With roots in Texas and as a member of the Texas Tech University System, MSU Texas enjoys links to a number of graduate and professional schools with opportunities for its graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Nationally, as in Texas, a call has been made for more students to be taught in STEM disciplines to meet the growing workforce needs in these areas. Undergraduate research is a hallmark at leading Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) across the country.
The faculty of the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics and Engineering (MCOSME) have excelled at engaging undergraduate students in research with limited resources to purchase supplies, pay students hourly wages, and travel with students to present their work at regional and national conferences. In an effort to improve support for student-engaged scholarly activities, faculty development, and in recognition of these advantages to our students, the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics and Engineering will establish the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (C-STEM) Scholars program.
The intent of this program is to broaden access to research opportunities, increase undergraduate retention in STEM disciplines, and to expand career goals for our students. C-STEM will be an integral part of the MCOSME Center for STEM Excellence. In developing the C-STEM scholar program concept, the College utilized Elgren's* elements of successful student research practices:
- faculty development,
- student learning, and,
- the development of new knowledge.
C-STEM will support this approach to learning through direct support of faculty development (e.g., release time and resources to support travel and grant writing) and student-centered projects (through wages and supplies) with the understanding that both students and faculty will collaborate to pursue original questions with professional outcomes. This may also include innovative course-based undergraduate research activities that enhance process-oriented education for our students. The activities of C-STEM are designed to be synergistic with existing programs that support research and education and conforms to our goals of supporting scholarly and creative works and educating students utilizing high-quality programs and practices.
*Elgren, T. 2004. Successful collaborative research with undergraduates requires balancing objectives. Council on Undergraduate Research Quarterly. 25.52
- Dr. John Price
- Dr. Timothy Pegg
- Dr. Luel Emishaw
- Dr. Steve Rosscoe
- Dr. Kashif Mahmud