SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University's Discovery Scholars Program offers students a chance to explore medical research, as demonstrated by Emily Stutesman's experience. With an interest in kinesiology and psychology, Stutesman participated in the program, which she described as "a unique opportunity" that allowed her to develop her own research and make valuable connections.

The Discovery Scholars Program began in 2014 within the College of Arts and Sciences and has recently expanded to include students from the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation. The program aims to guide undergraduates through scholarly projects with faculty mentors, encouraging further education in graduate or professional schools. Participants like Stutesman can lead research projects already underway and present at national conferences.

Michael Hout, co-director of the program and associate dean of research in the College of HEST, highlighted the inclusive nature of the program compared to similar offerings at NMSU. "What makes us different is that there's a bit of a lower barrier for entry," he said.

Co-director Michèle Shuster emphasized that applicants are not required to meet specific GPA or transcript requirements. Instead, they must submit a statement expressing their interest and enthusiasm for participation along with a letter from their faculty mentor and project plan. "This isn't just an add-on to work that students are doing in class," Shuster explained.

Stutesman completed her kinesiology internship requirement through work in the Vision Sciences and Memory lab on a project funded by the New Mexico IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research grant. Her research focused on training methods for radiologists using eye movement tracking technology.

Reflecting on her experience, Stutesman noted, "Whatever you put into it, the professors put that same effort back into it with you."

Although momentum was lost during the pandemic, funding from College of Arts and Sciences Dean Enrico Pontelli and former College of HEST Dean Yoshi Iwasaki has revitalized the program. Interim Dean Phillip Post has also pledged support.

Applications for undergraduate students are open until December 15th via https://discoveryscholars.nmsu.edu/.