Twenty-two students from 17 different high schools are on the Newman campus this week and next to get a taste of college-level research and explore the benefits of careers in the sciences, at the 22nd annual Newman University Investigative Summer Science Program (ISSP).
The program began Monday, June 13 and will run through Thursday, June 24. It is sponsored by Newman University, the Fred C. & Mary R. Koch Foundation and the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita.
The Newman ISSP is directed by Newman Professor of Biology Surendra Singh, Ph.D., who created the program in response to a national concern about the diminishing number of young people pursuing careers in the sciences. Using a hands-on approach and drawing from the support of Newman science professors and Wichita area science professionals, the program is designed to offer students a look at the real world of scientific research. Students choose a research topic from a provided list upon entering the program. They then follow established research methods: performing a literature search; conducting experiments; analyzing data; drawing conclusions, and presenting findings in a written paper. The students are also encouraged to enter their papers at the annual meeting of the Kansas Junior Academy of Science.
Students receive room and board and two hours of Newman college credit for completing the program. Participating students are also eligible for the Investigative Summer Science Program scholarship – a $1,000 award to those who attend the program and later enroll at Newman.
This year’s program drew students from four Wichita high schools, as well as Andover, Arrupe Jesuit, Centre, El Dorado, Eureka, Girard, Hayden, Horton, Iola, Maize, Maize South, Topeka, and Valley Center high schools. For more information about the ISSP program, contact Singh at 316-942-4291, ext. 2117, or via e-mail at [email protected].
