The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) Louis Stoke Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)Undergraduate Research (UGR) Program promotes the opportunity for LSAMP students to enhance their academic and professional skills while conducting research during the main academic semesters. The program links undergraduate students with active and supportive faculty- researchers who mentor the students and provide them with opportunities to engage in research- related activities. In some cases, this opportunity is extended over a 10-week span during the summer. Deliverables throughout the duration of program includes research plans, progress reports, abstracts, final papers and poster presentations. TAMUS LSAMP supports students to present at the TAMUS LSAMP Symposium and other student conferences such as NSBE, SHPE, MAES Latinos in Science and Engineering, and SACNAS.

2015:

In 2015, our focus was on expanding undergraduate research opportunities in STEM fields. Through the Hands-on Undergraduate Research Experience, we supported 15 LSAMP-targeted students and funded 2 students for maritime research at TAMU – Galveston. We provided 10 seminars for LSAMP participants, encouraging conference attendance for networking opportunities. Our commitment to promoting undergraduate research in STEM disciplines continues, offering students valuable experiences and opportunities for professional growth.

2016:

In 2016, we continued to expand undergraduate research opportunities in STEM fields, providing many research experiences during the academic year. At TAMU-Galveston, research experiences extended into the fall semester with student presentations. COALS supported seven students, with four SUSR students funded during Fall 2015. Research topics included disruption of the Ras-EGFR-MAPK axis, carbon stable isotope analysis of Yemeni coffee, and salt exclusion in grape varieties. Lessons from TAMUS LSAMP Phase IV were integrated into our emphasis on undergraduate research, graduate school preparation, international experiences, and community college partnerships. COALS established an Undergraduate Research Community to support students in STEM disciplines, facilitating activities and mentorship opportunities. TAMUS LSAMP supported 15 students in a study abroad research opportunity in Merida, Yucatan, and COS provided hands-on research experiences for seven LSAMP students. Through undergraduate seminars, we enhanced academic and leadership skills, preparing students for success in research and graduate programs.

2017:

In 2017, our commitment to enhancing undergraduate research experiences and supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields remained steadfast. Through the TAMUS LSAMP Undergraduate Research Program, 76 students engaged in research-related activities and seminars, preparing them for advanced study in STEM disciplines. COALS and COG provided valuable opportunities for undergraduate research, supporting students across various disciplines. The “Seeding Undergraduate Student Research” initiative funded 10 students, encouraging independent research experiences. Additionally, TAMU-Galveston offered five on-campus research experiences during the academic year. These efforts are integral to promoting interest in research and preparing students for successful careers and further study in STEM fields.

2018:

In 2018, our commitment to supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields through undergraduate research remained strong. The TAMUS LSAMP Undergraduate Research Program engaged 55 students in Fall 2017, 80 students in Spring 2018, and 2 students in Summer 2018, linking them with supportive faculty-researchers for research-related activities and seminars. Additionally, TAMU-Galveston provided various activities, including orientations, progress meetings, and research symposiums, ensuring students received guidance and recognition for their research efforts. PVAMU also actively engaged students in research, with 22 students participating in Fall 2017 and 20 students in Spring 2018, furthering their academic and research careers in STEM graduate programs.

2019:

In Fall 2019, our commitment to undergraduate research and supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields continued. Through the Graduate Interest Group (GIG) program at TAMU, undergraduate LSAMP-sponsored students were mentored by Bridge to the Doctorate (BTD) Fellows at a graduate student panel. These panels provided insights into the benefits of undergraduate research and its importance for those considering graduate school. Additionally, several LSAMP-sponsored undergraduate students presented their research findings at various professional conferences and symposia. These opportunities, along with seminars and programs, aim to enhance academic experiences, professional skills, and prepare students for successful STEM careers and graduate programs.

2020:

In 2020, TAMUCC LSAMP collaborated with the College of Science and Technology, providing research stipends for twenty-seven (27) URM STEM students. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, twenty (20) students participated in Spring 2020, and a similar number in Fall 2020, engaging in research experiences on campus and online. LSAMP aimed to enhance students’ understanding of research processes through various seminars and workshops, sparking their interest in research. Additionally, the LSAMP-RA social science research team focused on understanding mentoring relationships for minority STEM students. TAMU and TAMUG LSAMP programs provided undergraduate research opportunities and conducted virtual events to engage students, fostering a sense of community and interest in research among participants.

2021:

In 2021, TAMUCC LSAMP collaborated with the College of Science and Technology to provide research stipends for STEM URM students, resulting in twenty-two distinct participants engaging in undergraduate research experiences. During the Spring 2021 semester, fourteen TAMUCC students participated, and eight students conducted research with faculty mentors on campus in the Fall 2021 semester. TAMIU LSAMP started sponsoring undergraduate research stipends in Spring 2022. TAMU LSAMP activities included Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 undergraduate research programs, engaging 25 and 7 students, respectively. In Fall 2021, 33 students participated. TAMUG LSAMP activities involved Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 undergraduate research programs, with 5 and 2 student participants, respectively. Additionally, a symposium was held on August 6, 2021, where two LSAMP recipients presented their summer research. In Fall 2021, 2 students participated in the undergraduate research program, and two meet and greet events were conducted to enhance LSAMP student success. PVAMU LSAMP activities included the Spring 2021 program with 24 student participants, and TAMUCC LSAMP activities involved the Spring 2021 program with 19 student participants

2022:

In 2022, TAMUCC LSAMP collaborated with the College of Science and Technology to provide research stipends for STEM URM students. Twenty-two students participated in undergraduate research experiences. TAMUS LSAMP participants across the alliance engaged in various research experiences, attended conferences, and participated in Graduate Interest Group (GIG) programs. TAMU’s activities included Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Fall 2021 undergraduate research programs, with 25, 7, and 33 student participants, respectively. TAMUG’s activities involved Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 undergraduate research programs, with 5 and 2 student participants, respectively. Additionally, a symposium held on August 6, 2021, featured two LSAMP recipients presenting their summer research. PVAMU LSAMP had 24 student participants in their Spring 2021 undergraduate research program, while TAMUCC LSAMP had 19 student participants during the same period.

2023

In Spring 2023, the TAMU LSAMP program engaged 41 students in undergraduate research experiences across various colleges, while TAMU Galveston had 1 student participating in their Spring 2023 research program. Eliza Perez presented her virtual poster at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) Spring 2023 National Conference. TAMUG hosted a “Meet and Greet” event in Fall 2023, which was attended by 4 students. In addition, TAMUG LSAMP had 2 students participating in their Summer 2023 research program and 4 students in their Fall 2023 research program. PVAMU LSAMP had 26 students participating in their Spring 2023 research program. Taylor Monique Aaron from PVAMU presented research at both the National Science Foundation Research Conference and the Texas A&M Undergraduate Research Conference. TAMUCC LSAMP had 20 students participating in their Spring 2023 research program.

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