four years, both as a group and individually.<\/p>\n

Gaining undergraduate research experience is a core value of the program. On a recent Friday afternoon, program coordinator Melinda Frank led a meeting with cohort II students in the Genome Science Building. She urged them to prepare a CV and to find a research opportunity soon, so they can include that experience on their graduate school applications.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour research experience doesn\u2019t necessarily have to be in your field \u2014 if it looks really interesting, go for it,\u201d Frank said.<\/p>\n

Fellow students piped up with helpful advice:<\/p>\n