AW
Alanna Wormwood
  • psychology
  • Class of 2015
  • Castorland, NY

Clarkson University Student Alanna Wormwood of Castorland, N.Y., Conducts Summer Research

2014 Aug 27

Alanna Wormwood of Castorland, N.Y., a Clarkson University junior and McNair scholar majoring in psychology and history, recently conducted summer research on "Does Cognitive Processing Predict Poorer Mental Health in People Who are Bullied?" under faculty mentor Prof. Jen Knack at Clarkson University as a CUPO (Community of Underrepresented Professional Opportunities) Summer Scholar.

Students at Clarkson University are known for having busy schedules while classes are both in and out of session, and frequently participate in internships or other professional experiences during their summer breaks.

A number of Clarkson University undergraduate students conducted research under the guidance of faculty mentors during the 10-week summer program, which prepares students for graduate studies through research and presentations at conferences, seminars, and other research presentations.

The program also includes a weekly workshop series that covers the graduate school application process and features alumni seminar presenters.

Comprised of McNair Scholars, Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Scholars, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program (LSAMP) Scholars, and Academic Success Program to Improve Retention and Education (ASPIRE) Scholars program, the CUPO summer program begins with an orientation camp that includes a high ropes course, teambuilding exercises, and whitewater rafting.

All students present their research at the Clarkson University Symposium on Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE) conference near the end of the summer. Several also present at the University of Buffalo McNair Conference. Support and guidance for these students continues throughout the academic year to reduce the barriers to obtaining a Ph.D.

The Clarkson Community of Underrepresented Professional Opportunities (CUPO) office is the shared home to McNair Scholars, CSTEP Scholars, LSAMP Scholars, and ASPIRE Scholars. The office brings together four programs in one location, providing ease in access to services for students. The CUPO office provides academic enrichment, graduate school preparation, career and professional development, research opportunities, and social and cultural experiences for eligible students.

The Academic Success Program to Improve Retention and Education (ASPIRE) program provides a four-year scholarship to academically talented, financially needy underrepresented students in STEM. The purpose of ASPIRE is to increase the number of eligible students graduating, attending graduate school and/or obtaining employment in STEM fields. The ASPIRE program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) was developed to increase the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students pursuing careers in STEM fields or NYS licensed professions. CSTEP is sponsored by the New York State Education Department. Clarkson is funded to serve 65 students each year.

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program (LSAMP) is aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of underrepresented students successfully completing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) baccalaureate degree programs, and increasing the number of underrepresented students matriculating into graduate programs.

The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Program is a federal TRIO Grant that is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The prestige of being a Clarkson McNair Scholar is shared by only 30 students each year. Clarkson's research for McNair Scholars focuses on STEM disciplines. The goal of the McNair program is to have historically underrepresented and economically disadvantages first generation students enter graduate school and obtain a Ph.D.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.