Page 6 - Bowie State University: Education Innovation Initiative Handbook

Each year, faculty mentors guide a cohort of 25 undergraduate students as they conduct interdisciplinary
research to prepare for doctoral study, the initiative, funded by the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate
Achievement Program, aims to increase the number of low-income, first-generation college students
pursuing doctoral degrees.
Student participants receive a scholarship award —$1,700 during spring semester and $2,800 during the
summer semester – and stipends for other scholarly activities, such as conference participation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the research conducted through an actual class?

Answer: The research is conducted in and out of the classroom with Faculty in STEM related
fields. Please see the Research and Scholarly activities list in Figure 5 below.

Figure 5: Research and Scholarly Activities
Objective 1: 90% of BDEinSTEM scholars served during the project year will have completed
appropriate research and scholarly activities during the BDEinSTEM program academic year.
Why percentage is ambitious How percentage is attainable

 Less than 10% of Bowie State students are engaged in  All Honors students are
undergraduate research engaged in intensive
undergraduate research
 Initially limited participant self-expectancy to pursue graduate
study  The 8 weeks Summer
Undergraduate Research
 Higher level of additional commitment required of participants
Institute (SURI), is open to
 Comprehensive range of intensive support services required to all students and supported
assure participant access to resources and opportunities for with state funds.
scholarly activities
 All BIO 102 introduction to
 Necessity for students to set aside adequate time and attention biology integrates in class
for regular undergraduate activities and course requirements undergraduate research (part
of FITW RAM).
 High graduate school costs and high undergraduate debt
dissuades students from commencing graduate study  Capstone research course
immediately following their graduation. offered in STEM degree
programs
 Median time to start of graduate school for all doctorate
recipients in all fields was at least one year, meaning 40%  Inclusive, University-wide
waited one year or longer before starting graduate school informative recruitment
process

 Undergraduate Research – UCLA found that participation by  Extensive resource network
high need students in undergraduate research increases the including BSU faculty and
likelihood that such students will persist in their majors and library research mentors
graduate from college. This strategy is especially effective for  Effective technology use for
students who are aspiring STEM majors [53-60].
information management
 Treisman-Style Collaborative Learning Groups – In the mid- and communication