Read about CCD Student Associate Haleena Phillips, and her experience with RISE
(Research in Science Experience) Program
Are you a rising sophomore who is interested in the sciences? Do you struggle finding research opportunities because they want you to have prior experience but nobody gives you a chance because you have none? Are you tired of my questions? If you answered yes to any of these options, continue reading this post!
As ironic as it sounds, I’ve been through that exact moment when I applied for a research position at a different college but got rejected because I didn’t have any previous exposure to a lab. As upset as I was, I had to laugh as I realized that I cannot obtain an experience when internships require prior involvement with a lab. Somebody had to give me a chance and that is exactly when I found out about Davidson’s RISE (Research in Science Experience) Program. A 4- week immersive program that explores biological research methods, from “literature searching and review, to hypothesis formulation and testing, to data analysis and presentation.” The program is mostly intended for underrepresented students but anyone can apply. In addition to the application, a letter of recommendation and a resume was required. The Center for Career Development assisted me in crafting the perfect resume in order to be accepted into the program. I received a $2,500 stipend and additional grant money to stay on campus. I had such an amazing time over the 4 weeks executing a project in the lab. Also, staying at Davidson without the workload of a semester with your friends is the BEST. I was able to make my own schedule as I became established in the lab and was able to have that research experience under my belt as a freshman. When I returned back to campus in the fall as a sophomore, I presented at my first research symposium and I felt like I finally had my life together in this hectic Davidson climate.
My First Research Symposium!
For more information on RISE, please contact Mark Barsoum (mabarsoum@davidson.edu)