Enabling Tomorrow's Research Scientists

Tougaloo College, Tougaloo MS

Investigators

Abstract

Tougaloo College seeks to increase the number of majors in science, math, and computer science who ar successful in their courses, who complete undergraduate studies with honors, and who attend graduate school in the sciences and technology. The college has an excellent track record for placing students in medical and health professional schools, and has also recently been cited as among the top five undergraduate sources of African-American doctorates. The program has three strategies. The first is to improve student success in introductory courses in biology, chemistry and mathematics. To our tutorial drop-in center we are adding three people (two supported by this grant) to provide weekly supplemental instruction sessions for the first two years of of instruction in these disciplines. In addition test practice sessions will be held to familiarize students with standardized test questions from examinations such as the Graduate Record Examination and the Medical College Admissions Test. We will also build the enrollment in our physics, pre-engineering, and computer science programs. We will sponsor a six-week summer program to introduce students to both fields, along with reading and English skills. We will offer a number of scholarships to talented students in computer science or physics who maintain a 3.3 science GPA. Finally we plan to stimulate interest in science and in graduate school by supporting research as an integral part of of the life of both faculty and student scientists. Contrary to its past tradition, the college will provide time for older faculty and new faculty to set up a viable on-campus research program, through either released time or sabbatical leaves. This program will continue to be supported by the College after the grant, as faculty acquire outside funding. These initiatives will provide a rich, stimulating environment for students which will provide a unique window on the reasons why people become scientists. 1