Class of 2019
College Science Scholars began in 2003, as a way to provide a small number of highly qualified undergraduates, selected during admission to the University, with direct access to the very best laboratory research faculty and facilities that can be found at the University. An additional group of Science Scholars is selected from rising second-year students, based on nominations from science and math professors. The College Science Scholars program is overseen by the Chairs of the Departments of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology and Statistics.
The program is designed to give each student individual attention and close interaction with faculty conducting research. Scholars have a senior faculty member serving as their advisor/mentor from the very beginning of their program of study. All participants have the opportunity to become a member of a research lab or group as early as their first semester in the program, so that advanced research experience can begin quickly. During the first year, all Science Scholars selected prior to admission enroll in the CSS seminar (both fall and spring semesters), where they meet internationally-renowned science faculty from each of the participating departments, hear talks on issues at the forefront of science, and visit research laboratories. During the second year, all Science Scholars, including those selected as rising second-years, continue to tour research laboratory facilities and see lectures and demonstrations from faculty throughout the science and math departments. It is our goal that by the end of the second year, all CSS students will be actively participating in the research laboratory of a University science or math professor.
Scholars are expected to major in one of the eight science or math departments. They are expected to attend all weekly seminars during their first year, CSS laboratory tours, lectures and demonstrations during their second year, and occasional events thereafter. CSS students should actively engage in research early in their academic career, and demonstrate exemplary progress within their curriculum.