Diversity Programs Office :: Michigan State University College of Engineering

Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation -- MI-LSAMP

The Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MI-LSAMP) was initiated in November 2005 with a grant from the National Science Foundation. The MI-LSAMP partners are recognized as "flagship" institutions in the State of Michigan and represent the diversity of public doctoral research extensive institutions in the nation. The alliance universities are:

The overall goal of the MI-LSAMP is to significantly increase the number of under-represented minority students earning baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields from the participating universities and prepare them for entry into graduate programs.

Program Summary

The Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MI-LSAMP) was launched in November 2005 with a grant from the National Science Foundation. The MI-LSAMP partners the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and Western Michigan in an effort to significantly increase the number of underrepresented minority students earning baccalaureate degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and prepare them for entry into graduate programs. These partners are "flagship" institutions in the State of Michigan and represent the diversity of public doctoral research extensive institutions in the nation.

To accomplish its goal, the MI-LSAMP uses the following approaches:

Pre-First Year Programs

For more than 20 years the UM College of Engineering has sponsored acclimation programs for incoming first year students. These programs prepare students for the rigors of college life and participants have achieved significantly higher grade point averages than their counterparts. The MI-LSAMP has expanded this opportunity to allow students to also participate in science, technology and mathematics programs. The MI-LSAMP also sponsors an All Students Day Program for participants from all four campuses to meet, network and receive additional preparation for their first year of college.

Michigan Undergraduate Research Consortium (MURC)

Participation in research is a proven way to enhance the educational experience and encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The MURC was established to provide significant numbers of first and second year students with authentic research experiences, integrate research activities and findings into core STEM curricula, and enhance the research capacity, infrastructure, and culture of affiliate institutions that have traditionally focused on undergraduate education.

Internships and Cooperative Education

Internships and Cooperative Education experiences help students close the relevance gap by assisting them in understanding the significance and importance of their classes to their chosen careers. Students are encouraged to register with the offices of career services, internship and cooperative education in order to take advantage of all the opportunities that are available.

Michigan Transfer Admissions Project

The UM is a member of the Atlanta University Center Dual Degree in Engineering Program (DDEP). This program, offers undergraduate students at Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree in science or mathematics and a baccalaureate degree in engineering from the UM after about 5 years of study. The DDEP is one example of the opportunities available for students who transfer to any of the MI-LSAMP universities. Once admitted to the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University or Western Michigan University, contact the MI-LSAMP Program Manager for information on becoming a MI-LSAMP Scholar.

Pre-First-Year Summer Programs

The MI-LSAMP offers Pre-First-Year Summer Programs for students admitted to any of the four alliance university partners and majoring in the STEM fields. The STEM fields are the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics.

While each summer program is unique, students have the opportunity to participate in daily classes such as engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer skills and technical communication. Students are able to participate in teams to find solutions to complex mathematical and engineering problems.

Workshops during the summer programs may include topics such as how to balance school work and social activities and tips on how to manage financial resources .

2008 Pre-First Year Summer Program Offerings

Engineering Summer Academy (ESA) - Michigan State University

The ESA is a six week, residential, academic intensive program designed to acclimate incoming first year students with both the academic and environmental aspects of post secondary education. Participants will attend daily classes in mathematics, English/Writing, chemistry and an Engineering Seminar course to expose students to post graduation and professional opportunities. Participants will also attend presentations from representatives within the College of Engineering.

Engineering Pre-First Year Program (EPFY) - Wayne State University

The EPFY Program is a four week commuter program for incoming first year college students. The program will provide daily classes in engineering, mathematics, technical communications and chemistry. The students will be exposed to materials they will encounter in their most critical year, the first year. The students will also be exposed to engineering careers through employer visits and guest presentations. Throughout the four week program, personal development workshops will be held that will help the students build skills that will facilitate academic success.

