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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