67A-9 |
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M. Wiedmann and J. M. ROBBINS. Dept. of Food Science, Cornell Univ., 412 Stocking Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853 Traditional classroom-based teaching strategies often fall short of providing students with experience in many areas, such as critical thinking, teamwork, and exposure to ethical decision making. Furthermore, many food science undergraduate students receive their Bachelor of Science degree without actually exploring the role of research in food science. Consequently, many undergraduate students may not discover their own underlying interest in pursuing a career in basic and applied food science research. We developed the Cornell University Food Science Summer Scholars Program (CU FSSSP), an intensive 10-week summer program, with the goal of providing undergraduate students an opportunity to gain research experience and develop their research ability, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills. In addition to performing hands-on research with a faculty member, students also participate in a specifically developed workshop on ethics in food science as well as discussion luncheons and field trips to food companies and their research centers. A total of 50 undergraduates have participated in the first four summer programs offered; participants represented 28 different universities, including 23 U.S. universities. Program application numbers ranged from 17 to 41 per year and have increased each year. Participants completed formal program evaluations, which showed they were highly satisfied with their laboratory experience (4.53/5; range 3.84 – 4.90) and the overall program (4.64/5; range 4.36 – 4.82). Most students would recommend the program to friends and other students (4.77/5; range 4.69 – 4.88). To assess the impact of the program, we are tracking the participants' careers. While many participants have not yet completed their BS degrees, 20 out of the 50 scholars have applied to or are attending graduate programs in food science and other supporting biological sciences (e.g., microbiology). Continuing follow-up will be conducted to assess the long-term impact of this program on participants' career choices.
Session 67A, Education: General
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