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The Morganton Science Department currently offers THREE avanced, year-long research programs, collectively called the "RSci" classes. These programs are open to juniors and are by application. The three programs are R-Bio, R-Chem and R-Phys.
The Morganton Science Department currently offers THREE avanced, year-long research programs, collectively called the "RSci" classes. These programs are open to juniors and are by application. The three programs are R-Bio, R-Chem and R-Phys.
CLASS of 2027: This is for YOU!
CLASS of 2027: This is for YOU!
Applications open September 16 @8am! DEADLINE: NOON Thurs, Sept 25
There will be 3 different RSci applications this year through Survey Monkey. You can apply to all 3 programs, but will only be selected for one.
DEADLINE: NOON Thurs, Sept 25
DEADLINE: NOON Thurs, Sept 25
See or email Ms. Williams with any questions!
DEADLINE: NOON Thurs, Sept 25
DEADLINE: NOON Thurs, Sept 25
See or email Dr. Grubbs with any questions!
DEADLINE: NOON Thurs, Sept 25
DEADLINE: NOON Thurs, Sept 25
See or email Mr. Happer with any questions!
RSci is a unique opportunity for students to BECOME scientists as they work to answer their own authentic scientific questions or solve important problems within and between scientific fields. Students will be supported by experienced science faculty facilitators in addition to external scientists as they
RSci is a unique opportunity for students to BECOME scientists as they work to answer their own authentic scientific questions or solve important problems within and between scientific fields. Students will be supported by experienced science faculty facilitators in addition to external scientists as they
(1) conduct a short guided-inquiry project during J-term in preparation for the year-long open-ended project
(1) conduct a short guided-inquiry project during J-term in preparation for the year-long open-ended project
(2) learn the tools and habits of mind of scientists during J-term, the spring and beyond
(2) learn the tools and habits of mind of scientists during J-term, the spring and beyond
(3) develop and secure approval for their research proposals during the spring
(3) develop and secure approval for their research proposals during the spring
(4) conduct their projects during J-term, Spring Semester, Fall Semester and three week summer session
(4) conduct their projects during J-term, Spring Semester, Fall Semester and three week summer session
(5) summarize and present their work during the fall of their senior year and beyond
(5) summarize and present their work during the fall of their senior year and beyond
RSci students will work in the biology, chemistry and physics research labs on the NCSSM-Morganton campus, but will also have the opportunity to extend beyond the campus to conduct relevant field work and connect with scientists to enhance their research.
RSci students will work in the biology, chemistry and physics research labs on the NCSSM-Morganton campus, but will also have the opportunity to extend beyond the campus to conduct relevant field work and connect with scientists to enhance their research.
Interest Meeting Schedule:
Interest Meeting Schedule:
Research in Biology (Williams), Research in Physics (Happer) and Research in Chemistry (Grubbs):
Research in Biology (Williams), Research in Physics (Happer) and Research in Chemistry (Grubbs):
Interest Fair: Wednesday, Sept. 17 @ 4-5:30pm (Academic Commons STAIRS)
Interest Fair: Wednesday, Sept. 17 @ 4-5:30pm (Academic Commons STAIRS)
Interest Meeting: Sept. 18 @3:10 pm (AC Room 2116)
Interest Meeting: Sept. 18 @3:10 pm (AC Room 2116)
Why do Research?
You benefit from doing a research project because:
You see how science applies to your own life and community.
You learn more about the process of science and what scientists do as you act as co-learners with teachers, scientists and other students.
You discover new careers in science.
You develop independence—no one is telling you exactly what to do or how to do it.
You learn how to break down a complex, long-term project into manageable pieces, develop a plan of action, and follow it through.
You learn how to communicate your results clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences.
You contribute to the bank of scientific knowledge with your findings.
You are more competitive as you apply for college and scholarships. The top colleges want students who can write as well as possess analytical skills, creativity and a multidisciplinary perspective. Most of all they want people with a capacity for continuous innovation. These are skills gained from conducting original research.
