LSAMP URE PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

The Metro Denver STEM Alliance (MDSA) Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) Participant is a STEM student and LSAMP Scholar interested in furthering academic research and contributing to the knowledge bank in their chosen discipline area. Through research-based workshops, bi-weekly mentor check-ins, and guided research initiatives, LSAMP URE Participants will build transferable skills in core research areas to benefit both long-term academic goals and career growth. LSAMP URE Participants in the LSAMP URE Program will focus on successful completion of a chosen research topic and final presentation to a group of peers and STEM professionals. MDSA’s goal is to serve our diverse community and increase both degree and career attainment rates for our STEM students. As a LSAMP URE Participant, you will be supported in achieving this goal.

 

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Be a STEM degree seeking student, and actively enrolled as a LSAMP Scholar
• 2.50 cumulative GPA and 2.50 STEM GPA, with some exceptions
• Successful completion of 20 college credit hours or more and 12 credits of STEM related courses, with some exceptions
• Successful completion of one STEM course in chosen degree, with some exceptions
• Be an academic role model with an interest in contributing to your STEM discipline through research
• Have a curiosity for learning, and a commitment to develop problem-solving abilities and communications skills
• Be dedicated to upholding principles of equity and inclusion and honor diversity in all forms
• Have a positive work ethic and attitude, be punctual, and be dependable
• Commit to represent MDSA, LSAMP and the college in a positive manner
• Commit to two consecutive full semesters of URE and all program requirements
   

BENEFITS

• Foster significant research skills transferable to your degree and career path
• Develop important leadership experience while developing professional relationships with faculty, staff, students, and industry partners
• Poster presentation opportunities with like-minded colleagues in professional forums
• Network with other STEM students and professionals in Colorado
   

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend all required workshops and check-ins throughout semester, to include summer orientation
  Meet all required deadlines for submissions and check-ins
• Maintain open lines of communication with LSAMP URE Mentor and LSAMP Navigator
• Meet with LSAMP URE Mentor bi-weekly
• Commit to poster presentation at end of semester
• Serve as a role model to incoming LSAMP URE Participants in semester two by completing assigned responsibilities and exhibiting pride and spirit for the LSAMP URE program
• Have fun and share your experience with other students
   

EXPECTATIONS

• Be on time —Arrive at least 5 minutes prior to workshops, and to your LSAMP URE Mentor, LSAMP Navigator, and group check-ins. This will allow you time to put your items away and get ready for the meeting.
• Be yourself —Share your experiences. It is important to be honest about your successes and challenges so your LSAMP URE Mentor and LSAMP Navigator can help.  
• Meet all deadlines – You are completing a full undergraduate research experience in one semester, so be realistic with your goals, and ensure that you are meeting ALL required deadlines for section submissions.
• Stay in contact - Check your student email at least once daily and respond within 24 hours to all LSAMP URE emails.
• Be prepared —You are expected to meet all of your expected deadlines, and understand how you are going to communicate with your LSAMP URE Mentor when you need help. Come to meetings prepared with notes, calendar/planner, paper, pen, and questions, and know your goals for meetings.
• Active listening and active feedback – During check-ins, workshops, or presentations, it is important that you are asking open-ended questions and actively listening to the discussion. Equally, it is important that your feedback and engagement with your peers and colleagues is active in that you are providing more than one-word responses to their questions. 
• Use your resources - Use the writing lab as needed to check spelling and grammar in all written sections. Submit sections of your writing to your LSAMP Navigator for review. 
• It’s okay to say “I don’t know” —This is a new research experience, and if you need help, ask. There are many resources available to you, and we are here to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your LSAMP URE Mentor, LSAMP Navigator or your fellow LSAMP URE Participants. We are a team; we are here to support each other.
• Have fun! —Enjoy exploring research in your STEM discipline!