Anoka-Ramsey Community College bioscience students can gain advantage over counterparts

Anoka-Ramsey Community College biology faculty member, Dr. Paula Croonquist, is an example of how faculty within community colleges show true passion for teaching and learning. Croonquist recently developed a one-of-a kind partnership with her alma mater, the University of Minnesota, that created an opportunity for ARCC biology students to gain real lab research experience with actual scientists.

“Since Community College faculty are hired to teach, and not to conduct independent research projects, community college students do not have the chance to gain actual lab research experience until after they transfer to a four-year institution,” says Croonquist. “However, this real-life lab research experience is necessary in order to attend graduate school (biochemistry, genetics, developmental biology) medical school, or dental school.”

“This project is close to my heart because it was an experience working in a bioscience classical genetics research lab that gave the right tools to continue my education and build a career. My greatest gratification comes from watching students move toward bioscience career choices influenced deeply by their scientific research experiences.”

The Independent Research Summer Program is a multidisciplinary initiative that includes opportunities for research studies in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, developmental biology and microbiology among other fields. 

It consists of one week of research literature training and orientation conducted and supervised by ARCC faculty and ten weeks of part-time research under the guidance of a University of Minnesota faculty mentor from one of the above bioscience disciplines. Students earn three semester credits upon successful completion of their research project assessed by the presentation of a thesis research paper.

"We are excited about the opportunities these research internships bring to building stronger synergies between the University of Minnesota and Anoka-Ramsey faculty and students," say Robin Wright, University of Minnesota Associate Dean, College of Biological Sciences. "About one-third of our graduates began their college educations at a community college and we recognize the strengths and talents of community colleges, especially in the area of innovative pedagogy."

The first group of ARCC participants included four students who met the strict requirements and completed their research during Summer Semester 2006. Applications for next summer will be accepted January – March, 2007.

Financial assistance may be available through the ARCC Foundation Office or Financial Aid.  For more information on the Independent Research Summer Program, contact Paula Croonquist by telephone 763.433.1587 or by email.