What is ASTER LSAMP?
The Aligning STEM Trainees for Enterprising Research (ASTER) program is designed to broaden undergraduate research participation and grow and diversify the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce. The program provides academic support resources and enriching research and internship opportunities to strengthen students’ pathways to transfer and successful graduation at participating colleges and universities in Nebraska and Kansas.
Supported by a National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation grant, the ASTER program hosts an annual conference and virtual professional development events to build community among student researchers and faculty across our alliance of universities in Nebraska and Kansas, including University of Kansas, Pittsburg State University, Johnson County Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College, and Southeast Community College- Lincoln.
LSAMP priorities include increasing student engagement, retention, persistence, and degree completion; enabling transfer from two to four-year institutions in STEM programs; and increasing access to high-quality STEM mentoring and undergraduate research and and internship experiences.
Learning Objectives
University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduate participants in the ASTER LSAMP program will:
- Use support resources, such as advising, study groups, and peer mentors, to achieve academic success and stay on track for graduation.
- Develop knowledge of how research is conducted and how researchers work together to achieve project goals.
- Engage in research in a STEM field, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and may engage in summer internships in STEM-related fields.
- Communicate research experiences and findings with an audience, including multi-campus conference presentations.
- Build effective relationships with peers, mentors, and advisors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and institutions participating in the ASTER alliance.
- Deepen knowledge of STEM career paths and/or graduate study options.
Benefits
The ASTER LSAMP is a comprehensive, long-term scholar development program that includes:
- Paid* undergraduate research experiences
- Mentoring from peers and faculty
- Monthly skill-building workshops
- Access to paid summer internship opportunities in STEM-related fields
- Presentation and networking opportunities (annual research symposia)
- Enhanced social connection and belongingness in the research community
Selected participants may be eligible for multiple years of support. Advanced students may also have the opportunity to become ASTER LSAMP peer mentors!
*Selected participants will receive academic year stipends of $2,000 for < 60-hour students and $2,500 for > 60-hour students. If a student's participation dates are shorter than the full academic term, stipend payments will be prorated.
Eligibility
ASTER LSAMP participants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Enrolled, full-time, degree-seeking UNL undergraduate students;
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents;
- Pursuing a bachelor’s (B.S.) degree in a STEM field;
- Committed to academic success;
- Strong interest in participating in undergraduate research and enhancing learning through interactions with the LSAMP Alliance network.
ASTER LSAMP participants must maintain a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average for all semesters of participation. Moreover, they must commit to attending ASTER LSAMP programming, including monthly professional development workshops, undergraduate research activities, and an annual conference, for the duration of their participation.
Preference will be given to applicants who are not receiving a stipend or wages from another undergraduate research program (e.g. UCARE, IANR ARD, etc.) during the academic year of LSAMP participation.
Apply
The online application will launch in early September 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the first (2024-25) cohort is filled.
Application Components
Applicant Information
Applicants will need:
- Student First and Last Name
- Student (@Huskers) email address
- Institution (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
- Your NUID number
- Credit hours have you earned to date
- Degree are you currently pursuing
- List of all disciplines for majors and minors
- Anticipated graduation term (semester and year)
- Your research area(s) of interest in STEM
Students who already have a research mentor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln can also enter the mentor's contact information (name and email address). If you do not have a mentor, it will not affect your eligibility for the LSAMP program.
Short Answer Questions
Applicants will also write brief responses to the following short answer questions:
- The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program is designed to help diversify the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce. LSAMP priorities include increasing student engagement, retention, and degree completion; enabling transfer from two-year to four-year institutions in STEM programs; and increasing access to high-quality STEM mentoring and undergraduate research experiences. In ~300 words, please explain your reasons for choosing to study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and for majoring in a STEM field.
- In 3-5 sentences, why do you want to participate in LSAMP? How do you see LSAMP's priorities and resources aligning with your educational and career goals?
- In 3-5 sentences, describe an experience where you demonstrated or acquired personal strengths that would benefit a research team.
- Please provide any additional information you believe is important for us to consider in reviewing your application to the LSAMP program.
Questions? Email us at ucare@unl.edu or call Kali Patterson, Project Coordinator and primary UCARE advisor, at (402) 472-6023.