About the Integrated Inclusive Science Program
Across the United States, only 52 percent of all students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) persist in those fields, and the attrition rates are much higher for students that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. At the same time, recent studies have shown that giving first-year college students the opportunity to do research as part of their coursework significantly increases their chances of completing college and graduating with a science degree. With several years of support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the University of Richmond sought to address these challenges through the creation of the Integrated Inclusive Science program.
The Integrated Inclusive Science program is designed to help STEM-interested students, particularly those who are underrepresented in the sciences, get excited about STEM disciplines and careers early in their college careers. Through interdisciplinary coursework, faculty mentored research experiences, and the development of a close-knit community of peers and faculty, students will be prepared to tackle upper-level science courses and to pursue graduate study, medical school, or jobs in STEM fields.
The Integrated Inclusive Science program includes URISE and SMART.
University of Richmond Integrated Science Experience (URISE)
URISE is a pre-first year program which aims to increase the number of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in science and math disciplines. It focuses on skill development, providing authentic research experiences, and building a community of support for the 24 students who currently participate in the program each summer.
Science, Math, and Research Training (SMART)
SMART is a course for first-year students that combines biology, chemistry, and math to study the topics of HIV and antibiotic resistance. The course is taught by faculty from each discipline and concludes with a paid summer research experience with a faculty member.