The Freshman Introduction to Research and Skills Training (FIRST) Program is designed to introduce students with little knowledge or experience to the dynamic world of research. The FIRST program is designed for incoming first year students who have demonstrated a desire to learn more about biomedical and/or behavioral research. Through this program, students participate in bi-weekly modules designed to introduce them to research and research careers, and they learn strategies so that they transition to college successfully and learn what it means to be a scientist. Students are then placed into active research labs during the Spring semester and engaged in paid research each week (5-15 hrs). During the summer, FIRST Scholars are paid to conduct research full-time in an active research laboratory and they attend weekly modules to further develop their research skills. FIRST Scholars present their research in Summer Research Symposium. (See our YouTube page for the 2021 Summer Research Symposium).
Eligibility:
Students are eligible for support by the RISE FIRST Program if they are (1) in their first year at Spelman College, (2) are majoring a STEM discipline or psychology, (3) intend to go on to Ph.D.-level graduate work in biomedical research, (4) have a grade-point-average of close to 3.0, or better, and (5) are a US citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident.
Note that Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors will be considered for RISE depending on available spaces. They will participate in the FIRST program with first year students, depending on their research experiences.
**First year students are not required to have a mentor before applying. However, upper class students should communicate with a mentor before applying.**
Research activity does not start until the spring semester for all FIRST and new RISE students.**
Applications open up in the Fall semester each year.