The experience of being an undergraduate student research assistant is the pinnacle academic experience for any science student and a proven best practice. The CSCI is working to expand the number of students who have this powerful experience during the 2020-2021 academic year because the paid student research experience (1) transforms students into thinking of themselves as scientists through being entrusted by an experienced researcher with key pieces of equipment or critical processes and being mentored, (2) increases employability upon graduation—which is even more critical during an economic downturn—and the odds of acceptance into graduate school, and (3) helps students pay their tuition while working in their field and helps fill the gap for students who have lost jobs due to COVID-19.
