Microscopy Bridge Program

EPN promotes inclusive and equitable research through an 18-month two-way student exchange, capacity building, and microscopy training program. This program provides students and faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) and very high research activity institutions (R1) a structure to collaborate on EPN research projects while demystifying academia and training the next generation workforce of scientists and engineers.

Students in the student exchange program standing together. Picture 1.
Students in the student exchange program standing together. Picture 2.

Results from our efforts have taught us the importance of the following:

  • Rapport building among faculty, graduate student mentors, and undergraduate student mentees to build trust
  • Undergraduate student input in project planning to instill ownership and drive work ethic
  • Financial support to enable capabilities and sustained partnerships with PUI faculty labs
  • Undergraduate research at PUI faculty labs that culminates with a summer-long research opportunity on the same collaborative project in an R1 lab

18-Month Schedule

Spring Semester #1: Biweekly 1-hour Meetings
    Week 1: Welcome Meeting and Overview of Program
    Week 2: EPN Research Overviews
    Weeks 3-5: Light Microscopy Discussions
    Weeks 6-8: Electron Microscopy Discussions
Summer #1: Full-Time Research
  • Paid Research Lab Experience at Home PUI, including regular/extended visit(s) from R1 personnel
  • Research Presentations to EPN personnel
Fall Semester #1: Weekly 1-hour Meetings
  • 8-week Fellowship Application Preparation for Summer Research Opportunities
Spring Semester #2: Biweekly 1-hour Meetings
  • Professional Development Training
  • Problem-Solving Learning Activities
  • Microscopy-Related Brainstorming Discussions
Summer #2: Full-Time Research
  • Paid Research Lab Experience at any EPN R1 Institution, or Paid Research Lab Experience at Home PUI, including R1 visits
  • At Least 1 In-person Research Symposium Presentation

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