Project SMART – 2009

www.smart.unh.edu

Project SMART (Science and Mathematics Achievement through Research Training – www.smart.unh.edu) is a Summer Institute at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) that challenges, educates, and motivates talented high school students in science and mathematics while acquainting them with the environment and resources of the University as a place for higher education and research. The program is open, on a competitive basis, to high school students who are currently enrolled in the 10th or 11th grade. They study advanced topics in science, mathematics and computers through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on laboratory experience, and field trips, and learn how to do research with UNH faculty and graduate students. The Summer Institute provides an excellent opportunity to learn the interdisciplinary nature of the various scientific fields and how math and computers converge with scientific research. The students also study and discuss the applications and implications (economic, social, environmental, legal, ethical and moral) of the scientific advancements to society.

The program offers hands-on experience combined with lectures and discussions in the areas of Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Marine and Environmental Science, and Space Science. Students investigate research questions, use modern instrumentation, analyze data, apply computing techniques to genome and proteome analyses, discuss interdisciplinary aspects of the various sciences, and examine societal issues and various career options in the above fields.

Project SMART Summer Institute was started in 1991 with students coming mostly from the New England region. During the past two years, we made special efforts to increasing the number as well as the diversity of participants. As a result, we expect the summer institute of 2009 (July 6-31, 2009) to be the largest (except the first year) and to have the most diverse group of students in its history. In collaboration with the Harlem Children Society (HCS – www.harlemchildrensociety.org) and Anatolia College in Thessaloniki, Greece ( http://www.anatolia.edu.gr), we plan to recruit 75 aspiring young scientists from inner-city high schools in the Northeast, from one of the distinguished schools in Greece (about 10-12 students), from the rural backgrounds in New England, and possibly 4-5 students from the Native American Indian tribes to live together and learn to do science in the rural environment of UNH. We are confident that the students will not only gain a greater appreciation for careers associated with the various sciences but will also establish life-long friendships with their peers, and mentoring relationships with the UNH faculty.

Innovative Features of Project:

• The group of participants in the program will be highly talented and selected from among the best available and those who have already shown interest and aptitude in sciences.
• The group will involve remarkable diversity including a broad spectrum of minority populations within the US.
• The program will enhance social interaction among youth from minorities from urban areas and Native American populations and those coming from rural areas of New England as well as those from Greece.

The scientific component of the Project SMART Summer Institute 2009 will again include modules in Biotechnology & Nanotechnology, Space Science, and Environmental & Marine Science. The students will live in a UNH residence hall. Special evening discussions will focus on college admissions, diversity issues, and careers in science; in addition there will be lectures by distinguished speakers (most likely a Nobel Laureate) on topics of current debate. Field trips to enhance scientific, social and personal interaction and to expose them to the beauty of NH will also be organized over the weekends.

Room, Board, and Transportation

The students will be housed in a UNH dormitory under the supervision of a Hall Director and resident assistants who will organize evening (cultural and recreational) activities for group participation. Students may stay on campus from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon OR they can also participate in weekend activities. Transportation to and from UNH is the responsibility of the student/parents. The use of personal automobiles during the Summer Institute is not permitted.

Program Cost and Scholarships

The cost of the 2009 Project SMART program is $2,150 per student, plus $450 per student for the weekend programs. Weekend stay is not mandatory. A few scholarships to partially offset the costs are available. Please contact the Director for availability and eligibility requirements for the scholarships.

For more information, please contact me or visit www.smart.unh.edu.

Subhash C. Minocha

Professor of Plant Biology and Genetics

Director, Project SMART

sminocha@unh.edu

Ph: 603-862-3840