Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentors
Mentoring undergraduate researchers is a rewarding experience for both students and faculty. Sometimes it is challenging for students to find a mentor to guide them in their research journey. LEAPS POWER Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO) helps students complete undergraduate research by pairing them with a faculty mentor in their field of research.
Interested in helping students conduct undergraduate research at Laredo College. This is the place to get connected with student eager to learn and excited to do research.
Importance of Faculty Mentorship
As an Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor (URFM) you play an important role in your student’s research experience. According to Chickering and Gamson (1987), student-faculty contact in and out of classes is the most important factor in student motivation and involvement. Studies have shown participating in an Undergraduate Research Program is not only beneficial for the students but for the faculty mentoring the students as well.
Faculty should expect to:
- Provide mentorship that helps students become engaged in research and clearly identify students’ responsibility.
- Have regular meetings (at least weekly) with sponsored undergraduates to discuss progress.
- Ensure that each student involved in research has had appropriate training in safety and ethical procedures.
- Have knowledge in writing and communicating research, data analysis, writing, and
- Attend Professional Development Training, student’s conference, and student showcase.
If you are interested in becoming a research faculty mentor in your discipline, please contact the STEM Coordinator: gabriela.solis@laredo.edu