Your perspective will broaden. Doing a science project and participating in a competition can give you the opportunity to meet and spend time with others from around the world who have similar interests.
There are opportunities for significant scholarships, travel, monetary awards and other prizes when you enter competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the RSci program:
Q: Is previous research experience required in order to be successful in an RSci class ?
A: No, previous research experience is not required. We are looking for students who show evidence of the qualities needed for success in research. These qualities include resourcefulness, creativity, inquisitiveness, persistence, dependability, and scientific habits of thought. Some prior knowledge of the scientific discipline you want to pursue is also a desirable quality.
Q: Do I have to already have an idea for a research project in order to apply for an RSci class ?
A: Although having a specific idea for a research project is not required, one of the qualities of a successful scientist is the ability to generate creative ideas. We encourage all applicants to consider their personal scientific interests and goals and to use their application to share their ideas (even if not very specific yet) for research. We encourage applicants to keep an open mind about the process of developing research ideas as it is a significant part of the course itself. In fact, many RSci students arrive thinking they are interested in one area of research but end up discovering something equally exciting during the course of the class and instead research that new topic.
Q: What are some things I can do to help get ideas for possible research projects ?
A: Many good research projects begin with an idea generated from learning about previous research by others. You can browse current issues as well as archives for many scientific journals through the NCSSM library’s online collections - check out the Databases and EJournals tab at https://www.ncssm.edu/library. Ask an RSci instructor for examples of research projects done by previous students, or for specific journals that are appropriate for their discipline that you could browse. Talk with senior RSci students to find out how they got the ideas for their projects. Keep in mind that some research projects are not appropriate for our lab space (e.g., work with human blood, primate cells, carcinogens, etc).
Q: Can I apply to more than one RSci class ?
A: Yes, you can, but we strongly recommend that you take the time to find out about the classes that interest you the most, and put your best effort into completing the application for your top choice (or two). A successful application will demonstrate to the instructor that you are truly committed to pursuing research in that instructor’s discipline.
Q: I want to have a mentor who works at a university. Can I do this in an RSci class ?
A: In general, no. While RCompSci students usually connect with a university mentor, most RSci classes are designed to give students the opportunity to design and carry out their own research projects under the guidance of the RSci instructors. Students who desire to work with a university researcher should apply to the Mentorship program or SRIP.
Q: How do I know which research experience is the right fit for me?
A: One way to distinguish the research opportunities is by the time commitment and timing. RSci classes are a huge time commitment starting in January Term of your junior year and finishing in the Fall of your senior year. A smaller time commitment would be a Research Experience class during January Term or an *R* designated class (e.g. Computational Physics or Ecology) that includes a small research project within the course. Mentorship is a large time commitment that involves an off-campus mentor.
Q: How do I have a successful interview with an RSci teacher?
A: There are no right or wrong answers in an interview. It is important to be yourself, be authentic, listen to the questions from the interviewer, and engage in thoughtful conversation with the interviewer. Keep in mind also that not every applicant will get an interview. Some of the programs only interview top candidates.
Q: How do I know if I will be successful in an RSci class?
A: If your definition of success is that you will find the cure for cancer - well, you probably won’t be successful. However if your definition of success is that you will become a better scientist, that you will learn how to formally ask and answer scientific questions, and that you will learn your way around the scientific literature - well, then you are on the road to success!
Q: What if I don't get accepted, then what do I do?
A: The RSci program is just the first research opportunity available to juniors, and there are many more, including various research experience classes, Mentorship, the Summer Research and Innovation Program (SRIP), and research-based courses. You will learn about all of these programs at the junior meeting on September 19! The RSci classes typically get many applications for each of the programs, and the number of students accepted to each of the four programs is pretty low. Don't worry, if you want to do research at NCSSM, there are plenty of opportunities!
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