Professionals In Training (PTP) Program - University of Michigan

The PTP is a six week residential program for incoming first year engineering students. The curriculum emphasizes academic, personal and professional success. The program is structured to provide regularly scheduled classes in mathematics, computer programming, communication skills, chemistry, as well as an introduction to engineering as an academic and professional pursuit.

Science Pre First Year Program (SPFY) - Western Michigan University

The SPFY Program is a four week residential and commuter program for incoming first year college students. Students participate in this on-campus experience that features daily classes in chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and technical writing. These courses will expose students to material they will encounter during the first year. The students will be exposed to science careers through employer visits and presentations.

Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS) Program - University of Michigan

The MMSS Program is an intensive research-oriented program designed for students who have shown strong interest in mathematics and/or the sciences and their application. Students in the MMSS Program will attend two (2) two-week sessions covering two different mathematics or science based topics of the student's choice and the availability of the session(s). The MMSS Program is designed to show that mathematics and the sciences are living, growing disciplines that could lead to exciting mathematics or science based careers. PLEASE NOTE: Students who are selected to participate in the MMSS Program through the MI-LSAMP will have all MMSS Program tuition and fees waived.

MI-LSAMP All Students Day - Saturday, July 19, 2008

The MI-LSAMP All Student's Day is an opportunity for all students who participated in the summer programs to network with other MI-LSAMP students and to reconnect to their home university. The MI-LSAMP All Students Day is hosted by a different university partner each year.

2006 :: University of Michigan
2007 :: Michigan State University
2008 :: Wayne State University
2009 :: Western Michigan University

Click here to be directed to the 2008 Summer Programs Application

University of Florida, Spring Campus Visitation 2009

February 19th-20th

Meet with faculty at the University of Florida, Tour department facilities and receive information on admissions, financial aid and housing. Interact with current UF students about their graduate school experiences.

View Invitation

View FAQ

Research Opportunities

MSU Summer Undergraduate Research Academy
The MI-LSAMP Undergraduate Research Academy (SURA) is designed to provide a comprehensive research training and enrichment experience. SURA consists of three components or phases that begins with an eight-week summer portion and ends at the completion of the successive fall semester.

Phase 1: Introduction to Research (week 1 of 8 week Summer phase)

In this phase of the program trainees experience a multidisciplinary introduction to the research enterprise. In a course-like setting, taught by university faculty actively engaged in research, students are introduced to important aspects, activities and concepts that are common to all research programs-across all scientific disciplines, such as research integrity, literature review, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and the modes of scientific reporting (i.e., manuscript preparation and the peer-review journal publication process, oral and poster presentations). Trainees will engage in hands-on activities that reinforce the materials presented by the faculty. This phase of the program is also designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration, as trainees work in groups to complete in-class and out-of-class assignments.

Phase 2: Research-1 (weeks 2-8 of summer phase)

In this phase of the program trainees engage in mentored hands-on research. Based on the trainee's academic program and area/topic or career interest, they are partnered with an MSU faculty research mentors to conduct a research project. During this phase trainees spend between 30-40 hours per week on their projects. Faculty mentors will work closely with their trainees to direct their continued growth and development in knowledge of research and proficiency. Trainees will attend a weekly SURA seminar with invited speakers and to share their experiences with the SURA community. At the conclusion of this phase students will have the opportunity to present their work at the SURA Research Symposium.

Phase 3: Research-2 (fall semester following summer phase)

Trainees continue their research experience when they return to their home university for the fall term. As in Research-1, in this phase trainees are partnered with faculty mentors based on their academic program and research or career interest to a research project. Trainee projects may either be a continuation of their summer project, a related project, or an entirely new project. Trainees will be encouraged to collaborate with their mentor to develop a research proposal for funding by their home university's undergraduate research program for continued research experience and training.
Eligibility: Students of sophomore status or above, who have successfully completed a minimum 12 credit hours (combined) in science or engineering courses.
Stipend: Yes (TBD), stipend payments will made at scheduled intervals throughout course of the program.
Location: Phases 1 and 2 will be an 8-week residential program at MSU, phase 3 will take place at the trainee's home university.

