The First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) program is specifically for first-year Honors College students. Through this program, Honors students will be mentored in a semester-long research project at OU or OU Health Sciences to gain basic research experience while concurrently earning Honors elective credit. All majors are eligible, although you may be placed with a research project outside your major. In addition to the research project, students participate in a seminar that imparts research and presentation skills, opportunities for future funding, and perspectives on a variety of career paths. Former FYRE students also visit regularly to share their experiences and the opportunities they acquired through FYRE. The semester-long research experience culminates in a celebratory professional poster session in which students explain their projects to peers and other visitors.
Fall 2024 student applications are due Friday, October 11.
Deadline to apply will be Tuesday, October 15.
FYRE Research Catalog 2024-25 (pdf)
FYRE Co-Director
Education:
Ph.D., Entomology, Texas A&M University
M.S. Biology, California State Polytechnic State University
B.S. Biology, University of California at Riverside, San Luis Obispo
E-mail: Heather.R.Ketchum-1@ou.edu
FYRE Co-Director
Education:
Ph.D., Mathematics, New Mexico State University
M.S. Mathematics, New Mexico State University
B.S. Mathematics, Ball State University
E-mail: savic@ou.edu
Faculty mentors will complete a survey providing information on their intent to mentor FYRE students, the number of mentees, and a summary of their research (no more than 250 words). The summary will be provided to prospective FYRE students. First-year Honors students interested in FYRE submit an application designed to match their research interests with prospective faculty mentors. After a successful interview with the faculty member, the students are officially accepted into the program.
FYRE students are expected to spend 6-10 hours per week on research-related work during the Spring semester. For laboratory projects, we aim to place at least two FYRE students in each research group to ensure a peer-learning group is present. Typically, the FYRE students are trained by one laboratory mentor in tandem for the first several weeks of the semester, at which time the FYRE students start working more independently on related but different project(s). Participants are also required to enroll in HON 2970. This 3-credit hour course meets once a week for the majority of the semester, and attendance is mandatory. This course meeting allows for the FYRE students to form an undergraduate research community, while being exposed to topics relevant to their academic development. Course topics include: professional communication, time management, weekly research logs, panel discussions by FYRE alumni, searching library databases, the Zotero bibliographic tool, creating a research poster, elevator speeches on the research topic, and information about future research opportunities, fellowships, internships, and awards. Students will have ample opportunities to discuss their research in groups, get peer feedback on their posters, and practice presenting their posters to peers and instructors. The semester will end with a FYRE Poster Symposium Event with a catered dinner. Each participant prepares and presents a poster describing their semester-long research. Students, faculty, research mentors, and guests are invited.
Fall semester:
o Complete the survey to indicate your interest, intent, requested number of FYRE students, and description of your research.
o Meet with prospective FYRE students by the deadline in the fall semester to determine if they are a good match for your laboratory or project. Confirm with FYRE Co-Directors that you are willing to mentor the student(s).
Spring semester:
o Provide a safe, constructive, instructive, relevant and immersive experience in research for the FYRE students.
o Engage FYRE students in research (and lab meetings when applicable) 6-10 hours each week during the spring semester
o Explain the research expectations and goals for the project and participant. Will students be assisting a graduate student, working with another undergraduate, or conducting their own research project?
o Instruct students on lab safety training programs or other trainings that may be required.
o Provide participants with scheduled days/times to be in attendance in the lab and to meet with the mentor.
o Provide guidance and support for students as they create their poster for the FYRE Poster Symposium.
o If possible, attend FYRE Poster Symposium, typically scheduled the week before final exams.
Fall semester:
o Review the mentor project descriptions.
o Complete the application for the FYRE program.
o Meet with prospective mentor to determine if you are interested in being part of the mentor’s research lab or project.
o Before committing to FYRE, be sure your spring schedule will allow you 6-10 hours of research experience. Ensure that your availability will work for the intended research project and your mentor’s schedule as well.
Spring semester:
o Enroll in HON 2970. Make sure your schedule permits you to attend each class period for the entire duration of the class period.
o Complete required lab training for your mentor’s lab, or other trainings required for a project.
o Professionally communicate with your mentor.
o Complete 6-10 hours of research per week.
o Complete course assignments as requested.
o Prepare and present research poster at the FYRE Poster Symposium, typically scheduled during the week before final exams.
