Messages from the Deans

College Excels in Minority Ph.D. Graduates, continued

Melvyn C. Branch Associate Dean for Research and Administration

During the presentation ceremony I was asked what one program was most responsible for this success. I have become convinced that the many opportunities for undergraduate students to have a research apprenticeship in a faculty research laboratory is the primary motivator for majority as well as minority students.

There are many mechanisms for our students to participate as a member of a research group. The University Research Opportunities program provides incremental funding and encouragement for student research. The Summer Multicultural Access to Research Training program invites students to participate in a paid, 10-week summer research experience. All of our departments allow students to receive academic credit for intensive, directed research participation through independent study. Many federal grants now have supplements specifically intended to support undergraduate participation in funded projects.

The benefits of undergraduate involvement in these projects are many. In addition to encouraging students to continue in graduate education and research, the involvement of undergraduates provides exposure to the climate of research to those who choose not to continue, or who change fields for graduate study. It also provides our current graduate students an opportunity to mentor younger students, a valuable addition to the training our graduate students receive. Since much of our research is in collaboration with industry, it can be an important entrée into a permanent position after graduation.

One truly remarkable aspect of the Quality Education for Minorities Network programs is the unhesitating emphasis that is placed on stimulating students to continue to the Ph.D. level in their discipline. The Network includes many of the historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic serving institutions around the country. These institutions aggressively encourage their students to have the highest goals for graduate education and research. As a result, the number of minority students completing the Ph.D. in math, science, and engineering is increasing at a rate significantly greater than that of majority students nationwide. We must benefit from their experience and provide even greater encouragement and access to research for the majority of our students in order to meet the needs of the workforce of the future.