The Northern Ohio AGEP Alliance (NOA-AGEP) will work with several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide undergraduate and graduate research opportunities.
Central State University
NOA-AGEP will recruit Central State University undergraduate students to participate in summer research programs at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). The program lasts 10 weeks each summer. NOA-AGEP feels that each undergraduate student would benefit from a program which encompassed two continuous summers. Therefore, during year one, we will recruit two undergraduate students who have completed their sophomore year of studies at Central State University. Upon completion of a first summer of research, all participants will be evaluated. Those students who receive a positive evaluation will be invited to return for a second summer of research. Additionally during the second year of the program, two new students who have completed their sophomore year would be recruited for the second summer of the research program.
An important aspect of the summer experience involves integration of the students into the NOA-AGEP research communities. Students are expected to be engaged in conversations with current AGEP Scholars, who will serve as mentors to the Central State University students. Whenever possible, summer research students are placed in research laboratories where a current AGEP Scholar is pursuing their graduate degree. The Central State University students will also be encouraged to interact with a cohort of undergraduate students who are in the CWRU Academic Careers in Engineering & Science (ACES) summer research program.
Summer Activities + Opportunities
Individual Development Plan
An Individual Development Plan will be created for the student for their culminating years at Central State University, including:
- A timeline for the application to graduate schools;
- An evaluation of preparatory courses for graduate school; and
- Identification of coursework that could enhance the student’s preparation for enrollment in a graduate program.
GRE Pre-test Assessment
Students will be assessed to determine whether they could benefit from a preparatory workshop for the GRE exam. Students are administered a pre-test to assess strengths and weaknesses. The pre-test identifies whether tutoring could enhance preparation for the actual exam.
Research Opportunity Seminars
NOA-AGEP faculty members offer weekly seminars to familiarize the students with research opportunities on all of the NOA-AGEP campuses. Additional workshops/seminars will focus on professional development skills.
Campus Activities
Summer students are integrated into ongoing campus extracurricular activities such as social events organized by organizations such as the Minority Graduate Student Organization at CWRU.
Poster/Verbal Presentation
Students are required to develop and present a poster or verbal presentation of their summer research at the culmination of the summer experience.
Summer Course Enrollment
Enrollment in summer academic courses such as calculus, organic chemistry, biochemistry and scientific writing if this would enhance a student’s preparation for graduate school.
Post-Summer Activities + Opportunities
Monthly Check-ins
Monthly communication with the NOA-AGEP program director and Co-PI’s to offer mentoring and to track student progress.
National Conferences
Students who have successfully completed two summers of research are encouraged to attend a national undergraduate research conference (e.g. Argonne Research Symposium, National Conference on Undergraduate Research or American Chemical Society Annual Meeting). A single conference will be selected for all students to attend and the students will be accompanied by a Central State University faculty mentor.
Research Support Allowance
Students who have successfully completed a summer research project at a NOA-AGEP university are eligible for an annual research support allowance to support a continuation of their research at Central State University during the academic year.
Tuskegee University
NOA-AGEP and Tuskegee University have established a graduate student exchange to enhance student success through multiple research and mentoring experiences. Key factors monitored for students in the exchange program include:
- Time to degree;
- Quality of research publications;
- Student satisfaction surveys;
- Number of students seeking postdoctoral opportunities after completion of degree;
- Desire to seek academic positions;Evaluation of students by multiple mentors; and
- Evaluation of faculty mentors regarding impact on their research programs.
Shared research interests between faculty on NOA-AGEP and Tuskegee campuses have been identified. These faculties exchange information on research interests and resources.