1. UT Austin’s Freshman Research Initiative https://cns.utexas.edu/fri basic unit: FRI Research Stream PI | Postdoc/Research Educator | GRA/TA | Student/URA 6-12 sem. hour guided inquiries Basic → Advanced Techniques Known → Unknown 6-12 sem. hour guided inquiries Basic → Advanced Techniques Known → Unknown 30-40 undergraduate researchers per faculty-led group A new model for teaching: Faculty engage freshmen in advancing their own field of research System allows time and guidance so that students can fail and re-do a procedure Students transition from structure to unstructured research experiences

2. Freshman FRI Student Timeline Sophomore Fall Spring Summer Spring Research Methods Course Stream Selection Intro to lab techniques Begin Research Fellowship Summer School Head start on Fall Research Indepen- dent Research Publish or Present Peer Mentor Join faculty labs, REUs, internships Research Stream In 2005 pilot: 45 students in 3 research streams (Bio & Chem) In 2014: 850 students in 25 research streams (Bio, Chem, Astronomy, Math, Physics, Computer Science, Nutrition)

3. Results: Higher grades in math and science Higher percentage going to graduate and professional school: FRI 81% and comparison group 51% Greater academic success in target groups: Hispanic (25% of FRI) and first-generation-college students (25% of FRI)

4. 4 The Research Educator (RE) is key to success of FRI. PhD with expertise in the FRI stream research area. RE is the link between students and PI, structures and supervises lab activities, assesses student lab skills, manages labs and equipment, trains undergraduate assistants and mentors. RE is a model for effective teaching of research: -Pushes and inspires students; sets high standards -Creates a structure and community atmosphere -Students appreciate RE is invested in their success and in the context of the group project