Click here for MSU Summer Undergraduate Research Academy Application

Click here to view available Research Opportunities.

Student Research Information

The Michigan - Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MI-LSAMP) invites students from any Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematical discipline to participate in undergraduate research. Undergraduate research puts theory into practice as you work on projects and are mentored by full-time faculty and/or graduate students who are leaders in their field.

Hands-on research experience prepares you for graduate school and employment opportunities. It also allows you to contribute to the ever-changing knowledge base within your chosen field.

Undergraduates involved in research projects could receive grant funding, be recognized for their work; obtain financial support to present their results at state and national conferences.

To request assistance with placement in a research opportunity, Click here.

Research Opportunities

University of Michigan, School of Information
Funding available for five (5) non-U of M students to serve as Research Assistants for the summer of 2009.
For more information, please contact Karen Woollams at woollams@umich.edu or visit www.si.umich.edu/reu

University of Colorado at Boulder Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) summer program in Functional Materials Science and Engineering.

Flyer, website

Resources available at Michigan State University

Contact Information

University of Michigan

Project Director
Dr. Levi T. Thompson, Richard Balzhiser Professor of Chemical Engineering
and Director, Hydrogen Energy Technology Laboratory
The University of Michigan
3020 H.H. Dow Building
2300 Hayward Street
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2136
Email: ltt@umich.edu

Alliances Program Administrator
Elaine M. Dowell
MI-LSAMP
The University of Michigan
1007 H.H. Dow
2300 Hayward Street
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2136
Phone: 734.936.3635
Fax: 734.763.0459
Email: morne@umich.edu

Michigan State University

Associate Director

Dr. Thomas F. Wolff
Associate Dean For Undergraduate Studies
College of Engineering
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1226
Email: wolff@egr.msu.edu

Program Administrator
Theodore Caldwell
Director/Assistant to the Dean for Diversity
Michigan State University
MI-LSAMP Office
College of Engineering
1108 Engineering Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1226
Phone: 517.355.8310
Fax: 517.355.2293
Email: caldwell@egr.msu.edu

Wayne State University

Associate Director
Dr. Ralph H. Kummler, Dean
College of Engineering
Wayne State University
5050 Anthony Wayne Drive
1150 Engineering Building
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Email: rkummler@eng.wayne.edu

Program Administrator
Michelle Reaves
MI-LSAMP
Wayne State University
College of Engineering
5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Suite 1122
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: 313.577.4029
Fax: 313.577.5694
Email: wsu-lsamp@eng.wayne.edu

Western Michigan University

Associate Director
Dr. Edmund Tsang
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Assessment
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Center for Excellence in Engineering Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5314
Email: Edmund.tsang@wmich.edu

Program Administrator
Dr. Andrew Kline Assistant
Professor Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Imaging
MI-LSAMP Program
A223& 224, Parkview Campus
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5462
Phone: 269.276.3516
Fax: 269.276.3501
E-mail: andrew.kline@wmich.edu

After Michigan LSAMP - Michigan AGEP

Even as a freshman, it's not too early to think about graduate school. The Michigan Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) offers a variety of resources and information that you can take advantage of as a undergraduate student.

Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate Program is designed to advance under-represented minority students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as, the social behavioral and economic science programs (SBE). The Michigan AGEP Alliance (MAA) is dedicated to combining resources for graduate education into an effective collaboration that will produce the next generation of innovators and leaders in research and teaching not only in the STEM and SBE disciplines but in our nation and in the world.

The specific objectives of the AGEP program are:

To develop and implement innovative models for recruiting, mentoring, and retaining minority students in doctoral programs.
To develop effective strategies for identifying and supporting underrepresented minorities who want to pursue academic careers.

The AGEP program also supports a research effort to identify major factors that promote successful transition of minority students from:

Undergraduate through graduate study
Course-taking in the early years of the graduate experience to independent research required for completion of a dissertation
The academic environment to the workplace

To visit the Michigan AGEP website click on the attached link - Michigan AGEP Alliance website