The FUTURE (Fellowships in the Ursinus Transition to the Undergraduate Research Experience) program at Ursinus College seeks to provide early research opportunities to members of underserved populations in science to encourage and equip them to become the scientific and civic leaders of the future. The program specifically targets underrepresented minorities (URMs), women, first-generation college students, and disabled students prior to, or immediately following, their first year at Ursinus. Students in the program participate in a four-week summer research experience closely mentored by a faculty member and an upper class FUTURE mentor. In addition, the students participate in a team-taught course titled “Science and Mathematics in Society”, are expected to present their research findings at a regional or national conference, and are strongly encouraged to continue research in subsequent years. The FUTURE program was established in 2012 through HHMI funding as a part of the Center for Science and the Common Good (CSCG) at Ursinus College, which provides a framework for all Ursinus students to think, speak, and write about the impact of science on the common good. In addition to continuing their science education, the FUTURE students are encouraged to become FUTURE mentors and to participate fully in the CSCG. Since its inception in 2012, 16 FUTURE students, 16 FUTURE mentors, and 13 faculty have participated in the program from a wide range of disciplines (Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Health & Exercise Physiology, Math, Neuroscience, and Psychology). Nearly all of the FUTURE students (15/16) have continued to participate in undergraduate research. In addition, results of the HHMI SURE III Follow-Up survey indicate that the FUTURE program yields above average gains in almost every category assessed. Thus, the FUTURE program is proving to be effective at ensuring that underserved students at Ursinus have the tools and opportunities to become the scientific and civic leaders of tomorrow.

FUTURE program: Ensuring that underserved populations become the scientific and civic leaders of tomorrow

249th National Meeting (2015)

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