Speaker
Description
The Haynes Scholars Program at James Madison University is an academic residential learning community for a cohort of first-year STEM majors that emphasizes early research and fostering a sense of belonging. Over the past year, we co-taught the program's sequence of two research courses, where small groups of first-year students worked on accessible projects in mathematical biology with a unified application theme of white-nose syndrome in bats. Our aim was to introduce them to the process of doing applied mathematical and statistical research: reading the literature, asking questions, exploring models, and presenting their results. We will share how we structured the experience, including scaffolding the background material and pacing the research steps, while also giving the students ownership of their projects. We'll also reflect on what worked well, what was challenging, and how this kind of early research experience helps build confidence and community for students just beginning their STEM journey.
