Scientific research is a passion for many professionals, professors and graduate students. Increasingly, though, undergraduate students are getting in on the action. And that includes community college students. Vol State has several active research programs. The classes involved in research at Vol State cover a wide variety of science fields including biology, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology. As the program evolves, opportunities will develop in the fields of physics, engineering, geology, astronomy and mathematics.
It starts with students learning basic lab skills and continues with hands-on applications for research projects. Those skills can give Vol State students an important leg-up when it comes to research at the university level. It also allows students to gain a new perspective on science fields, and that can help students develop new career paths. Job growth in the STEM areas (science, technology, engineering and math) is projected to far outpace the number of professionals with the needed skills. That makes STEM students, with the proper education and skills, in high demand when they enter the job market.
Vol State is leading an effort to create a pipeline of students in science research; from high school programs, to Vol State, and then to university. A number of area universities are actively looking for Vol State students to enter their university in STEM fields. The pipeline can also lead to partnerships with area bio-tech firms for internships.
How can you get involved in scientific research at Vol State? Email Joseph Dolan at joseph.dolan@volstate.edu.
