Carroll Community College’s Sciences and Mathematics Academic Research Team (SMART) offers a collaborative, hands-on undergraduate research experience working on a chemistry and engineering project. The research experience is provided through two credit courses:

• CHEM-261 Elective Undergraduate Research Lab
• ENGR-261 Elective Undergraduate Research Lab

The SMART Scholars program allows for independent learning through “hybrid” courses that combine online and on-campus learning, plus teamwork with other students. Student teamwork focuses on skills that are necessary for scientific inquiry such as reviewing scientific literature, writing article summaries, communicating effectively in team meetings, and conducting hands-on research experiments and projects.

As a SMART Scholar, students have opportunities to interact with professionals in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields, participate in professional development workshops, and share their expertise through a service-learning project.

A recognition ceremony is held at the end of each term for SMART Scholars to share their research findings and experiences and celebrate their accomplishments.

To become a SMART Scholar, students need to be enrolled at Carroll, submit a completed SMART Scholars application (available at carrollcc.edu/smart), and meet the following three requirements:

• Completion of at least one term at Carroll Community College;
• Completion of at least one college-level engineering, mathematics or chemistry course at Carroll, with a grade B or higher; and
• A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

?Benefits of being a SMART Scholar

?1. Independent study: The undergraduate research lab courses are independent study. A supervising faculty member mentors students and advises them on their roles in the project.

2. Collaborative projects: Students work together on a chemistry and engineering project. A faculty mentor is assigned to each team throughout their project.

3. Reinforcement of science concepts learned in other classes: The concepts students have learned in other STEM courses are utilized in the research.

4. Guest Speakers’ Series and networking: Opportunities are available to speak and network with STEM professionals to learn valuable career advice and explore internship openings. The professionals include, but are not limited to, faculty from four-year institutions and STEM industry experts.

5. Student professional development: Career development workshops are offered, tailored to STEM fields.

6. Resumé enhancement: Research experience shines on resumés when compared to those who have simply taken required classes.

7. Undergraduate Research Symposium: Students build presentation skills by presenting research findings to family, friends, and select faculty and staff.

8. Recognition: Students receive a certificate and a letter of recognition upon successful completion.

9. Strong recommendation letters: Recommendation letters by supervising faculty mentors can reflect well on a student’s abilities to work independently and as part of a team, and on their rigor, skills, and aptitude for moving into a STEM career.

10. Clearer career goals: By engaging in a hands-on scientific inquiry process, students are better able to determine their career goals.

Students interested in becoming SMART Scholars should contact Dr. Raza Khan in the Department of Sciences or Maria Burness, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Engineering.

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