For the first time, UNM is engaging freshmen in research projects traditionally reserved for upperclassmen through the First Year Research Experience program.
The program was formed via a collaboration between the College Enrichment Program, the Associated Students of UNM, the Graduate and Professional Student Association and the Student Fee Review Board.
CEP Specialist and UNM graduate José Villar said the program was established to put new students on the fast track with experience.
"Studies show that if you're connected to your major and you're passionate about it, you tend to perform better in school, you tend to graduate faster and stay in school. We want students to be engaged...and encourage them to go to graduate school and to compete in prestigious scholarships,” Villar said.
He also noted that being exposed to research early on can give students a taste of what their future careers will look like. Thus, students can decide early on whether or not they are truly passionate about pursuing their majors.
Vice President for Student Affairs Eliseo "Cheo" Torres said he is proud of Villar and the program he created.
“(FYRE) can open doors for graduate school and future research,” Torres said.
The program's research projects are flexible and can adhere to any major, minor or overall interest. 30 first year students will be selected as FYRE Scholars and announced by mid-October.
Through the program, those selected will engage with peer mentors, attend monthly seminars on research skills and ethics, work alongside a faculty member throughout the research and planning process, and complete progress reports. They will present their research results at the 2016 Shared Knowledge Conference, an event put on in the spring to celebrate diversity in academia.
Additionally, scholars will receive $175 in the fall semester and another $175 in the spring semester as a scholarship/stipend.
CEP student Cristina Miranda, a freshman dental hygiene major who said she is interested in applying for the program, envisions her potential research projects covering the effects of various types of food and drink on tooth decay.
"I think that a first year research project would help my future career, because I can have some experience with my field of work and make a solid decision about whether I want to continue in dental hygiene or change my major altogether,” she said.
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David Balderas, a freshman currently undecided and also attracted to the program, said he would be interested in brain research if selected. He said he sees the program as offering something that students can’t get in a traditional classroom setting.
"(It’s) a great way to get a hands-on opportunity to see what really goes into research,” Balderas said.
Application requirements include being a first year UNM student, having a high interest in conducting research and earning a minimum 3.0 GPA while completing 15 credit hours during the fall semester. Although the priority deadline has already passed, applications are still being accepted on a rolling basis. Students can apply and learn more at http://cep.unm.edu/Scholar Programs/FYRE.html.
Villar said that, whether through FYRE or other means, he encourages students to be engaged with their education, because it can hold huge dividends in the end.
"Students may not realize the power that they have. They may feel that they're just one student at a large university, but in reality they have the power to create new ideas and create knowledge. There's plenty of opportunities here at UNM, and there's plenty of departments that are here to support them in doing that.”
Elizabeth Sanchez is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Beth_A_Sanchez.
