EXPRESS

The University of Missouri-Columbia, MU, is the largest and oldest of the state's public research institutions. MU's primary mission in research and advanced education provides enhanced opportunities for undergraduate students to become involved in the creation, transmission, and preservation of knowledge that is the hallmark of a university education.

The EXPRESS Program (Exposure to Research for Science Students) is a specially designed program for freshmen and sophomores at MU who are from ethnic groups that are “underrepresented” in the sciences. This includes students who identify themselves as African American, Hispanic, Native American/Alaskan Native or Pacific Islander. This program has recieved prior funding from a grant from the National Institutes of Health to encourage underrepresented minority students to pursue a career in biomedical research.

Download the EXPRESS brochure (PDF 130K)

Benefits of EXPRESS

• A part-time, on-campus job in a science laboratory learning lab skills and experimental procedures
• An opportunity to participate in exciting research projects
• Mentoring from faculty, graduate students, and other lab team members
• An opportunity to meet other minority students interested in science research
• Workshops on preparing for graduate school and medical school, special opportunities, resources for science majors, and study tips for science courses
• Individual advising with peer mentors, faculty mentors, and program staff
• An opportunity to identify academic and career interests
• An experience that will help you enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills needed for success in science courses

Are you…

• excited about attending a world-class research university?
• planning a career in science?
• interested in learning about biomedical research?
• looking for great recommendation letters for graduate school?
• considering an honors research project?
• looking for a part-time job in your major?
• looking for faculty and peer mentors?
• wanting to meet other minority science majors?
• wondering how to top your academic accomplishments in high school?
• determined to get off to a great start at MU?

Then consider applying for the EXPRESS program!

Program Information

What is EXPRESS?

The EXPRESS Program provides MU freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students an opportunity to work in a faculty research lab as underclassmen. Students receive an hourly wage for their work, acquire a faculty mentor, learn valuable laboratory skills, become involved in cutting-edge research, and participate in a variety of supplemental activities. At MU, students can take advantage of the institution's world-class reputation by participating in exciting and ground-breaking science. As an EXPRESS student, you'll have the opportunity of beginning your research involvement as a freshman or sophomore!

EXPRESS students typically work 8-12 hours/week during the semester at $6.65–$6.75/hour. Work schedules are arranged around class schedules. EXPRESS students perform a variety of duties appropriate to their laboratory as they assist with experiments. Many former EXPRESS students have continued their work in their research lab beyond their freshman year, participating in research internship programs or honors research projects.

Students are required to attend meetings every Wednesday from
4–5 p.m. in 121 Bond Life Sciences Center during both semesters.

Work Study Students

If you have work-study funding you will be able to use those funds to work in a laboratory in the EXPRESS Program. You should NOT secure another job through work-study prior to Fall semester.

Student FAQs about the EXPRESS Program for Students

How many hours do I have to work?

The number of hours in your lab is up to you and your mentor. Typically, it is around 8-12 hours per week. You will arrange your schedule with your mentor around your classes and the needs of your lab.

Can I work on weekends or in the evening?

Probably NOT. Most research labs are only regularly staffed during regular business hours. Although many faculty and graduate students work well into the night, their after-hours schedules are generally sporadic. Many labs do NOT want to have unsupervised students working in the lab alone. You will need to find time in your schedule to work during the week, and save your evenings and weekends for studying. (Note: SOME labs DO want students to in on weekends to feed animals, etc. So do ask!)

When and where are timesheets due?

You must submit your timesheets to Chrystal Graves in 150 Life Sciences Center, no later than 10 a.m. on the designated Monday of the completed pay period. You may fax your timesheet, but you must still turn in the original to Chrystal. Make sure that you and your faculty mentor have signed your timesheet. More information about timesheets and pay periods can be found in your orientation folder. You will be paid every TWO weeks, provided that you turn your signed timesheet in on time.

How soon can I start working?

As soon as a faculty member agrees to have you in his/her lab, and you agree to it. You must first sign a contact (in your folder) and turn it in to Chrystal Graves in 150 Life Sciences Center ASAP. If it is going to take you more than 24 hours to turn it in, please call Chrystal Graves at 882-5979 and let her know you have accepted a position. Generally, you won't start working until after Sept. 20, 2007. You must also have ALL your payroll forms completed and turned in BEFORE beginning work.

