Student Success
Students Present Research Discoveries
RALEIGH, N.C. (April 19, 2024) – Student researchers in Wake Tech's unique STEM Academic Research & Training (START) program on Friday presented their impressive discoveries at the Spring 2024 Student Showcase.
From analyzing the contents of herbal tea to planning a manned mission to Mars to designing a road project with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, 44 students studying science, math and engineering at Wake Tech gained hands-on experience this semester as paid research interns in the START program.
The experience culminated with the popular showcase where the student researchers shared their findings with faculty, staff and Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls.
"I love coming to the Student Showcase to learn about all the amazing things you are doing through the START program," said Dr. Ralls. "All of you have very bright futures and I can't wait to see what you accomplish!"
Aryanah Smith researched the antioxidant potentials in a variety of products, including herbal teas and fruit juices. She says the START program helped hone her presentation skills. "It got me out of my comfort zone after being home schooled. Now I love speaking in public!"
Smith graduates in December and is transferring to North Carolina State University. She already has big plans for her future! "I want to study Biology and eventually become a doctor," she said. "I have my eye on Duke University after I get my bachelor's degree!"
Thanks to a $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation, along with contributions from Terracon Foundation, the Christman Company, Clancy & Theys, Brooks Pierce and DeLisa Alexander, the students are paid $1,000 each for a 60-hour commitment on their research project. That commitment includes 15 hours of training, five hours of community building and 40 hours of research. All students are assigned a faculty mentor.
Much of the research is completed in the state-of-the-art STEM Lab in Building H on the Scott Northern Wake Campus and in labs on the Southern Wake Campus. Many of the research projects involve collaboration with local universities such as N.C. State, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Fayetteville State University, as well as industry partners.
To date, 515 students have benefited from the START program.
The START program is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2024 semester. Research projects are available in biology, mathematics, 3-D printing, geology, and physics.
