Biology Strengthened by a Spectrum of World Views: Undergraduate Mentoring at

1. Biology Strengthened by a Spectrum of World Views: Undergraduate Mentoring at Northern Arizona University Funded by the National Science Foundation 2010-2014 Program Directors: N.C. Johnson, K. Haubensak Program Coordinator: A. Antoninka Dr. Anita Antoninka Dr. Nancy Collins Johnson Dr. Karen Haubensak Northern Arizona University provides the ideal environment for a vibrant URM program. Our theme, “biology strengthened by a spectrum of world views,”stems from the diverse backgrounds of our past UMEB and present URM scholars. Scholars contribute different ways of knowing and understanding the world, promoting different approaches to science. Working with faculty at Northern Arizona University, scholars learn how to approach biological problems, using cutting-edge skills and technology, combined with their unique world perspectives. Mixing outstanding research faculty and scholars with unique perspectives has proven to strengthen scientific insight and discovery. The four main objectives of our program are to: Recruit talented students from diverse backgrounds. Provide research training with faculty mentors. Retain students by helping them accomplish their research objectives and excel in academics. Promote students for graduate programs and careers in the life sciences. Our URM faculty mentors are internationally renowned scientists who are devoted teachers. Our program is supported by more than 25 faculty mentors affiliated with eight different units throughout the University, including: Biology Chemistry Engineering Environmental Sciences Forestry Psychology Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Merriam Powell Center for Environmental Research Dr. Tina Ayers (right) Biological Science, mentoring a scholar Dr. Thom Alcoze (right), Forestry, at a scholar’s poster presentation. Dr. Maribeth Watwood, Biological Sciences “It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning...” - Albert Einstein Our scholars thrive in the collegial research and academic environment at NAU. URM scholars work closely with their faculty mentors throughout the year. They also participate in our weekly research course (ENV 499: Foundations of Research). At the end of the year, all students present their research findings at the Northern Arizona University Undergraduate Research Symposium. Scholars are supported to present their research findings at national scientific meetings and many have coauthored peer reviewed articles. Our graduates have a strong record of success in undergraduate and graduate studies. More than fifty students have been mentored in our UMEB/URM programs since 2000, with eight scholars funded for more than one year. Of those who are finished with their undergraduate degrees during the 2006-present funding cycles, more than 50% have entered or completed a graduate program! An additional 20% have careers in the life sciences. 89% all of our scholars come from underrepresented backgrounds: 42% Native Americans 14% Hispanic Americans 18% African Americans 7% Pacific Islander 5% Students with Disabilities. 3% Returning Students URM scholars at Northern Arizona University complete independent research, receive awards, present their research at scientific meetings, and graduate near the top of their class. Recruitment Faculty, alumni, and NAU Student Services help URM staff recruit talented undergraduate students to our program. Research Training and Retention Program staff, mentors, peers train and advise and mentor URM scholars to ensure their success in academics and in the laboratory. Promotion URM activities within NAU and the broader scientific community provide career advice and promote our scholars for graduate programs in biology and medical science. Mentoring is a two-way street. Our URM scholars introduce their faculty mentors to different ways of knowing, and the synergy of these relationships bring us all to a higher level of understanding. We believe that life sciences will advance faster and further if we continue this mutual learning process. Strengthening biology through a spectrum of world views brings a greater diversity of viewpoints toward solving some of the most important problems facing humankind. URM alumni leave our program with the confidence and skills they need to succeed in graduate school and careers in the life sciences. URM scholars hard at work on their diverse research projects. Learn more about our URM program and scholars at:(http://www.cefns.nau.edu/Academic/CSE/umeb/).