The research process exposes students to a more engaging perspective than that of traditional textbook learning . By engaging in authentic , problem-centered learning experiences , the student develops the self-directed skills necessary for lifelong learning . Effective teaching happens when we help students learn how to learn — not what to think .
ASCEND Center for Biomedical Research
A lofty mission , committed faculty , curious students , health sciences , and innovation — it ’ s the recipe for a successful entrepreneurial development program in the sciences called ASCEND . As the name implies , Morgan ’ s ASCEND program encourages undergraduate students to rise to their talents and perform authentic research that involves making mistakes while pursuing the joy of discovery .
Leadership
Dr . Farin Kamangar , Director and Principal Investigator leads a team of researchers and educators who contribute their talents to ASCEND programs . Dr . Kamangar holds degrees in public health and biostatistics , a medical degree , and a PhD in epidemiology . He has published over 170 peer-reviewed articles in many top-tier journals . He has received several research awards , including the NIH Merit Award ( group award ) and the NCI Director ’ s Innovation Award .
Dr . Payam Sheikhattari , Co-Principal Investigator , holds a medical degree and an MPH in public health , and is an associate professor of behavioral health . Dr . Sheikhattari has expertise in community-based participatory research and leads the MSU Prevention Sciences Research Center ( PSRC ). He serves as the principal investigator of CEASE , a PSRC NIH-funded project aimed at reducing health disparities in tobacco use among residents of low income urban communities .
Research Programs
STUDENT RESEARCH CENTER ( SRC ) The SRC is designed to be innovative , both in its use of space and in its philosophy . The Center is led by students and focuses on student researchers , each with different scientific interests and skills . Emerging researchers have the opportunity to individualize their projects , collaborate with faculty and near-peer mentors , and pursue multiple pathways for exploring their interests .
In the SRC ’ s first Health Research Concepts Competition ( 2017 ), nine student research concepts were funded .
SUMMER RESEARCH INSTITUTE ( SRI ) Each year , a group of undergraduates spend eight weeks in a summer program designed for emerging researchers . SRI is an immersive introduction to health research led by co-directors Dr . Christine Hohmann and Dr . Avis Jackson . Students form teams , work with mentors , collaborate on a research question and prepare a proposal that adheres to the components of a viable research project . At the program ’ s conclusion , each team presents a preliminary research proposal to mentors , administrators , representatives from partner institutions , and family members .
COMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH PROGRAM
Many health problems , including obesity , diabetes , cancer , and cardiovascular problems disproportionately affect vulnerable and underserved populations . ASCEND ’ s Community-Based Participatory Research Program set out to address this situation by creating an infrastructure to connect academic and community partners . Morgan State research investigators and community members work together to create high quality and impactful research projects intended to improve the health and social welfare of neighborhoods .
Grants of $ 20,000 are provided to help teams start , grow , and sustain their research endeavors . Ten projects have been funded that address a wide range of health issues , such as smoking cessation , nutrition , and literacy .
ASCEND SCHOLARS PROGRAM ASCEND Scholars are a select cohort of students who conduct health-related research and study the principles of health research with guidance from Morgan faculty and other
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