SFA team accepted into prestigious Council on Undergraduate Research advocacy program

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Three Stephen F. Austin State University students and their faculty representative recently learned that they are among 63 teams in the nation to gain acceptance into the competitive Scholars Transforming Through Research advocacy program, presented by the Council on Undergraduate Research. This marks the first time SFA students have participated in the competitive application-based program.

Led by Dr. Rashid Mia, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, students Ken Fiffick, Blake Maillet and Cari Mitchell were selected to join undergraduate researchers from 57 institutions across 22 states to participate in the multi-month program.

"The Scholars Transforming Through Research program is a prestigious national initiative designed to cultivate the communication and advocacy skills of emerging researchers," said Dr. Forrest Lane, dean of SFA's Office of Research and Graduate Studies. "The ability to translate complex research into accessible and compelling narratives is crucial for researchers, particularly when engaging with audiences outside the academic sphere or seeking external funding. Mastering this skill can be challenging even for seasoned professionals, making participation in the STR program a transformative experience for undergraduate students."

The program, which will consist of four online sessions and culminate with an in-person session at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in March, focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, as well as scholarly and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty members through expert-designed institutes, conferences and a wide-range of volunteer positions.

The SFA team will present various research programs they've been involved in while at SFA in order to promote both the university and undergraduate research.

According to Lane, the program aligns with ORGS' mission: to support and promote research as well as scholarly and creative activities across the university. Participation in the STR program not only highlights the outstanding work of the students, but also fosters their development as emerging scholars and further enhances their research skills to prepare them for future success.

Mia's role as campus representative is to prepare students to present their research, make connections with faculty and students from other institutions, and establish communication and collaboration with stakeholders and government agencies.

"The students will gain a unique experience to present their research at a national level," Mia said. "They will also have opportunities to make connections with their peers and faculty members, and that will help them find a suitable graduate program in high-ranking schools."

For Fiffick, a senior biochemistry major from Spring, the program is an invaluable opportunity to promote undergraduate research while also learning from experts and gaining confidence through the process. He presented two projects during SFA's Undergraduate Research Conference.

"It's great to be representing SFA in the STR program as it shines a light nationally on the undergraduate research programs we have here," Fiffick said. "Undergraduate research is absolutely critical for anyone going through college as it gives you hands-on experience and training with all of the lessons you're taught during lectures. It's an absolute honor to help promote this for the university as I am directly giving back to SFA from the experience I was able to gain here."

Mitchell, a senior environmental science major from Flint, credits SFA's abundance of resources and support of faculty members for encouraging her to participate in the program.

"I truly take great pride in being a Lumberjack and being able to represent SFA and the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture through the STR program this year," she said. "As a senior looking back on my freshman year in 2021, I have learned so much along the way and am grateful for all of the resources SFA has to offer their undergraduate students. I'm especially thankful for the faculty members who have been so kind to use their time and effort supporting the research of students like me. I hope to make them proud through the skills I gain through this program as I learn how research can be more than just what happens in the classroom."

Maillet, senior biochemistry major from Livingston, looks forward to representing SFA and meeting fellow researchers during the program.

"It is an honor to represent SFA at the STR program, and I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in this amazing opportunity," he said. "I am given the opportunity to show the impact SFA has had on my path through undergraduate research."

For more information about SFA's Office of Research and Graduate Studies, visit sfasu.edu/orgs.