RIT's LSAMP hosted Regional Power Lab | April 2018

RIT’s Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program hosted nearly thirty LSAMP students from Monroe Community College, Onondaga Community College, and Cornell University for the LSAMP Power Lab from March 16th-18th. The Power Lab provided LSAMP students an opportunity to learn various techniques and laboratory skills to equip them for undergraduate research positions working in faculty laboratories.

“We wanted to offer LSAMP students an opportunity to enhance their skills and feel more empowered before they start their summer research experience,” said Kate Torrey, Director for McNair and LSAMP. “It’s exciting to see LSAMP participants from the region join our RIT students for this program because it gives them another networking opportunity while practicing their skills in a cutting-edge lab and gaining exposure to RIT faculty.”

Dr. Robert Osgood, program director and associate professor, Biomedical Sciences at RIT’s College of Health Sciences and Technology facilitated the workshops and taught students various laboratory procedures and principles. During the three-day sessions, LSAMP students put into practice their new skills, integrating protocols and techniques with hands-on learning assignments and exercises. This Power Lab demonstrated to students how developing their technical and soft skills are equally important to their overall success.

Engaged LSAMP students, working side by side and learning from each other. Dr. Osgood’s unique approach and extensive professional experiences taught them important lessons about resolve, learning from mistakes, the power of observation and nurturing their inquisitive minds. Following the Power Lab, these LSAMP students are ready for their summer undergraduate research placements.