PROJECT SUPER- "Science for Undergraduates: A Program for Excellence in Research"

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Project SUPER is an enrichment program for undergraduate women that provides a summer enrichment program, peer and faculty mentoring, an undergraduate credit-bearing-course Introduction to Scientific Research, and undergraduate research experiences in the sciences math, engineering and technology. It is open to all first-year students at Douglass College and affiliates of Douglass College from the School of Engineering or the College of Pharmacy at Rutgers-New Brunswick. Students selected to participate in Project SUPER go through an application process that includes a detailed personal statement. The program provides a myriad of enrichment opportunities and support services designed to assist participants in enhancing their academic, career/professional and personal development. Project SUPER also encourages its participants to continue their studies in these fields by enrolling in Master’s and Ph.D. programs. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation provided the initial funds for this program which is now supported by Rutgers University.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Summer Orientation: Project SUPER begins with a five-day summer orientation to introduce students to majors in the sciences, mathematics, engineering, and technology (STEM). Students visit university labs, conduct “hands-on” experiments, attend workshops, and talk with faculty and upper-class Douglass students.
  • Mentors: Students are paired with a Rutgers University faculty mentor who guides them into deeper exploration of their academic interests. Upper-class women who major in STEM also mentor Project SUPER students.
  • Coursework: “Introduction to Scientific Research” prepares students for their summer research internship by developing their research techniques and skills.
  • Research Internships: Project SUPER participants receive paid research internships during the summer of their first year and junior year Douglass College. Students prepare poster presentations reflecting their research experiences to share during the Annual Douglass College Undergraduate Research Poster Session.
  • Career/Professional Development Retreat: The Project SUPER Career/Professional Development Retreat assist students in further developing their academic, career/professional and personal skills. Faculty and corporate STEM women conduct workshops, roundtables and seminars.
  • Advanced Research Opportunities: Project SUPER students engage in advanced research and internship opportunities on a local, statewide, national and international level. Students are given the opportunity to fulfill research opportunities during the academic year or summer.
  • Job Shadowing Program: This program allows Project SUPER students to spend the day with STEM woman at industries in New Jersey and the surrounding area.
  • Travel Grants: This program allows students to attend research conferences in their field, thereby providing a valuable opportunity to advance their research activities and visibility in the research community.

Students interested in Project SUPER must complete an application. Information on admission requirements and a printable application are available on-line. For any other inquiries, please address questions to the Douglass Project at dougproj@rci.rutgers.edu or (732) 932-9197 ext. 10.