Interdisciplinary Seminar Series: Increasing Awareness for Research, Recognition of the University, and Professional Development Opportunities

摘要

In the rapidly changing and growing field of biomedical research, it can be extremely difficult to stay informed and connected to other researchers, especially for students and researchers at small to medium-sized universities in rural areas. Being the only nationally-ranked university within a 200 mile radius -Louisiana Tech University is the most geographically isolated of any ranked public school in the eastern United States- the ability to stay connected to others in a given research field requires an even greater effort. Moreover, this isolation means we are one of the only resources in the region advocating for STEM careers and higher education. One approach to increase faculty, student, and community exposure to cutting edge research and promote STEM education is the development of a seminar series that brings nationally and internationally recognized leaders in biomedical research to them. From this notion, The New Frontiers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series was created. Given that the NSF "ADVANCE projects support institutional transformation in STEM," support for the seminars was granted from Louisiana Tech's program and quickly garnered support from the University and community, increasing local exposure to biomedical research and increasing exposure of the University across the country.