Niagara University Science Training and Research Fellowship Program (NUSTAR)
Niagara University Science Training and Research Fellowship Program (NUSTAR) Research is an exceptional way for undergraduate science students to gain practical, high-level and hands-on experience, thereby setting them apart from their peers as they prepare to enter medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and graduate schools and careers. Niagara’s longstanding tradition of pairing undergraduate students with Ph.D.-prepared faculty members to collaborate on scientific research papers and presentations has led to the Niagara University Science Training and Research (NUSTAR) program. This exclusive opportunity for freshmen majoring in the sciences provides an invaluable research experience, including: • Early contact with faculty members, staff and upper-class science majors, presenting first-year students with personal and academic support systems as they transition to NU. • Engagement in cutting-edge, faculty-mentored research early in their academic careers. • Involvement in a research-oriented seminar that focuses on the development of research interests, career exploration, science communication, and the ethical practice of science. • Opportunities to present at local, regional, and/or national conferences. • Compensation for their work and contributions.
NU’s Impact
Research conducted by Niagara University faculty and students focuses on: Biomedical Industry • Analyzing virulence and new treatments for fungal infections • Characterizing new ways to treat antibiotic-resistant infections • Drug delivery methods for difficult-to-treat diseases • Biochemistry of iron deficiencies • Synthesis of biologically useful compounds Environmental Concerns • Impacts of invasive plant species • Infectious disease in wildlife and livestock • Population genetics and biogeography of amphibians • Novel methods of removing plastics from aquatic environments Foundational Science • X-ray crystallography of organometallic chromophores • Biogeochemical cycling in extreme environments • Genetic and molecular mechanisms of meiotic recombination • Fluid dynamics and nutrient transfer in the Great Lakes
B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences
Niagara University’s science programs boast an enthusiastic, dedicated, and highly qualified faculty; sophisticated, modern equipment; and highly qualified, motivated students. In addition, a state-of-the-art science building facilitates opportunities for exciting, new, creative interactions between students and faculty. The LEED Gold B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences: • Builds upon the nationally recognized scholarship of its faculty to strengthen and develop interdisciplinary science projects and programs that encourage student-faculty interaction. • Expands programs that encourage students to understand, conduct and present research, especially that which can be applied to solving community problems and developing local business. • Increases the number of students who graduate with an interdisciplinary science education and who go on to continue their education in the sciences and health related disciplines. • Develops additional opportunities for students to conduct research in preparation for science and health related careers in the new science economy. The Golisano Center provides facilities with a unique structure, placing the research labs for biology, chemistry, and biochemistry on the same floor with shared instruments and shared space for discussion with fellow students and faculty. This facility and Niagara’s integrated science faculty serve as a limitless platform for current and future research projects. Research Partnerships Faculty and students have partnered with researchers in collaborative projects focused on health, environmental, and other important issues affecting the greater Western New York community: • Roswell Park Cancer Institute • Mount St. Mary’s Hospital • University at Buffalo • University of Rochester • New York State Parks • Monroe County Parks • Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
NUSTAR Program Info The NUSTAR program fosters and rewards self-motivated, goal-oriented and academically exceptional students. The program admits students majoring in any of the natural science disciplines at Niagara and provides the following benefits: • A stipend of $6,000 per year • Participation in a faculty-led seminar that focuses on the research process, recent research and innovation, and career development. • Guidance from peer mentors and opportunity to mentor NUSTAR students. • An early and guided introduction to undergraduate research with a faculty member. • Funding for travel to conferences to present research. • Opportunities to apply for summer research funding and on-campus housing. • Successful progression in the program requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 and successful completion of NUSTAR seminar and research courses, along with participating in NUSTAR programming. Admission Criteria • High school biology, chemistry, and/or environmental science successfully completed with a B or better. • Recommended courses include: precalculus or calculus, physics, and other AP courses in math and science. • A completed application detailing your interests in science and career goals. • Phone or in-person interview with NUSTAR science faculty.
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If you have any questions, you may contact: Dr. Cassie Marnocha NUSTAR Fellowship Program Director Niagara University Department of Biology 716.286.8506 cmarnocha@niagara.edu NUSTAR_022024