ARKANSAS: Summer Research Institute overcomes pandemic challenges by going virtual
Arkansas NSF EPSCoR funds collaborative research and education at colleges all over the State. Due to the nature of our work, the pandemic has presented a number of challenges for our program, but also some unique opportunities. Participants were unable to carry out normal research activities on campus, classes were cancelled or moved to virtual instruction, conferences were postponed, and administrative offices transitioned to telework. The lessons we have learned and new tools we have used are helping to inform a blended, safe, and rich educational experience for college students in this difficult time.
Last summer, we introduced our biggest Arkansas Summer Research Institute (ASRI), a professional development experience for STEM undergrads, ever- all online. We extended the event from one week to two weeks, and developed a schedule that was part synchronous and part asynchronous. Each day the students would log in for the day’s Zoom sessions, taught as interactively as possible, by a group of faculty researchers from around the state. We held Zoom office hours during the 2-hour lunch break to provide opportunities for 1-on-1 interaction in breakout rooms with students. We tried to make the most of the time we had everyone together, and used tools like Zoom polls, Pear Deck, and Labster to keep the students engaged. After the Zoom sessions, the students would work solo on assignments that were due the next day
We are now planning our second-ever virtual ASRI for the summer of 2021, and are working with new technology partners to provide an even better experience for this year’s attendees. We are grateful to have our health, and to be looking at the horizon of the end of this horrible pandemic that has affected so many families.
“I wasn't sure if I what I wanted to do in the biomedical engineering field nor any of the things I would need to do in order to pursue my degree but this really helped me visualize a plan for my future. I am so thankful that I was able to participate. I can properly express my gratitude towards everyone involved for how inspired I feel. I like to live by a saying, "aspire to inspire", and I felt that every time I listened to a speaker or engaged with the program. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“This program gave me the confidence to continue pursuing a scientific career. Before, I saw science as very daunting and intimidating, but now I am excited again and can’t wait to start my career. So thank you!”
“I never knew that LinkedIn could be such an important step in my career and I will definitely be using that and I think this has given me more courage to apply to a MD/PhD.”