Mission: 

The mission is to provide research opportunities for sophomores or rising juniors majoring in science, mathematics or engineering with cumulative GPAs above 2.0, in order to learn basic research methods and techniques with the assistance of research mentors.

Program Description:

The Summer Sophomore Research Institute (SSRI) is a six week, residential program open to rising sophomores or rising juniors.  Participants in the SSRI program, SSRI Fellows, will work with faculty on a research project. In addition, fellows in the SSRI program will be exposed to workshops on research methods, performing library research, computer and internet resources, service learning, and how to present research through poster and oral presentations.  Program dates typically coincide with UVI's Summer Session II. A competitive stipend will be provided.

Objectives:

• To provide students with an introduction to scientific research by introducing the cell cycle, the use of viruses to generate potential cures, and vaccine preparation

• To build students' confidence in their academic abilities

• To foster skills to work productively and creatively in pursuit of scientific research

• To develop an appreciation for the professional and the ethical side of science as well as an appreciation for the role of the scientist

Student Responsibilities:   

• Students are expected to meet with their mentors on a regular basis. The exact meeting times will be determined by the mentors.
• Students are expected to keep written documentation of their research.
• Students are expected to attend all meetings as scheduled by the SSRI Coordinator.
• Students are expected to complete evaluation forms when required. This extends past the SSRI program.
• Students will be required to present work at the Summer Research Symposium.
• Students are expected to participate in on and off campus research conferences. Ability to be funded to participate in off campus research conferences will be dependent on UVI Research Symposia participation.
• Students will participate in follow-up activities that relate to evaluation of this program. This may include responding to surveys about your experiences in the program, as well as your future career decisions.
• Students are expected to participate in the program full time, and thus should have no outside employment, and take no summer courses during the second summer session.

Eligibility:

The SSRI seeks 10 students who:

• have just completed their freshman or sophomore year at UVI
• have a major in the Division of Science and Mathematics
• have a GPA of 2.0 or above
• have a goal of improving their GPA (requirement for the program)
• provide proof of US citizenship or permanent residence

How does one apply?

Submit a complete ECS application by February 28th.
If there are any questions or concerns, feel free to contact
the College of Science and Math - ECS Program by sending
an email to ecs@uvi.edu or calling 693-1249.

Funding Source:

Funding for this program is provided through a grant from the National Science Foundation's HBCU-UP program.  Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) promotes excellence in Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Technology fields, and through research experiences.   

SSRI 2011 Research Topics:

• Dr. A. Stanford, Genetics, STT
• Dr. S. Ratchford, Marine Biology, STT
• Dr. K. Alexandridis, Environmental Science, STT
• Dr. M. Boumedine, Computer Science, STT
• Dr. L. Brown, Chemistry, STT

SSRI 2010 Research Topics:

• Dr. M. Boumedine, Computer Science, STT, Image Processing
• Dr. L. Brown, Chemistry, STT, Traditional Botanical Remedies
• Dr. A. Dikou, Marine Biology, STT, Mechanisms of Coral-Algal Interactions
• Dr. K. Alexandridis, Environmental Science, STT, Human Dimensions in Environmental and Natural Resource Resilience and Sustainability
• Dr. A. Stanford, Genetics, STT, Population Genetics and Genetic Diversity of Cock's-spur 

SSRI 2009 Research Descriptions:    

• Dr. T. Turner, Marine Biology, STT, Sea Urchin Escape Behaviors
• Dr. S. Ratchford, Marine Biology, STT, Reef-Dwelling Anemones and Crustacea 
• Dr. S. Romano, Marine Biology, STT, Is there genetic evidence that the orange cup coral, Tubastraea coccinea, invaded the Caribbean from the Indo-Pacific? 
• Dr. A. Stanford, Biology, STT, Developing the Use of ISSR PCR for Native Plants of the Virgin Islands 
• Dr. D. Iannucci, Mathematics, STT, Number Theory:  Weird Numbers

SSRI 2008 Research Project Description:    

This six-week summer program is designed for freshman and sophomores who are interested in studying and exploring careers in science and or mathematics. In groups of threes student will work to attain an understanding of either the biology of adenovirus, the biology of HIV, or the biology of cancer. To attain mastery of the subject areas each group will be given sets of data obtained using a florescent activated cell sorter (flow cytometry), a NIH imager, or manually. These data sets will be analyzed using basic statistical methods and the results plotted with presentation quality. Throughout the six weeks students will develop career plans. To help with these plans students will be introduced to various local mathematicians, scientist, and medical doctors. These individuals will serve as career models to illustrate the diversity that exist in science careers, and to illustrate the role that science play in the community. The culmination of these activities will allow students to continue to build confidence in their ability to succeed in a demanding academic atmosphere by developing and strengthening the skills necessary for scientific reasoning.