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Components of the Summer Research Opportunity Program
Research Project
The primary component is designed to immerse sophomores and juniors
in intensive, in-depth research experiences where they work one-on-one
with faculty mentors during an eight to ten week summer session.
Each student works through every phase of the research process
from proposal writing and conducting research to the formal presentation
of the results at a campus symposium attended by mentors, family
and other students. Participants also present the results of their
research project in a final paper, which is submitted to their
faculty mentor at the end of the program.
Educational Experiences
The second component is a set of weekly campus-based
educational enrichment activities designed to broaden the students’
view of graduate education and research, to strengthen their technical
skills so that they will be better prepared for graduate study,
and to create esprit de corps among SROP participants. Seminars
conducted by faculty members and graduate students expose participants
to a wide range of fields of study and research. Workshops inform
students about graduate admission procedures, financial aid opportunities,
and university resources and develop their test taking, public
speaking, and writing skills. Additionally, SROP participants
attend informal social gatherings that provide a relaxed setting
for students and faculty to exchange ideas and share experiences.
Research Conference
The third component, the annual SROP Conference,
brings all of the participants from all CIC universities together
at the end of July. The SROP Conference program includes Concurrent
Sessions, Special Interest Groups, Workshops and Roundtable Sessions
on areas of study such as Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology,
Kinesiology, Health Sciences, and Genetics. Examples of student
presentations in the sciences include:
- Proximal-Distal Effect on Xenopus Laevis Hind
Limb Regeneration
- Multiple Mechanisms in Endothelin-Induced Vasoconstriction
of Guinea Pig Mesenteric Veins
- An Examination and Study of the Risk Factors
for Cerebrovascular Accidents in Afro-Americans
- Remodeling of Connexins in Canine Experimental
Infraction
- Effects of Retinoids on the Growth of Human
Prostate Cancer Cells
- The interactions of Two Defective Alleles of
the Ovarian Tumor Gene in Drosophila melanogaster
- Low Frequency Response of Diode Laser Amplification
- Ozone Regulating Apparatus
- Modeled Wetland Response to Hydrologic Events
- Properties of Kenaf Geotextiles
- Emission Spectroscopy
- Retroviral Vector Modification
Students have the opportunity to present their
research projects with peers who are conducting research in the
same area of study, attend research presentations given by peers,
meet CIC graduate students, and participate in discussions on
the rewards and sacrifices of careers in academe. The Conference
also provides an opportunity for them to meet with campus representatives
from the 15 CIC universities to discuss specific academic programs.
All in all, the SROP Conference permits students to meet others
interested in academic careers and reinforce one another’s
commitment to pursue graduate study.
The 2002 SROP Conference will be held on the Pennsylvania
State University campus. The keynote address will be delivered
by Dr. Guion S. Bluford, Jr., former NASA mission specialist and
payload commander astronaut on four Space Shuttle missions and
a graduate of Pennsylvania State University. In addition
to the research component of the Conference program, participants
will also participate in Special Interest Groups and Workshops
on topics such as Financing Graduate Studies and The Real "411"
on Getting into Graduate School. The CIC Recruitment
Fair is an integral part of the Conference. Participation in the
Recruitment Fair provides an opportunity for students to meet
representatives from the 15 CIC universities and engage in one-on-one
discussions about graduate programs and the admission process.
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