For the first time, the Munroe-Meyer Institute has become a site for the UNMC Summer Undergraduate Research Program, offering a collection of students research experience across the different fields and labs at MMI.
This year, six students will be a part of 10-week intensive research experience.
"This summer program is an important component of MMI’s expanding research program," said Jenni Blackford, PhD, director of research for MMI. "With this immersive research experience, we are inspiring and training the future scientists in our field. Students also make critical contributions to our research with their curiosity, enthusiasm and skills.
"This is a win-win, and I look forward to watching our program continue to grow."
The program will give MMI an opportunity to inspire future researchers through exposure to research in children and neurodevelopmental disorders, said Katelyn Kelley, clinical study coordinator for MMI and coordinator of MMI SURP program.
Students will work closely with faculty in the severe behavior department, pediatric feeding department, emotional neuroscience research lab, virtual reality research lab and the integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Kelley said the students will be fully immersed in an MMI lab, learning and assisting in research projects. They will have weekly presentations at the UNMC campus with speakers including Dr. Blackford.
MMI will hold weekly meetings for the students to learn the rules and principles of good research, Kelley said. At the end of the program, she said, each student will present a research poster for the SURP program.
Said Dr. Blackford, "We were so impressed with the applicants for our inaugural class of students — they are truly the best of the best. We are excited to have these talented undergraduate students at MMI."
The students are:
- Toluwa Davies, from Omaha, who attends the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is interested in gaining experience in biomechanical research and learning about how innovative video game design can help people.
- Chethana Deeduvanu, from Omaha, who attends Washington University in St. Louis, with educational interests in the intersection between psychology and medicine.
- Margaret (Maggie) Kramer, from Omaha, who is a sophomore at Saint Louis University and is interested in patient care, particularly that of children, and how research can aid in supporting their treatment and recovery.
- Katelyn Malick, from Omaha, who is a sophomore at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry and psychology and is interested in the pediatric medical field.
- Jessica Stump, originally from Bakersfield, California, who is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying psychology, with research interests in adolescent anxiety.
- Carter Welch, from Bloomer, Wisconsin, who is a junior attending Midland University and studying for a double major in psychology and sociology, with an interest in cognitive functioning pertaining to the motivation of positive and negative behaviors in children.