“People before Programs” Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) CEMITURE “People before Programs” Dr. Karelle Aiken & Dr. Ria Ramoutar Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Georgia Southern University March 2017 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

CEMITURE: About Us CEMITURE CollaborativE Multidisciplinary Investigations Through Undergraduate Research Experiences Function Internship program for STEM undergraduates Eligibility Open to all students across the US (8-internship positions) Structure 10 weeks of intensive research and professional development experiences Hosts: Georgia Southern Chemistry & Biochemistry Department in collaboration with the Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM Education (i2STEMe) Funding National Science Foundation-Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program (NSF-REU) under their Chemistry Division (NSF-CHE 1359229) State : Folded into host department’s on-going program for their own students

CEMITURE: Uniquely Positioned NSF-REU Mission Encourage STEM students in their self-identification as scientists & the pursuit of higher degrees Researchers & Innovators CEMITURE’s Niche Serve those who do not have research facilities on their own campus Rural southeast Underrepresented groups in STEM Location, Location Georgia Southern (GS) Surrounding states GS STEM Departments and research Ghana Project Success “Win-win” for all To-Do List Good, productive research experiences Disseminate results Recruit, house & feed the scholars Facilitate social activities to promote bonding Assess outcomes And more!!!!! Success means “win, win” for all. Team, students faculty. Disseminate results through conference presentations and publications Provide for (women, minority races/ethnicities, first-generation);

People before Programs CEMITURE: For Humans, run by Humans Many facets BUT……. People before Programs

Cultural Sensitivity Faculty and interns from various backgrounds Engage students, interact with professionals and peers on a regular basis Expectation: Students can conduct themselves professionally in another country Culture shocks!! Environment: adapting to a new city in a developing country US: Northern states vs Southern states Communication: language, mannerisms, tone of voice, ‘politeness’ Food: taste, preparation, no fast food Internet: slow or poor speed, unavailable at times (US) Resolution Added case study questions in Skype interview script to gauge response Workshop or discussion to further educate students about the culture and environment in different countries and within the US

Research Faculty Lifestyles Expectation: Faculty to be available for the entire 10 weeks of the program Life happens! Medical concerns: when the unexpected happens Research mentor has to be away to take care of medical injuries/conditions (oneself or family member) Scholastic development: learning never ends! Mentor is away conducting research to broaden their research knowledge on a project Vacation: much needed R&R Research mentor has to be away (different state or country) for part of the program Resolution Faculty-student communication changes Skype, phone, email Find colleagues willing to mentor on short notice If informed ahead of time, find a faculty willing to be a CEMITURE mentor

CEMITURE: Execution & Structure Year-round Preparation! Recruitment (Core Team & Mentors) Website and social media (Landge & Webmaster) Arrange housing, meals & access to campus facilities/resources (Greer) Schedule summer’s professional development activities, workshop hosts & social and professional outings (Landge) Organize Ghana program & travel (Afriyie-Gyawu) Shainaz Landge Chemistry & Biochemistry Evans Afriyie-Gyawu Environmental Health Sciences Kania A. Greer i2STEMe Emails, recruitment visits & advertisements targeting community and undergraduate institutions in the southeast (Core Team & Mentors)

CEMITURE: Execution & Structure Develop a Script (Schedule) Meetings = Agenda Workshops & Outings for the summer (dates, time, locations, workshop presenters set by March/April) Emergencies Maintaining contact (emails, cell numbers, set dates for connecting pre-, mid- and post- program) Dedicate two meetings for reflection (Assessment) Manage the Non-Negotiables Housing Meals Stipend Budget Safety-training

CEMITURE: Accomplishments Teamwork: One person can’t make the program Different perspectives adds richness Tap into people’s interests and allow then to run with it (as long as it’s negotiable) Plug into existing resources ex. i2STEMe has contacts all over campus and the southeast Reflect At the very end of the program when ideas/thoughts are still fresh (July/August) Get every participants perspective (team, students, faculty) After each meeting (especially important for the director) Come up with plans of action for the next round (jot them down) Stay Flexible with the negotiables We would like to conclude with our accomplishments People first Sustainable