This year’s NDSU 2012 summer undergraduate research program is under way until July 13. The program’s focus is to give under-represented U.S. students the opportunity to gain valuable research experience with a faculty mentor in one of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics areas. The eight-week experience culminates with poster and oral presentations by the attendees. 

Students in the program have the opportunity to work with top-notch faculty mentors on research in their respective fields. Students can learn from a variety of fields, including food systems, plant sciences, mechanical engineering, computer science, biological sciences and pharmaceutical sciences. Students learn research methodology and application, and oral and written communication skills. Making this a well-rounded experience, students also attend presentations on topics like professional development and graduate school by Evie Myers, vice president for equity, diversity and global outreach, and David Wittrock, dean of the Graduate School.

The summer research program was initiated in 2009 and gives students from across the country the opportunity to experience NDSU and to learn from NDSU faculty. A total of 55 students have been admitted to the program since it began. 

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.