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Our inaugural Freshman Scholars Program was a huge success!  Watch the video below to learn more about the program and to see footage from our inaugural program.



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New Ferrum College freshmen may be selected to partner with a faculty member on a scholarly research project before they enroll in their fall semester courses. For two weeks, from August 4 - 16, 2013, these students will earn three college credits by participating in Ferrum's Freshman Scholars Program and working on a research project with their faculty mentor.

Focused interaction between students and faculty is part of what sets Ferrum College apart from other colleges and universities. Most undergraduate students do not have the opportunity to be mentored by an expert on a chosen project of interest until graduate school; however, at Ferrum College, you can begin this type of experience even before your freshman year begins!

The Office of Academic Affairs is supporting this program, which significantly reduces the cost for participants. The fee for program participants is only $750!  This fee includes housing, meals, social activities, and three credits toward your degree.

The Freshman Scholars initiative is designed to establish a community of first-year undergraduate students and faculty researchers. Each faculty member will mentor up to two students to maximize the quality of interactions throughout the two-week program.

 

Learn more about the Freshman Scholars Program:

 

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Who can benefit from the Freshman Scholars Program?

Students who desire to connect individually with faculty members and get a head start on distinguishing themselves.  

 

What projects are available?

*Click on project title for more information. 

Origami and Mathematics

Up to two students interested in mathematics and/or origami.

Instructor:  Bryan Faulkner

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Population Structure of Pond Turtles and Relation to Urbanization

One student interested in wildlife and conservation biology. The two faculty members and students working on Dr. Stevens's project and Dr. Fredericksen's two projects will work together as a research group.  

Instructor:  Todd Fredericksen

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Population Density and Habitat Use of the Southern Flying Squirrel

One student interested in wildlife and conservation biology. The two faculty members and students working on Dr. Stevens's project and Dr. Fredericksen's two projects will work together as a research group.  

Instructor:  Todd Fredericksen

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Insect Responses to Forest Harvest and Timber Removal

One student interested in environmental science, biology, and/or ecology. The two faculty members and students working on Dr. Stevens's project and Dr. Fredericksen's two projects will work together as a research group.  

Instructor:  Glen Stevens

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Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and cAMP: Examination of a Possible Virulence Mechanism for This Deadly Pathogen

One student interested in biology, pre-professional science, infectious diseases, or biochemistry. Interest in laboratory-based science as opposed to field biology is also preferred. Students who will be successful in the lab normally have a strong background in high school science.

Instructor:  Michaela Gazdik

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The Production of Biologically Active Compounds by Medicinal Plants of the Appalachian Mountains

Up to two students interested in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, or biology.

Instructor:  Laura Grochowski

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Buried Body Remains and Decomposition Rates

Up to two students interested in criminal justice and/or forensic investigations.

Instructor:  David Nicholson

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Centennial Commemoration Poem

Up to two students interested in English, history, creative writing, and/or education.

Instructor:  John Kitterman

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The Experiences of LGBTQ Adolescents and Young Adults in Rural Appalachia: Identity, Risk, and Resilience

Up to two students interested in rural contexts, religion, sexuality, identity, and/or psychology.

Instructor:  Angie Dahl

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Development of an Animal Model for the Cognitive Deficits Observed in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Up to two students interested in psychology and animal research and open to handling and maintaining close interactions with rodents.

Instructor:  Megan St. Peters

Who is eligible for the program?  

Newly accepted freshmen students who have paid their $250 deposit may apply to participate.

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How much does the program cost?

The Office of Academic Affairs is supporting this program, which significantly reduces the cost for participants.  The fee is only $750!  This fee includes housing, meals, social activities, and three credits toward your degree.

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How do I apply to the program?

How to apply:

1. Apply for admission to Ferrum College and be accepted. The $250 Ferrum College tuition deposit will be required before enrolling in the program.


2. Complete the Online Freshman Scholars Application or Download the application to send it by mail! 
   The application deadline is June 24.  Your application should include the following:
   
   •  A statement explaining why you are interested in participating as a freshman scholar.
   •  A prioritized list of the project(s) on which you would be interested in working and the reason(s) for your interest.
   •  A statement of your qualifications to work on the project(s) you selected.

The Program Coordinator and relevant faculty mentors will review the applications to determine the student’s eligibility. A telephone interview or email correspondence may be required for additional screening.

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How will I spend my time? 

•  Most of your time will be spent with your faculty mentor.
•  You will receive training and instruction on tools related to your scholarly work including library and information resources.
•  You will have the opportunity to participate in planned and informal social interactions, including:

      º  The Ferrum Outdoors ropes course
      º  Interaction with Japanese exchange students
      º  Intramural sports
      º  Movie night
      º  Build your own sundae event on the quad
      º  Local culture

•  You will have the chance for scholarly interactions with faculty and peers and to conduct research presentations.

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Where will I live?

Participating students will live with a roommate in one of the residence halls on the Ferrum campus, where Japanese exchange students will also be living. All scholars will have the opportunity to interact with the exchange students.  When you apply for the program, you may also choose to room with one of the exchange students if you would like additional opportunities to learn about their unique culture and language.