STEP^MT » STEP-IN

Summer Undergraduate Research in Industry

Overview

The goal of the STEP^MT summer experiences with Industrial problems (STEP-IN program) is to expose students to the practice of STEM fields in the commercial sector. Students are involved in solving problems arising in industrial settings. This experience can take place through a wide variety of mechanisms, but in each variation, it is the intent that MTSU builds up good relationships with local and regional industry and bolsters its reputation for providing a quality high tech workforce. The preferred option is for MTSU faculty to develop or utilize existing partnerships with industry. However, the STEP^MT team does have some established relationships with industry that may be available to faculty mentors.

In order for the summer undergraduate research in industry program (STEP-IN) to benefit both students and industrial partners, the research projects must be:

• research-oriented, not simply quality control or random tasks
  
• structured enough that results can be obtained in 8 weeks
  
• funded such that the student will be financially independent while working
  
• mentored so that the student keeps on track and a deliverable is provided to the industry

Industry Projects Conducted at MTSU Faculty and industry representatives choose a commercially relevant problem of appropriate scope and difficulty. An experienced student, chosen from a pool of STEP-IN student applications and/or recommended by the faculty member, works on solving the problem. In this situation the student and faculty member will primarily do the work at MTSU. In some cases they may be required to visit and/or work at the company location for a brief period of time. The faculty member will be the primary mentor for the student and will be directly responsible for the student's daily activities. The faculty member receives $2500 for fulfilling his/her role and the student earns $4000 (1/2 paid by the company) for full-time work over an 8-week period, approximately 300 hours.

 

Student Placement in Industry In this option, the industry partner chooses the problem, hosts, and mentors the student for the summer. Experienced students, chosen from a pool of STEP-IN student applications and/or recommended by the faculty member, are placed in paid summer research positions in industry for a full-time, 8-week period with matching support from STEPMT. They are mentored by an industry employee who is responsible for the student's daily activities. The MTSU faculty member acts as a secondary mentor for the student and monitors his/her progress by communicating with the student on a regular basis as required by the project. The faculty stipend is $1,000. The student earns $4000 (1/2 from company) for full-time work over the 8-week period.

Faculty project proposals are to be submitted online at our secure website: https://collbas.mtsu.edu/stepmt/. First-time users of the system will be required to setup an account by using the "Create a New Account" link just above the login form. You will be required to enter some personal and demographic information. This process is automatic and self-explanatory. Once you are logged into the STEP^MT database you may select the "Submit a Proposal" link in the "STEP-IN Projects..." section of the main menu. After you have entered your proposal, you may return at any time to review and/or edit the information.

The project proposal (1-2 pages) should include:

• Introduction to the problem, including roles of the student, faculty, and industry mentor;
• Brief description of any prior collaborative efforts;
• Deliverables;
• Milestones and timeline for project.

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Student Information

Good academic preparation is important for a successful research experience (GPA = 3.0), and previous research experience is desirable. You will have two mentors on the project: a representative from industry and one from your department. This includes guidance in background reading and preparation, instruction in techniques necessary to carry out the project, conversations about overcoming challenges, and feedback about results obtained.

Since the experience is intended to be a positive one that promotes learning and scientific maturation, a liaison from the STEP^MT team will communicate with you and both mentors at regular intervals during the 8-week period. You will be required to turn in a brief report and complete a survey about your experience. If you still have questions after reading this material, please feel free to contact Dr. Andrienne Friedli by phone (615-898-2071) or email (afriedli@mtsu.edu).

Details on the application procedures can be found in the application section.

For some insight into the types of positions that may be offered you may view the Summer 2005 positions.

Industry Information

The student participants will be hand-picked by professors in their respective departments and screened by the STEP^MT project management team. Companies will have an opportunity to interview applicants before agreeing to support and mentor them.

Although the students will be well prepared academically for a research experience, their independence and specific skill sets will vary. Therefore a representative from industry will need to mentor the student for the duration of the project. This includes guidance in background reading and preparation, instruction in techniques necessary to carry out the project, conversations about overcoming challenges, and feedback about results obtained. A faculty member from the student's academic department will help to co-mentor the student by communicating at regular intervals during the 8-week period and offering help if needed.

Since the experience is intended to be a positive one that promotes learning and scientific maturation, a liaison from the STEP^MT team will communicate with both student and industry mentors about the initial project plan, as well as monitor progress and problems A follow-up interview with all parties will help to gauge the success of the project and provide information for the continuous strengthening of the partnership.

If your company would like to participate in the STEP-IN program, please feel free to contact Dr. Andrienne Friedli by phone (898-2071) or email (afriedli@mtsu.edu). Project descriptions may be filed online (coming soon) or downloaded in the application section.

Student & Industry Applications

Student Application Process

• View the current projects and complete the online application.
  
  
• Provide the following items to the STEP^MT Committee within 1 week of completing the online applications:
  • a complete and formal resume' (the CBAS Career Placement Coordinator is available to assist MT students in this area)
  • a copy of all transcripts from colleges or universities you are attending or have attended
  • a sealed letter of reference from someone who can appraise your work ethic, character, ability, experience, and/or other personal qualities

The above items should be received by the STEP-IN program within one week of completing the online application. They may be delivered in person to the office of the Dean of the College of Basic & Applied Sciences in Jones Hall 159 or mailed to:

STEPMT Program c/o Andrienne Friedli MTSU Box X076 Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Questions about specific positions or the program in general should be sent to Dr. Andrienne Friedli at afriedli@mtsu.edu

Industry Application Process

In the near future companies will be able to submit a summer research position for consideration online. Until that time, descriptions may be submitted by downloading and completing the Industry Project Description Form (right click the link and select 'Save Target As...' on the menu). Email the complete form to stepmt@mtsu.edu or fax it to 898-2615, Att.: Brad Rudnik (STEP-IN). To view some of the previous positions that have been offered through the STEP-IN program, please visit the Summer 2005 Positions page.