Colby Research Scholars Program

The Colby Research Scholars Program is a pilot academic program for talented students who are interested in studying science and have typically been underrepresented in the sciences. As an integral part of their college experience, Colby Reserach Scholars are paired with a faculty research mentor in one of the participating science Departments and immersed in cutting-edge science in that faculty member's laboratory, including participation in research group meetings, Department events, potential authorship on scientific publications, travel to professional meetings, and presentations at the Colby Undergraduate Research Symposium. Participation as a Colby Research Scholar can continue throughout a student's four years at Colby, providing a vibrant, immersive research experience.

CRS Program News!

Kathlyn Harris accepts an 8th grade science teaching position at the Epiphany School in Dorchester, Massachusetts! From the Epiphany School Mission Statement: Epiphany is an independent, tuition-free, middle school for children of economically disadvantaged families from Boston neighborhoods. Its small classes, individualized curricula, and extended school days provide rigorous academic, moral and social instruction.

Escar Kusema won a third-place award for a neuroscience poster at the New England Science Symposium at Harvard University April 6, and Aynara Chavez-Munoz received an honorable mention. The competition involved hundreds of graduate and undergraduate projects. Kusema's poster is titled "Cellular mechanisms of melatonin-induced and calmodulin-inhibited neurite growth in crustacean x-organ cells." Chavez-Munoz's is "Mifeprisone reduces HPA-axis responsivity and increases neuronal activation in prefrontal cortex following acute stress." Both will be presented in the upcoming Colby Undergraduate Research Symposium.


	Program Goals Academic Achievement Establishing Connections with Faculty and Students Early Involvement in Exploratory Science Personal Development to Maximize Success After Graduation

	Program Details Colby Research Scholars begin conducting independent research as early as their first year at Colby in the laboratory of a faculty member in the Departments of Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, or Computer Science. Participants are granted annual travel funds for attending a regional or national conference with their faculty mentor. Colby Research Scholars have the option of continuing their independent research in the summer months through a guaranteed, paid summer research position that includes room and board on Colby’s campus. Participants build important personal connections with the chemistry and biology faculty and other students through their research efforts and also through many informal departmental social events.