Luring Students into Mathematics via Early Research Experiences: The Long-term Undergraduate Research Experience (LURE) Model

Sarah Spence Adams
Olin College

The Long-term Undergraduate Research Experience (LURE) model was collaboratively developed by faculty members at five very different institutions: Central Michigan University (a comprehensive doctoral-granting institution in Mt. Pleasant, MI), Coppin State University (a historically black institution in Baltimore, MD), Olin College (a recently-formed gender-balanced engineering college in Needham, MA), Sam Houston State University (a comprehensive state institution in Huntsville, TX), and the University of Richmond (a selective liberal arts college in Richmond, VA).

Thanks to NSF funding, it has been tested on 100 students and 20 faculty members at these schools over the past four years. LURE recruits students early in their undergraduate careers and pairs them with dedicated faculty mentors. Through closely supervised research and independent study activities spanning two summers and two academic years, students experience all steps in a research project, from background reading to the professional presentation of results. LURE emphasizes close mentoring relationships, teamwork, and the development of oral and written communication skills.

This talk will discuss the LURE model, including benefits, costs, connections to more general active learning experiences, and our hopes for a national dissemination of this model.