2/18/2016REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN1 Undergraduate Research Experience By Anthony B. Ebeigbe, Ph.D Professor of Physiology College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN2 Biomedical Science Research Building

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN3 Senior Fulbright Fellowship Year of Award 1982 Affiliation Cardiovascular Research Group Department of Physiology University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MentorsProfessor David F. Bohr Professor R. Clinton Webb

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN4 Undergraduate Research & Mentoring Summer Research Programme usually organized by a consortium of colleges and universities dedicated to improving the participation of students in graduate programmes.

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN5 Nature of the Programme Students spend 8-10 weeks in the laboratory of an established scientist/mentor. Their research interests and career goals must fit into mentors’ works Students either work in an ongoing research project or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest.

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN6 Students’ Selection Criteria Academic merit Quality of students’ proposals Availability of appropriate faculty mentors

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN7 Funding A wide range of funding agencies; e.g. National Science Foundation, Academic/Professional Societies, Universities

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN8 Support for Students and Hosts Each participant receives: A stipend Additional funds for travel to present his/her research at a scientific meeting Research hosts receive funds for students’ laboratory supplies and minor equipment

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN9 Expected Outputs Develop Capacity/Awareness in: Writing and research skills Strategies for successful graduate school application Graduate school funding opportunities Info on academic career opportunities GRE test preparation skills Cultural and educational activities

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN10 Undergraduate Research Internship at UNIBEN Commenced in 2003 Partnership between UNIBEN and some US Universities: Howard University, Washington DC, Hampton University, Virginia, University of California, Berkeley

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN11 UNIBEN Mentors Professor Toni Ebeigbe – Physiology Professor Abiodun Falodun - Pharmaceutical Chemistry Professor Cyril Usifoh – Pharmaceutical Chemistry Professor John Akerele – Pharmaceutical Microbiology Professor Ray Ozolua, Pharmacology Assoc. Prof. ‘Dayo Ajayi - Physiology

Pre-Departure Workshop, Hampton Univ. 2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN12

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN13 Students at a Pre-Departure Workshop

April 2007 HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION14 Expected Needs in Nigeria Light Dressing - formal or informal Umbrellas OR raincoats as well as rain boots - necessary companions during the (June) period of the visit.

April 2007 HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION15 Things Not To Expect! Constant Electricity – in the lab. Or residence Uninterrupted and broadband Internet Connectivity To see monkeys and elephants on the streets!

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN16 MHIRT student, 2006 In a ‘Jungle’ near NIFOR Tony Muiru – Worked with Profs Usifoh & Falodun

Gains of Students’ Research Visit to UNIBEN 2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN17 Learn to work with minimal facilities, under harsh conditions Learn never to take things for granted Network with Nigerian counterparts Host Institution: Support for minor equipment and chemicals Enhanced International visibility Strengthening of International Collaboration

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN18 Photo Gallery…. T UNIBEN’s Vice- Chancellor, with graduating students

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN19 Photo Gallery…. T Prof. Urasa – making a presentation in Benin

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN20 Research Presentation Buki Kalejaiye – Howard University

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN21 Research Presentation Jaqueena – Hampton University

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN22 T Prof. Urasa with exchange students – Unwinding

April 2007 HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION23 Photo Gallery…. T UNIBEN’s Vice- Chancellor, with graduating students

What Students Like about Nigeria 2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN24 The Warm Reception Humour Nigerian Foods: Peppersoup Suya Pounded yam

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN25 Conclusion This presentation represents one aspect of my Fulbright experience that I have strived to keep alive I hope we can expand this experience at UNIBEN

Next Steps???? 2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN26 Increase partnerships with more US institutions for study-abroad Programmes Seek Funding for International Students’ mobility

Next Steps???? 2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN27 Establish Consortia of Nigerian Universities for an active Under- graduate Research Experience scheme Provide necessary platform (through proper funding) for Nigerian undergraduate students to have comparable experience in the USA

2/18/2016 REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN28 THANK YOU