Missouri Western State University offers incoming freshman and qualified high school students the opportunity to work as part of a research team with one faculty member and one currently enrolled upper division undergraduate student during an 8 week program during the 2009 summer session as part of Western's annual Summer Research Institute (SRI). SRI is designed to bring students and faculty together to engage in meaningful and significant scholarly research. This is a unique opportunity for area high school students who are interested in engaging in research activities while they are still in high school.

Since 2002, 57 research teams have participated in the Summer Research Institute. This summer, there will be 7 SRI research teams in the areas of biology, english, foreign languages & journalism, mathematics, and nursing.  Each team will consist of a faculty team leader, one Missouri Western student and one to three entering freshman or eligible sophomore (to be a junior in the Fall) or junior (to be a senior in the Fall) high school students. The SRI will coincide with Western’s summer academic schedule from June 1 through July 24, 2009.  Each team will present their results of their projects at a final symposium event on July 24 including a reception that is open to the public.

Who is eligible to participate?

• Incoming freshman students who have committed to enrolling at Missouri Western State University in Fall 2009.
• Current high school juniors or sophomores.
• To be accepted, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be in the upper 25% of their high school class. ACT composite score of 24 or higher is desirable but not absolutely required.
• SRI participants will receive a scholarship to pay for two credit hours of college research.

How to apply:
To apply to the Summer Research institute complete the following materials:

• SRI application form,
• A Western admissions application form (includes a $15 fee if accepted into the program)
• Include a current high school transcript and two letters of recommendation (preferably from teachers). 
  All materials must be received by April 17, 2009 for full consideration.

Applications are due by Friday, April 17th.  Acceptance to the Missouri Western Summer Research Institute will be determined on a competitive basis. (If you have already filled out a MWSU application form, applicants will not need to complete another one or pay the application fee.)  Send completed application materials to the Office of Research, Grants & Sponsored Programs, Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507. If you would like additional information in the interim, please contact Teresa Crist at (816) 271-5639 or by e-mail at tcrist@missouriwestern.edu.