What if I can't attend group meetings?

If you cannot attend a meeting, make sure to notify your peer mentor or Chrystal Graves in advance. It should be noted that Wednesday night group meetings are MANDATORY and only reasonable absences (sickness, death in the family, etc.) will be excused. Other clubs or studying for tests are NOT acceptable excuses. Chronic absences are grounds for removal from the program.

How do I make an appointment with my peer mentor?

Please e-mail your peer mentor to set up an appointment time, make an appointment with them after group meetings, or visit with them during their office hours in 150 Life Sciences Center.

How do I get feedback from my faculty mentor or supervisor?

Talk to your faculty advisor about setting up regular meetings (maybe biweekly, maybe monthly) to discuss your work in the lab. These meetings should help you understand your mentor's expectations and how to improve your skills.

What if I have other questions?

Your peer mentor is an excellent source of information. They can direct you to campus resources. If you have other questions, talk to your peer mentor, she will be happy to help you. You may also schedule an appointment with Chrystal Graves.

What should I wear to the lab?

The dress codes in labs are very casual. You may even see your faculty mentor wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Don't wear good clothes, because you may spill something on them. Some labs will ask you to wear slacks and closed-toed shoes (no sandals) for safety reasons. You may also need to wear a lab coat and/or safety glasses. You should ask on your first day of work about what kind of clothing you will need to wear for safety reasons.

Is it better to work in a big lab (more than 10 people) or a small lab (fewer than 5 people)?

Labs of ALL sizes are good. You need to determine how much attention you want to get in the lab, and who you will be working directly with. You can have a great experience working in a large lab, working directly with a senior graduate student. On the other end of the spectrum, working in a small lab with just you, the faculty mentor, and on or two other people can also be rewarding. Additionally, you can learn about a lot more than science in your lab. Many labs have international scholars and graduate students working in them — a true experience in international cultures.

If I am accepted, how do I find a lab to work in?

Program staff will help you to contact potential faculty mentors who have agreed to participate in the EXPRESS program. You should have located a faculty mentor by September 6th, and can begin work immediately. Over 30 faculty from a variety of departments have volunteered to serve as mentors.

How much time will it take?

EXPRESS students work 8-12 hours/week in their research laboratory. In addition, participants attend workshops and meet individually with their peer mentor. The workshops/meetings are held every Wednesday from 4–5 pm. EXPRESS participants must include these mandatory workshops in their personal schedules.

Which research labs participate?

Faculty conducting research in the life sciences at MU are found in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (agronomy, animal sciences, biochemistry, entomology, fisheries & wildlife, forestry, food science & human nutrition, horticulture, plant pathology, soil sciences), the College of Arts & Science (biological sciences, chemistry, physics), the College of Veterinary Medicine (biomedical sciences, medicine & surgery, pathobiology) and the School of Medicine (anesthesiology, biochemistry, molecular microbiology & immunology, ophthalmology, pathology & anatomical sciences, pharmacology, physiology).

Who can apply for EXPRESS?

All first-year and second-year MU students and transfer students who intend to major in a life science discipline or seek a career in a life science field, and are from ethnic or racial groups that are “underrepresented” in the sciences are eligible to apply. This includes students who identify themselves as African American, Hispanic, Native American/Alaskan Native, or Pacific Islander (Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Marianas, Palau, Micronesia, Melanesia, or the Philippines). Students must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents of the US.

Application

How do I apply?

Download an EXPRESS application here (PDF, 80K), complete the short essays, and return application to 150 Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia, MO 65211-7310.

Review of applications will begin Monday, July 9, 2007, with notification of acceptance being sent immediately to your MU e-mail addresses. Applications will continue to be accepted on a space-available basis. Students may be asked in for an interview, prior to formal acceptance.

If I am accepted, how do I find a lab to work in?

Program staff will help you to contact potential faculty mentors who have agreed to participate in the EXPRESS program. You should have located a faculty mentor by September 20, 2007, and can begin work immediately! Over 30 faculty from a variety of departments have volunteered to serve as mentors.