FAST@SDSTATE
Future Agriculture and Science Workforce
Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (FASTâREEU)
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded FAST REEU Fellowship program will provide both Native American and economically challenged students with research and educational experiences for two summers. During the first summer, students will receive research experiences at SDSU to develop a strategy for increasing competitiveness for graduate school or careers in FANH industries or teaching agriculture or science in schools. Over the subsequent second summer, they will participate in a career-oriented internship at a place of their choices. This project aligns with SDSUâs Wokini (âNew Beginningsâ) initiative through opportunities to enhance research and outreach collaborations with tribes and tribal colleges. Project outcomes will address critical needs of the future STEM workforce challenges in FANH (Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences) areas with the emphasis on gaining 21st Century skills.
Oglala Lakota College students Candy DuBray, left, and Charles Bush prepare to do DNA extractions in Associate Professor Madhav Nepalâs lab through the Future Agriculture and Science Taskforce Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates fellowship program.
Who Should Apply
- U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents
- American Indian students or students from an economically challenged background
- Current college student pursuing an undergraduate degree in any life science majors or one of the FANH (Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences) areas
Funding
- Each student will receive $6,000 traineeship stipend for the first summer.
- Housing will be made available at șù«ӰҔ.
- Additional $6,000 will be provided in the second summer in lieu of industry (or academic) internship.
Program Applications: Closed.
FAST Alumna ShaTeal Pearman welcomes 2019 cohort of FAST scholars
Faculty Collaborators/Mentors
A. Project Director
B. Education, Extension and Career Development Areas
C. Plant Health and Production Areas
D. Natural Resources and Biotechnology Areas
E. Food Chemistry and Safety Areas
Program Contacts
- Dr. Madhav Nepal (Program Director)
- Dr. Rebecca Bott-Knutson (Co-PD)
- Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy (Co-PD)
- Dr. Febina Mathew (Co-PD)
- Dr. Troy White (Co-PD)
This project is funded by USDA-AFRI Education Literacy Initiative (Award # 2018-67032-27712)
Dillon Nelson's story leading to his doctoral work in Nepal Lab!
Oglala Lakota College students explore agricultural research
Sarah Schweitzer, a freshman biology major from Chanhassen, Minn., prepares RNA samples as part of her research on stress-responsive genes in sunflowers for SDSU associate professor Madhav Nepal. Schweitzer will present her results at Botany 2018, the Botanical Society of America's annual conference, in Rochester, Minn., in July
