NJCSTM Research First Initiative
New Jersey Center for Science, Technology & Mathematics Research First Initiative
The RFI is an innovative elective curriculum that allows undergraduate students to engage in authentic scientific research under the mentorship of a faculty research scientist. Enrollment in the RFI is open to qualified students from the NJ Center for Science, Technology & Mathematics (NJCSTM) and the Hennings College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics, including the School of Environmental & Sustainability Sciences (SESS).
The program is designed to promote student interest in scientific research and encourage students to pursue careers in STEM. Students enrolled in the RFI become part of a faculty member’s research team working on real world problems alongside their peers. In so doing, students experience the thrill of discovery and problem solving in science not through standard classroom lectures but by actively applying the fundamental scientific principles found in textbooks.
The ability of students to successfully conduct authentic scientific research builds individual confidence and identity. RFI students gain valuable work experience and the possibility of presenting their findings at scientific symposia or publishing in a scientific journal. Throughout their undergraduate research experience, RFI participants develop and perfect vital career skills in Critical Thinking, Translational Science, Quantitative Literacy, Information & Technology Literacy, and Communication Literacy. Students who complete the RFI requirements will be awarded either a Distinction in Research or Honors Distinction in Research designation upon graduation.
RFI is a research-mentoring program designed to train undergraduate students and improve learning through research in the STEM fields.
Requirements:
- Overall GPA of 3.0 with a 3.25 with 3.25 GPA in Science & Mathematics
- Proficiency in Mathematics
- AP Science & Math courses or High School research experience desirable
Enrollment in RFI Research Streams (STME 2903 & STME 3903) & Independent Research Options (STME 4901, 4902 & 4903) is by Petition.
- Students petitioning to enroll in an RFI research stream must interview with the Faculty Stream Leader, obtain approval of their advisor and / or the RFI Admissions Committee
- Hennings students must submit the Hennings Student Approval Form signed by their advisor and executive director.
- Exceptions subject to Instructor’s & Dean’s approval
Pre-requisites for advanced RFI Research streams for Non-STME Majors
- High School Advanced Placement course(s) in field related to RFI research stream or research experience. i.e.,Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Computer Sciences or Mathematics (Calculus)
- Science club, NJCSTM Group Summer Scholars Research Program (GSSRP), Research camp or HS/College science project
Pre-Requisite Undergraduate courses may be required for entry into advanced Research streams such as Chemistry, Bioinformatics or Astrophysics. Faculty determine Pre-requisite course(s) for their research stream.
RFI Tracks
Those students interested in conducting authentic scientific research may elect to pursue either (i) the basic RFI Certificate Track or (ii) the RFI Honors Track. Students should select their RFI track, in conjunction with their advisor, upon entry into their junior year. Upon completion of the track’s requirements the selected honors designation will be awarded to students at graduation. Students from other colleges at Kean University may participate in the RFI with approval of their advisor and the RFI Admissions Committee.
Distinction in Research Track (Basic RFI Certificate Track) requirements:
- STME*1903 Research Methods
- GE*2024 Research & Technology
- STME*2903 Research Experience-RFI
- STME*3903 Advanced Research Experience-RFI Students must have completed a Poster Presentation at STEM Research Days
Honors Distinction in Research Track (RFI Honors Track) requirements:
- STME*1903 Research Methods
- GE*2024 Research & Technology
- STME*2903 Research Experience-RFI
- STME*3903 Advanced Research Experience-RFI Students must have completed a Poster Presentation at STEM Research Days
- STEM*4901, STEM*4902, STEM*4903 Independent Research (3-6 credits) Students must have completed a Presentation at STEM & Kean Research Days and a Research Summary Paper during the Senior Year Capstone Course (STME*4610)
**All courses must be completed with a grade "of B+" or above. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the Dean