Overview
Are you interested in the interconnected nature of the world? Have you ever thought about how we know how things work? Do you like to take things apart just to understand how the pieces fit together? Do you enjoy solving problems and asking questions? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you are ready to be part of the SECURE.
Who can participate? ANYONE. Regardless of background, GPA, or class standing, if you are interested in conducting research as an undergraduate, you can be part of the SECURE.
What will I do as part of the SECURE? Students participating in the SECURE program work as a team to investigate interdisciplinary questions at the intersection of biology, chemistry and engineering. We are exploring our changing world through the lens of science and engineering.
Course Requirements: SECURE lab members are be expected to conduct research 3 hours per week and attend weekly lab meetings. These lab meetings provide a forum for research progress reports, troubleshooting sessions, and literature discussions. During time in the laboratory, students will learn real-world experimental and design techniques and use those techniques to investigate and solve novel problems.
What advantage would I have by being part of the SECURE? Students will gain hands-on experience in the business of science and engineering that makes impressive additions to resumes and professional school applications:
- Working as part of an interdisciplinary team conducting hypothesis driven research.
- Presenting scientific findings.
- Marketable scientific techniques used in laboratories around the world. SECURE students have received funding from the Schreyer Honors College, the Multi-Campus Research Experience for Undergraduates summer program, and the Student Engagement Network to support and recognize their research.
Who would I be working with and what would I be working on?
Alandra Kahl, Ph.D
Associate Teaching Professor of Environmental Engineering
Project example – Design and build affordable, self-contained water sensors for tracking water quality around the world.
Megan Nagel, Ph.D.
Interim Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Project example – Extract, purify and test components of food and beverages that claim to be high in antioxidants
Kristal Tucker, Ph.D.
Associate Teaching Professor of Biology
Project example – Develop an assay to measure the ability of potential antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress in living cells
Andrea Stevens, Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor of Microbiology and Science Lab Coordinator
