On November 9th Augsburg University hosted the 8th Annual Applying for Paid Research Experiences in STEM Workshop and Dinner. The event drew over 75 students, staff, and faculty from Augsburg University, Century College, Hamline University, Inver Hills Community College, Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis College, Normandale Community College, Saint Paul College, and The University of Minnesota.

Dixie Shafer of URGO and Lara Crombie of the TRIO McNair Scholars program led the workshop on identifying and applying for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). They offered practical advice on finding, applying for, and selecting opportunities.

Check out their presentation here: Paid Research Experiences in STEM: Identifying Opportunities and Applying.

Post-workshop, Participants Split into Concurrent Panels.

Dr. Jennifer Brookins-King facilitated the student and alumni panel on research experiences and perspectives. The six panelists included current undergraduates at Augsburg and the University of Minnesota, industry professionals, and a Ph.D. candidate. They shared their research journeys, discussed challenges, offered advice, and fielded audience questions.

Dr. Rebekah Dupont moderated the faculty and staff panel, Supporting Equitable Access and Participation in Research Experiences. The panelists, each representing centers which offer undergraduate research experiences, shared advice about preparing quality applications and what faculty might do to support their students in the process of securing a research opportunity.

The event concluded with dinner, discussion, and networking. Thank you to the panelists, facilitators, and guests for making the 8th Annual REU workshop a fun, informative, afternoon!