Undergraduate Research Experience

1. By Anthony B. Ebeigbe, Ph.D Professor of Physiology Undergraduate Research Experience College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

2. Biomedical Science Research Building REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

3. Senior Fulbright Fellowship REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

4. Undergraduate Research & Mentoring • Summer Research Programme usually organized by a consortium of colleges and universities dedicated to improving the participation of students in graduate programmes. REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

5. Nature of the Programme • Students spend 8-10 weeks in the laboratory of an established scientist/mentor. • Their research interests and career goals must fit into mentors’ works • Students either work in an ongoing research project or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest. REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

6. Students’ Selection Criteria • Academic merit • Quality of students’ proposals • Availability of appropriate faculty mentors REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

7. Funding • A wide range of funding agencies; e.g. • National Science Foundation, • Academic/Professional Societies, • Universities REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

8. Support for Students and Hosts Each participant receives: • A stipend • Additional funds for travel to present his/her research at a scientific meeting • Research hosts receive funds for students’ laboratory supplies and minor equipment REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

9. Expected Outputs Develop Capacity/Awareness in: • Writing and research skills • Strategies for successful graduate school application • Graduate school funding opportunities • Info on academic career opportunities • GRE test preparation skills • Cultural and educational activities REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

10. Undergraduate Research Internship at UNIBEN • Commenced in 2003 • Partnership between UNIBEN and some US Universities: • Howard University, Washington DC, • Hampton University, Virginia, • University of California, Berkeley REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

11. UNIBEN Mentors • Professor Toni Ebeigbe – Physiology • Professor Abiodun Falodun - Pharmaceutical Chemistry • Professor Cyril Usifoh – Pharmaceutical Chemistry • Professor John Akerele – Pharmaceutical Microbiology • Professor Ray Ozolua, Pharmacology • Assoc. Prof. ‘Dayo Ajayi - Physiology REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

12. Pre-Departure Workshop, Hampton Univ. REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

13. Students at a Pre-Departure Workshop REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

14. Expected Needs in Nigeria • Light Dressing - formal or informal • Umbrellas OR raincoats as well as rain boots - necessary companions during the (June) period of the visit. HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION

15. Things Not To Expect! • Constant Electricity – in the lab. Or residence • Uninterrupted and broadband Internet Connectivity • To see monkeys and elephants on the streets! HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION

16. MHIRT student, 2006In a ‘Jungle’ near NIFOR Tony Muiru – Worked with Profs Usifoh & Falodun REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

17. Gains of Students’ Research Visit to UNIBEN • Learn to work with minimal facilities, under harsh conditions • Learn never to take things for granted • Network with Nigerian counterparts • Host Institution: • Support for minor equipment and chemicals • Enhanced International visibility • Strengthening of International Collaboration REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

18. Photo Gallery…. • T UNIBEN’s Vice-Chancellor, with graduating students REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

19. Photo Gallery…. • T Prof. Urasa – making a presentation in Benin REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

20. Research Presentation Buki Kalejaiye – Howard University REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

21. Research Presentation Jaqueena – Hampton University REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

22. Prof. Urasa with exchange students – Unwinding • T REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

23. Photo Gallery…. • T UNIBEN’s Vice-Chancellor, with graduating students HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION

24. What Students Like about Nigeria • The Warm Reception • Humour • Nigerian Foods: • Peppersoup • Suya • Pounded yam REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

25. Conclusion • This presentation represents one aspect of my Fulbright experience that I have strived to keep alive • I hope we can expand this experience at UNIBEN REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

26. Next Steps???? • Increase partnerships with more US institutions for study-abroad Programmes • Seek Funding for International Students’ mobility REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

27. Next Steps???? • Establish Consortia of Nigerian Universities for an active Under-graduate Research Experience scheme • Provide necessary platform (through proper funding) for Nigerian undergraduate students to have comparable experience in the USA REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

28. THANK YOU REGIONAL FULBRIGHT WORKSHOP, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN