Novel “Boot Camp” Expansion to ERC’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program Provides Grounding and Community
Outcome/Accomplishment
The NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio), co-led by the University of Minnesota and Massachusetts General Hospital, added a thorough orientation component to its 2023 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, which heightened the sense of camaraderie among participants.
Impact/Benefits
The expansion was developed in response to feedback from prior REU participants and center leadership asking that the program include a richer introduction to the center, its mission, and its main areas of research. REU participants in 2023 developed a strong sense of community and said the boot camp-style orientation made an impact on their overall experience.
Explanation/Background
The boot camp was held at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) in June 2023. Attendees included 15 out of 17 REU students, nine ATP-Bio graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and six ATP-Bio staff members from each participating partner institution. Three REU alumni from 2022 contributed to programming. The schedule included an introduction to ATP-Bio and its areas of research, an introduction to the science of preserving biological material, tours of UCR and labs, and social activities.
All attendees, not just undergraduates, benefitted from the chance to learn about the research facilities and projects at UCR. The boot camp engaged multiple ATP-Bio institutions and is a milestone in building a robust and memorable summer research experience.
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesotawebsite
Start Year
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
The NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio), co-led by the University of Minnesota and Massachusetts General Hospital, added a thorough orientation component to its 2023 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, which heightened the sense of camaraderie among participants.
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesotawebsite
Start Year
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
The expansion was developed in response to feedback from prior REU participants and center leadership asking that the program include a richer introduction to the center, its mission, and its main areas of research. REU participants in 2023 developed a strong sense of community and said the boot camp-style orientation made an impact on their overall experience.
Explanation/Background
The boot camp was held at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) in June 2023. Attendees included 15 out of 17 REU students, nine ATP-Bio graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and six ATP-Bio staff members from each participating partner institution. Three REU alumni from 2022 contributed to programming. The schedule included an introduction to ATP-Bio and its areas of research, an introduction to the science of preserving biological material, tours of UCR and labs, and social activities.
All attendees, not just undergraduates, benefitted from the chance to learn about the research facilities and projects at UCR. The boot camp engaged multiple ATP-Bio institutions and is a milestone in building a robust and memorable summer research experience.