Swarts Lab

Mid-Michigan region community college chemistry outreach program

Since 2015, we have run an outreach program that promotes continued science education for community college students. This program seeks to identify students from nearby community colleges who have shown a strong interest in the sciences and provide them with opportunities for summer research and mentoring through CMU chemistry faculty and students. The objective is to foster students’ interest in science and ultimately help them transition to four-year institutions and careers in science.

We work with the Mid-Michigan Community College, Delta College, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, and Montcalm Community College (see map to the right). The program launched in the summer of 2015 under generous support from CMU's College of Science & Engineering and has continued since with funding from the National Science Foundation and the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation. This support includes a stipend for the summer and funding for research supplies.

The research experience includes comprehensive lab safety training, literature review, development of a research proposal, execution of a research project, working with peer mentors in the lab, and oral presentation of research results.

Contact Ben Swarts for more information.

Science study abroad in South Africa

The CMU–Stellenbosch study abroad program, started in 2014, provides a unique opportunity for CMU science majors to study abroad at Stellenbosch University, near Cape Town, South Africa. The program features opportunities to partake in research and community outreach while studying abroad.

Coursework: Currently, chemistry, biology, and geology students can participate. Students will typically take 2 courses contributing to major requirements, 1 course focused on South African history or culture, and 1 additional elective.

International Student Organization of Stellenbosch (ISOS): Students are encouraged to join ISOS to link up with a South African host student, attend social activities, visit sites of cultural and historical importance, and enjoy off-campus excursions organized by Stellenbosch.

Volunteer Community Engagement (VCE): Students can participate in outreach, developing a semester-long project to stimulate scientific learning in children from nearby communities.

Research: Students who are actively involved in research at CMU can capitalize on their experience and continue mentored undergraduate research in a new context.

Contact Ben Swarts and the Office of Study Abroad for more information.