HHMI grant opens doors for undergrads

At most universities, graduate students are much more likely than undergraduates to spend time on research projects. But thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, more than 40 NMSU undergraduates have a chance to conduct biomedical research through the new Undergraduate Research Scholars program.

“This is a program designed not only to give students hands-on experience in real research laboratories, it is designed to help students truly become scientists,” said Daniel J. Howard, head of NMSU’s Department of Biology and director of the HHMI program. “It is designed to help students develop the critical thinking skills of a scientist and to begin to master the scientific literature associated with a field of study.”

Of 209 major research institutions invited to compete every four years for grants, only 50 are chosen. As part of the application process, NMSU faculty members developed programs and reforms including a traveling molecular biology laboratory that will visit rural high schools and give students experience with the latest techniques; a new Master of Arts program for science teachers developed in collaboration with the College of Education; a revamping of introductory courses in the Department of Biology; new courses designed to help students better understand the process of science; and the Research Scholars program.

A new laboratory techniques course is being taught by assistant professors Donovan Bailey and Angus Dawe, which Howard said will provide scholars with a world-class experience.

http://biology-web.nmsu.edu/hhmi-program/