REU: Biomedical Engineering in Simulations, Imaging and Modeling (BME-SIM)

Quality undergraduate research opportunities (URO) increase understanding of how to conduct a research project, confidence in skills, and awareness of graduate school (Russell, 2007). In addition such programs can clarify, refine and reinforce STEM career path goals (Lopatto 2007). Based on data from the National Student Clearinghouse, White and Asian-American STEM degree aspirants entering college in 2004 had a four year completion rate of 24.5% and 32.4% respectively. Latino, Black and Native American STEM aspirants had completion rates of 15.9%, 13.2%, and 14% respectively during the same time period (HERI 2010). Research show UROs have the same affect or greater on under-represented minorities (URM) (Lopatto, 2007). Thus, engaging URM in URO may increase the retention rate and matriculation into STEM graduate programs. The goal of this Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is to provide a quality research experience to students in eastern North Carolina increasing awareness of graduate school. At the end of the program students should have a better understanding of how to conduct research, increased awareness of graduate school, clarification and reinforcement on STEM career path, and greater identification as engineer/scientist.

Scholars @ ECU