Emily Stutesman always had an interest in both kinesiology and psychology, but she never thought the two fields would lead her to a path in medical research before participating in New Mexico State University's Discovery Scholars Program.

"It's such a unique opportunity, and I wish more people took advantage of it," said Stutesman, who graduated from NMSU in May and is now applying to physician's assistant programs. "I was able to craft my own research, speak with my professor one on one and make connections."

The Discovery Scholars Program began in 2014 in the College of Arts and Sciences, but recently relaunched to include students in the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation. The goal of the program is to nurture undergraduates through scholarly and creative projects with faculty and staff mentors, and encourage students to continue their education in graduate or professional school. Undergraduate students get unique opportunities to participate in research. Through her participation, Stutesman was able to take a leadership role in her research project, which was based on a faculty-led research project already underway, and present at a national conference.

Michael Hout, the program's co-director and associate dean of research in the College of HEST, said the program is more inclusive compared to similar programs offered by NMSU.

"What makes us different is that there's a bit of a lower barrier for entry," Hout said. "A lot of students can flourish and grew in a program like this, but they don't meet some of the qualifications for similar programs.

Michèle Shuster, the program's co-director and associate dean of research in the College of Arts and Sciences, said the program doesn't require a certain GPA or a transcript. Applicants are only required to submit a statement that focuses on their interest in participating and demonstrates their enthusiasm. Applicants must also submit a letter from their faculty mentor along with a project plan.

"This isn't just an add on to work that students are doing in a class. This is a separate kind of research endeavor where they can connect with a mentor," Shuster said.

As a kinesiology and psychology double major, with a minor in chemistry, Stutesman said she was able to fulfill her kinesiology internship requirement by completing work in the Vision Sciences and Memory lab on a project that was funded by the New Mexico IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research grant. Her research focused on developing training methods for radiologists by tracking eye movements in study participants. She said Hout, who served as her mentor on the project, also worked with her schedule as a track and cross-country athlete.

"It's incredible," Stutesman said of the program. "Whatever you put into it, the professors put that same effort back into it with you. If you're interested in something, you meet with a professor, and they help you figure out how to make it happen."

The program lost momentum during the pandemic but is re-launching with funding from College of Arts and Sciences Dean Enrico Pontelli and former College of HEST Dean Yoshi Iwasaki. College of HEST interim Dean Phillip Post has also committed to supporting the program.

Undergraduate students can apply for the program at https://discoveryscholars.nmsu.edu/. Program faculty will begin reviewing applications Friday, Nov. 15, through Dec. 15.

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-undergraduate-research-program-invites-students-to-discover-potential/s/cc1a9bdf-8317-4b95-9718-bf7460fb658d