Applying Scientific Knowledge (ASK) Program
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About the ASK Program
How the ASK Program is Different from Other Experiential Learning on Campus
- Get started early!
Unlike many other undergraduate research opportunities on campus, you may start the ASK program as soon as you are accepted into your CoSM major. - Exposure to multiple faculty members
You will be team-taught during your first term in the program, allowing you to have direct contact with faculty from multiple departments of the College of Science and Mathematics. Once you start your research projects, you may be mentored by a CoSM faculty team rather than a single faculty member. - Earn credits toward your degree
You will earn a minimum of 9 credit hours through the ASK program which may count toward your degree program. - Fellowship opportunities
Summer fellowship opportunities are available to ASK Program students to continue their research over the summer term, providing support for you as well as additional research supplies. - Launching pad into other experiential learning opportunities
The ASK Program will provide vital experience in undergraduate research, opening doors into other opportunities both on and off-campus.
Prerequisites
The ASK Program is open to all students within the College of Science and Mathematics. You must either be accepted or qualify to be accepted, into your major within CoSM by the beginning of the Fall Semester when you begin the program.
| Course | Description | Term |
|---|---|---|
| SM2100: Interdisciplinary Scientific Inquiry | Learn to execute, analyze and communicate science in an active learning course | Fall |
| Team Research Course Semester 1 | Course-based team research experience led by Wright State science and math faculty | Spring |
| Optional Summer Research | Optional summer research experience with volunteer and fellowship options | Summer |
| Team Research Course Semester 2 | Continuation of spring course-based research experience | Fall |
At the conclusion of your ASK Program experience, you will be guided into other research opportunities both on and off-campus. This may include independent research opportunities within departments of the College of Science and Mathematics, departmental honors programs, or internship opportunities off-campus with local businesses or the Air Force Research Laboratories.
Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities
The ASK Program is pleased to provide competitive National Science Foundation-funded scholarship and fellowship support for qualifying students.
Applying for the Scientific Knowledge NSF Scholarship Fund
ASK Program participants are eligible to apply for scholarships which would award you up to $5,000 each year for three years if you meet the qualifications listed below, including demonstration of financial need. Three scholarship recipients will also be selected for paid summer fellowship opportunities to continue their ASK Program research projects over the summer term, as well as additional funding toward the needs of their project.
Scholarship Qualifications:
- Minimum 3.00 GPA
- U.S. citizen
- Currently completing a COSM major
- Completion of one of the following combinations of courses: SM1010 and one Learning Community; SM1010 plus one gateway course to the major; one Learning community and one gateway course; two gateway courses to the major. (gateway courses are majors level 1000 and 2000 level biology, chemistry, psychology, physics, mathematics, earth and environmental sciences, biochemistry or neuroscience courses required for the major, excluding nonmajor level courses).
- Demonstrate financial need.
Once accepted to the ASK Program, you will be directed to the scholarship application. Applicants will apply for summer fellowship opportunities during their first Fall Semester of the program.
Applying for the Scientific Knowledge NSF Fellowship Fund
ASK Program participants who have received NSF S-STEM scholarships are eligible to apply for paid summer fellowship opportunities during the Spring Semester to continue their research project. ASK Program summer fellowship recipients will receive 12 weeks of pay to continue their research projects from May through the end of July. Their project will also be awarded additional funds toward needs. ASK Program participants will be directed to the fellowship application during their first Fall Semester of the program.
Apply
Applications are still being accepted for the 2020-2021 cycle of the ASK Program!
GPA Requirements
Students entering the ASK Program must be in the process of completing a College of Science and Mathematics major.
Current Wright State CoSM Students
- You must have a 3.00 GPA or a 3.00 GPA in the two semesters prior to being accepted into the ASK Program.
- If you do not currently have a 3.00 GPA, you may still conditionally enter the ASK Program.
- If you are not on academic probation but do not currently have a 3.00 GPA, you may apply for the ASK Program and may be accepted conditionally. Once accepted during the Spring Semester, you must earn a 3.00 GPA in the Spring Semester preceding your entry into the ASK Program. You must also earn a 3.00 GPA during your first Fall Semester of the ASK Program. Failure to do so may result in removal from the ASK Program.
- If you are on academic probation and are not eligible for the ASK Program, you are encouraged to apply once your GPA reaches 3.00 for two consecutive terms.
Should your GPA fall below 3.00 while completing the ASK Program, you may be put on probation, during which time you are given the opportunity to raise your GPA to 3.00. Failure to do so may result in your removal from the ASK Program.
Students Directly Admitted from High School
You may be admitted to the ASK Program directly from high school, and begin the program during the Fall Semester of your first year on campus. You must be working toward the completion of a CoSM major. To be eligible for the ASK Program, you must have a 3.00 GPA on your high school transcript. You must also maintain a 3.00 GPA while completing the ASK Program. Should your GPA fall below a 3.000 GPA while completing the ASK Program, you may be put on probation, during which time you are given the opportunity to raise your GPA to 3.00. Failure to do so may result in removal from the ASK Program.
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the ASK Selection Committee and applicants will be notified of the decision via email.
Applications are reviewed in late January, with notifications of acceptance usually sent in the middle of the Spring Semester. Scholarship applications are sent out concurrently with acceptance notices, and recipients are notified at the end of the spring term.
*This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1742339.
Meet the Director
As a Wright State College of Science and Mathematics alumni with a B.S. in biological sciences and an M.S. in microbiology and immunology, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research on campus during the completion of the bachelor’s degree. My experience in undergraduate research was the turning point in focusing my career goals. Undergraduate research provides you with invaluable insight into science and scientific fields, something that cannot be experienced in the classroom setting.
Have questions about the ASK Program? Email the director.
