Students develop research skills through SFA College of Sciences and Mathematics’ undergraduate research program

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Gathered around tables in a classroom of the Math Building, students and faculty from departments across the College of Sciences and Mathematics discussed the research – ranging from characterizing anticancer agents to investigating geologic structures – they have spent weeks conducting as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.

The results of this research will be showcased in a poster session open to the public at 2 p.m. Friday in the Math Building, Room 123.

According to Dr. Michael Janusa, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the program helps students succeed after graduation.

“The program … will develop the critical skills needed for our students to be successful after graduation,” Janusa said.

An interdepartmental initiative, the program includes students from biology, chemistry, biochemistry, geology, physics, engineering and mathematics and funds 14 research projects for five weeks. After being paired with a faculty member, students spend 10 to 12 hours per week on research and attend weekly meetings with other participants to interact and participate in discussions.

Part of the program’s success can be attributed to its emphasis on cross-departmental learning, said SFA chemistry student Samuel Conlin.

“You get a lot of interaction with other professors in other fields,” said Conlin, a junior from Lufkin. “They have a lot of different ideas, and you get another angle on your research.”

For more information about the program, contact Janusa at janusama@sfasu.edu.