Acker Scholars have the opportunity to perform research internships through participation with the Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), McNair Scholars Program and the SUNY Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. These are complementary student support programs administered through Cora P. Maloney College and Academic Challenge and Enrichment in the Center for Academic Development Services (CADS). Students must apply to each program and upon acceptance they are eligible for program services.
The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) provides minority and/or economically disadvantaged students with the opportunity to explore scientific, technical, and health-related professions. This experience allows students to build the solid academic foundation necessary to achieve their goals to enter licensed professions.
CSTEP offers students the opportunity to complete internships. The internship provides students with research experience or community service opportunities. The CSTEP Project Director works with students to identify faculty members or organizations on or off campus, to serve as mentors in areas related to their field of study. Students may intern for up to 10 hours per week for which they will be compensated by CSTEP.
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is a federally funded TRIO program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, and administered by the Academic Challenge & Enrichment (ACE) Program. The Program is named in honor of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, pioneer African American astronaut who died in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger explosion.
The intellectually rigorous program is designed to encourage low-income, first generation college students, and students from underrepresented groups to pursue doctoral study. During the course of the Program, participants will hone their analytical and research skills. During the academic year, McNair Scholars attend weekly seminars ranging from topics such as, securing financial aid for graduate school to the life of a faculty member. Additionally, participants receive Graduate Record Examination preparation in all GRE test areas.
The summer component of the Program requires Scholars to conduct field-relevant research with a faculty mentor in their discipline. Students will also present their research to their peers, faculty, and other interested persons at the UB McNair Conference. Additional Benefits include travel to local, state, and national conferences. Participants will have an opportunity to visit various graduate schools and attend graduate school fairs.
The Buffalo Region SUNY Alliance for Minority Participation (SUNY LS AMP) is a student enrichment and support services program sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The goal of SUNY LSAMP is to improve the academic performance, retention, graduation and graduate school admission rates of historically underrepresented minority students who are pursuing degrees in the areas of Natural Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Research and/or industrial internship opportunities are provided for SUNY LSAMP participants during the fall and spring semesters, as well as the summer session.
The Buffalo Region SUNY Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation invites minority undergraduate students majoring in the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to apply for an 8-week summer, Research Internship Program at the University at Buffalo. This program is designed to acquaint underrepresented, minority undergraduates in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, and engineering majors with research and graduate study, and encourage them to attend graduate school.
During this program, each participant will pursue a research project with a faulty mentor or professional in private industry. Additionally, participants will engage in a Research Methods course and weekly seminars addressing graduate study preparation and career planning. Field trips to businesses, cultural facilities, and other enrichment activities are also planned. At the conclusion of the program, participants will give a poster presentation featuring the results of their research project conducted during their internship. Upon completing the internship program, participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge that will aid their preparation for, and enrollment in, graduate school.