Dennis ArpThanks to a grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, four Chapman University faculty members are preparing to launch a new program to help first- and second-year students land STEM internships or research opportunities that promote career development.
The SPIRE program – sustaining and promoting internships and research experiences in underrepresented groups in science and engineering – is a joint project of faculty members Jeremy Hsu (Schmid College of Science and Technology), Amy Moors (Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences), Desiree Forsythe (Fowler School of Engineering and Schmid) and Elizabeth Stevens (Fowler Engineering).
Funded by a grant of just less than $50,000, the program will target 25 students from traditionally underrepresented groups, including students of color, first-generation college students, veterans, transfer students and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Starting this fall, the students will be provided structured opportunities to explore STEM careers by participating in internships or research experiences at companies or laboratories.
