Biology Strengthened by a Spectrum of World
Views: Undergraduate Mentoring at
Northern Arizona University
Dr. Nancy Collins Johnson
Dr. Karen Haubensak
Funded by the National Science Foundation 2010-2014
Program Directors: N.C. Johnson, K. Haubensak
Program Coordinator: A. Antoninka
Northern Arizona University provides the ideal environment for a vibrant
URM program.
Our theme, “biology strengthened by a spectrum of world views,” stems from the
diverse backgrounds of our past UMEB and present URM scholars. Scholars
contribute different ways of knowing and understanding the world, promoting
different approaches to science. Working with faculty at Northern Arizona University,
scholars learn how to approach biological problems, using cutting-edge skills and
technology, combined with their unique world perspectives. Mixing outstanding
research faculty and scholars with unique perspectives has proven to strengthen
scientific insight and discovery.
Dr. Anita Antoninka
Our URM faculty mentors are internationally renowned scientists who are devoted teachers. Our
program is supported by more than 25 faculty mentors affiliated with eight different units throughout
the University, including:
Biology
Chemistry
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Forestry
Dr. Tina Ayers (right) Biological Science,
Psychology
mentoring a scholar
Dr. Thom Alcoze (right), Forestry,
Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
at a scholar’s poster
presentation.
Dr. Maribeth Watwood, Biological Sciences
Merriam Powell Center for Environmental Research
“It would be possible to describe
everything scientifically, but it would
make no sense; it would be without
meaning...” - Albert Einstein
The four main objectives of our program are to:
1)Recruit talented students from diverse backgrounds.
2)Provide research training with faculty mentors.
3)Retain students by helping them accomplish their research objectives and
excel in academics.
4)Promote students for graduate programs and careers in the life sciences.
Recruitment
Faculty, alumni, and
NAU Student
Services help URM
staff recruit talented
undergraduate
students to our
program.
Research Training
and Retention
Program staff, mentors,
peers train and advise
and mentor URM
scholars to ensure their
success in academics and
in the laboratory.
Promotion
URM activities within NAU
and the broader scientific
community provide career
advice and promote our
scholars for graduate
programs in biology and
medical science.
More than fifty students have been mentored in our UMEB/URM programs since
2000, with eight scholars funded for more than one year.
Of those who are finished with their undergraduate degrees during the 2006-present
funding cycles, more than 50% have entered or completed a graduate program! An
additional 20% have careers in the life sciences.
89% all of our scholars come from underrepresented backgrounds:
42% Native Americans
14% Hispanic Americans
18% African Americans
7% Pacific Islander
5% Students with Disabilities.
3% Returning Students
URM scholars hard at work on their diverse research projects.
Our scholars thrive in the collegial research and academic environment at NAU.
URM scholars work closely with their faculty mentors throughout
the year. They also participate in our weekly research course (ENV
499: Foundations of Research). At the end of the year, all students
present their research findings at the Northern Arizona University
Undergraduate Research Symposium. Scholars are supported to
present their research findings at national scientific meetings and
many have coauthored peer reviewed articles. Our graduates have a
strong record of success in undergraduate and graduate studies.
URM scholars at Northern Arizona University complete independent research, receive awards, present their research at scientific meetings, and graduate
near the top of their class.
Mentoring is a two-way street. Our URM scholars introduce their faculty mentors to different ways of
knowing, and the synergy of these relationships bring us all to a higher level of understanding. We
believe that life sciences will advance faster and further if we continue this mutual learning process.
Strengthening biology through a spectrum of world views brings a greater diversity of viewpoints
toward solving some of the most important problems facing humankind.
URM alumni leave our program with the confidence and skills they need to succeed in graduate school and
careers in the life sciences.
Learn more about our URM program and scholars at:(http://www.cefns.nau.edu/Academic/CSE/umeb/).