Undergraduate Research: A Model For Preparing Students For Graduate SMET Education

Abstract

The development and training of competitive Science,Math, Engineering, and Technology (SMET) students in the new millennium must focus on an undergraduate curriculum that can provide a strong balance of technical background, professional development, and research experience. An undergraduate curriculum that is geared towards a balanced science and engineering education and research is becoming increasingly difficult to establish due to the dynamic changes in technology. In this paper, we postulate that the development of successful science, math, and engineering research professionals is dependent on the influence of several variables, which include: career orientation, technical background, academic and social support, and research experience. The proposed model is based on the ongoing SMET undergraduate research experience at The University of Akron. The proposed model is not intended to serve as an elaborate theory, but as a general guide in training undergraduate students in SMET research.