VIRTEx - New Youth Program
The University of Minnesota is launching a new program designed to engage high school students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate education. VIRTEx, which stands for Vertically-Integrated Research Team Experience, creates research teams made up of a high school student, an undergraduate student, a graduate student and a faculty mentor to work on a research project over the summer.
Three research teams began projects on campus June 18. These teams will investigate schizophrenia, the role of emotions in political decision-making and discrimination and its effects on mental health. Participants will develop their academic skills and get some real experience in science. This exposure and hands-on participation promotes a deeper understanding of academic pursuits.
“These are the students we need as future scientists. By providing this opportunity early in their careers, the university gives them a close-up of the world of social science,� said psychology professor Angus MacDonald III, director of the program. Under his direction, the program is being administered this year through the department of psychology.
VIRTEx is based in the social sciences departments of the College of Liberal Arts. Each project includes a summer stipend for graduate students as well as compensation for the high school and undergraduate participants. The program plans to expand for summer 2008 to include 12 departments, including psychology, economics, sociology, anthropology and language and hearing sciences.
