MIE Research Symposia

Mission

NSF/UMET/MIE is dedicated to transforming Universidad Metropolitana into a nationally recognized undergraduate research institution, and a model in science, mathematics, pre-engineering and technology. Mentoring undergraduates and Pre-Colleges by research faculty is the cornerstone of the MIE Project. We believe that creative research is one of the best ways to prepare students to become persistent and successful in graduate school and in their professional careers.

Executive Summary

NSF/UMET/MIE is entering its sixth year of an eleven-year cooperative agreement between the National Science Foundation and UMET. The primary goal of the cooperative agreement is to increase the number of BS degrees granted to underrepresented students in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) majors at Universidad Metropolitana. The MIE Project at UMET offers a wide range of academic opportunities to science students from the Department of Science and Technology. Scholarships for underrepresented and low-income students are a major incentive for first-generation university students who enter the fields of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.

To increase the number of BS degrees and transfers to graduate school, we have put in place an undergraduate research program with a pre-college component for research activities at the high school level where potential young scientists are involved in science projects mentored by UMET faculty members. Cooperative and collaborative learning strategies, presentations at scientific conferences, scientific writing and co-authorship, technology literacy, and preparation for graduate school are among the activities that are transforming the philosophy of the institution.

Goals

The main goals of the NSF/UMET/MIE Undergraduate and Pre-College Research Symposium are to encourage pre-college and undergraduate research with faculty members; develop students’ written and oral communication skills; provide a forum in Puerto Rico for faculty and students to foster interest in graduate education, particularly at the Ph. D. level; and to set national research standards for pre-college and undergraduate research presentations.