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Biological Sciences Scholars More Than Pizza and Parties
Think of typical college freshmen and you are more likely to think of pizza and parties than books and academic drive, but a new group of Ohio State students is challenging that stereotype. The Biological Sciences Scholars is a group of 50 high-achieving freshman who live and work together, focused on research in the biological sciences. These students are part of a university-wide Scholars Program that creates communities of intensive learning; other Scholars groups meet the needs of students interested in the humanities and other disciplines. The Biological Sciences Scholars Program was initiated this fall. Biological Sciences Associate Dean Caroline Breitenberger helped get the Scholars Program rolling. "The Program is directed toward high-achieving students who would be served by a focused academic program," says Breitenberger. One of the Program's main goals is to prepare students for undergraduate research opportunities. Breitenberger says, "We want to get them thinking about how scientists find questions of importance. What kind of training will they need, what technology, so they can start thinking about where they want to go in their undergraduate research experiences." Scholars live together in a residence hall, forming a learning community. "One of the biggest advantages for the students is the 'living-learning' environment in Morrill Tower. Students are taking similar courses and collaborate on homework assignments and studying," says David Wells, academic advisor for the Biological Sciences Scholars. Short courses and seminars will also be offered to the students. "As freshmen, they will be exposed to scientists from both on and off campus to discuss their interests and concerns. To some extent, scientific research is like language. You have to learn the thought patterns, the grammar of everything that is inherent to that language," relates Breitenberger. Even with this strong academic focus, the community atmosphere of the Scholars reaches beyond science. "Activities are not necessarily academic and may include anything from attending a hockey game to participating in a community service event," according to Wells. The Scholars Program seeks to meet the needs of individual students while encouraging interest in the biological sciences in general. "For us, a main purpose is to get students involved in the biological sciences," says Breitenberger. "Science is a community endeavor. You just don't do research in isolation. So if we can start students, as freshman, thinking about where they fit into this community of science, it benefits us all." Freshman Scholar Jon Spuhler agrees, "The Biological Sciences Freshman Scholars Program is a great opportunity for me. I especially enjoy being able to live and study with a group of people who share similar interests...it's fun and rewarding." -Erin Umberger |
College of Biological Sciences
