New Jersey's Research Alliance for Inclusive STEM Education (NJ-RAISE)
New Jersey’s Research Alliance for Inclusive STEM Education (NJ-RAISE) is an externally (NSF) funded three-phase program designed to include and elevate research training for high school and undergraduate students via new multi-institution collaboration between local high schools, Kean University, and Princeton University. NJ-RAISE combines existing research programs with new experiences to create a transformative opportunity for students to participate and maintain continuity in research. In May of 2023, this new program, together with our commitment to supporting hands-on research education starting at a high school level, was officially recognized by the State of New Jersey. Please contact Founder and Director, Dr. Matthew G. Niepielko (mniepiel@kean.edu), for more information. NJ-RAISE encourages all students who are interested in hands-on research training to apply!
NJ-RAISE Provides:
1) Covers the cost of all reagents and equipment for lab activities
2) Stipends to support undergraduate independent research projects
3) 100% tuition to participate in Kean's High School GSSRP
4) $1,000 stipend for GSSRP participation
5) Travel reimbursement to present research at scientific conferences
6) Stipends for undergraduate Summer Research Experiences
How to Apply to Phase 1:
For Phase 1, High School Summer Research Experience, please apply to Kean's Group Summer Scholars Research Program (GSSRP). The application can be found HERE. Be sure to select the Niepielko Lab Research Stream entitled "Evolution and Developmental Biology" when completing the GSSRP application. Need-based financial support, such as tuition and stipends, may be available so all interested high school students are strongly encouraged to apply!
How to Apply to Phase 2:
Starting as a second semester undergraduate freshman, students can register for Dr. Niepielko's BIO 3900 Research Experiences In Biology course which runs only during the spring semester. Upon completion of BIO 3900, student may register for Dr. Niepielko's STME 3903, Advanced Research Experiences. Spots are extremely limited in course-based undergraduate research experiences and all students who are interested in participating are encouraged to register for these courses as soon as possible. Of note, completing Phase 1 is not a requirement to register for Phase 2. After completing BIO 3900 and STME 3903, students can register for independent studies in the Niepielko Lab to continue research by registering for STME 4903. Stipends are available for independent study students based on their time availability in the lab.
How to Apply to Phase 3:
Students who complete Phase 2 have the opportunity to apply to a destination research experience at Princeton University in the Department of Molecular Biology. Spots are extremely limited, and students who are interested in this opportunity should email Dr. Niepielko a Resume and Personal Statement that focuses on how Phase 3 will support and advance their future graduate school and/or career goals by April 1. Decisions will be made by May 1.
For questions regarding NJ-RAISE, please contact Dr. Matthew G. Niepielko, mniepiel@kean.edu