F.I.R.E. Starters

2024-25 Program Description

F.I.R.E. (Forging Interest in Research and Engagement) Starters is an undergraduate research program that aims to increase access to and training for research opportunities for underrepresented minority undergraduate students. Students will participate in cohort learning that introduces them to transdisciplinary research methods and prepares them to pursue further research opportunities in the future.

Students will be selected via an application process and will each receive a stipend of $3,200 for full participation in the program ($1,600 in Fall semester, $1,600 in Spring semester). The selected students will undertake an independent research project the following summer with support from a research mentor, in which further work may be supported by up to $3,200 of additional funding.

This program is a partnership between Student Opportunities & Achievement Resources Program (SOAR), Office of Undergraduate Research, Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, the Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, and the Fralin Life Sciences Institute.

The F.I.R.E. Starters program will be administered by the following group of Faculty Fellows:

• Dr. Anne M. Brown, University Libraries and Department of Biochemistry
• Dr. Ralph Hall, School of Public and International Affairs and Urban Affairs and Planning
• Dr. Nikki Lewis, Honors College
• Dr. Liesel Ritchie, Department of Sociology and Center for Coastal Studies

Program Mission

The mission of the F.I.R.E. Starters program is to forge interest, knowledge, and skill development in transdisciplinary research and engagement among underrepresented minority undergraduate students in the social sciences, humanities, and life sciences at Virginia Tech. The primary objective of the program is to increase access to fundamental as well as applied research opportunities. Through the program, students are connected with experienced research mentors who guide and support them through the process of learning about research methods, as well as research proposal development. The ultimate goal of F.I.R.E. Starters is to prepare students to pursue future research opportunities both at the undergraduate and graduate levels at Virginia Tech and beyond.

Program Vision

The vision of the F.I.R.E. Starters program is to empower and enable underrepresented minority undergraduate students through a cohort experience to pursue research careers both within and external to academia that span disciplinary fields to address the world’s most pressing issues.

Program Details

As a global land-grant institution, Virginia Tech is committed to serving individuals and society and improving the quality of life for all. The realization of this vision rests on our ability to advance transdisciplinary research that is informed by a diverse array of lived experiences.

The purpose of the F.I.R.E. Starters program is to:

1. increase diversity in undergraduate research at Virginia Tech,
2. increase access to foundational research training,
3. connect students with faculty research mentors, and
4. prepare students for independent and collaborative research, competitive summer research opportunities, and other undergraduate research experiences.

Students in all disciplines – especially in the humanities and social sciences – are encouraged to apply.

While this program’s focus is to provide underrepresented minority students with the opportunity and support needed to participate in research without barriers, it is open to all Virginia Tech undergraduate students, in particular those who identify as belonging to an underserved population (including, but not limited to, first generation college students, students from low income areas, students with disabilities, LGBTQ students, etc.).

During the Fall semester, students will participate in biweekly (twice a month) workshops and community building with their cohort and faculty fellows. Networking, professional skill development, introduction to research foundations, and science communication will be discussed. Students will be exposed to and practice research methodology and techniques, including literature reviews, research design, learning about research methods and ethics, data management, as well as research proposal development. In the Spring semester, students will identify faculty mentors and develop a research proposal on a subject of their choice. Students will create a formal proposal document and present it at the annual Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference or similar forum.

Students interested in applying to the program must submit an application, including a short statement about their potential research interests. While not required, students are encouraged to identify a faculty mentor who can help them develop a suitable research question that would be explored during the program.

Successful applicants will receive a $3,200 stipend for the 2023-24 academic year and will be given an opportunity to apply for up to $3,200 of additional funding to support a proposed research project. Following an applicant’s selection into the program, they will be asked to develop a research proposal with support from a faculty mentor, which will be evaluated through a blind review process prior to any funds being disbursed.

Eligibility Requirements:

• GPA: 2.5 or higher
• Rising sophomore and/or junior standing; students with at least 2 years remaining at Virginia Tech are eligible to apply

Deadline: April 15

Questions?

Email Dr. Anne Brown

Stakeholder Committee

• Dr. Isabel Bradburn, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
• Dr. Kiyah Duffey, The Fralin Life Sciences Institute
• Monica Hunter, Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program
• Dr. Shaila Mehra, Department of Sociology, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
• Keri Swaby, Office of Undergraduate Research
• Dr. Crasha Townsend, Office of Inclusion and Diversity

F.I.R.E. Starters Profiles