The Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) offers first year students the opportunity to initiate and engage in authentic research experiences with faculty and graduate students in areas such as chemistry, biochemistry, nanotechnology, molecular biology and computer sciences.

FRI spans three semesters of integrated coursework and laboratory research in newly renovated, dedicated research labs. Students move through the program in cohorts of about 30. Student emerging from FRI have experience with experimental techniques and lab work, possible publications and a deep understanding of the scientific process.

Students are ideally situated to

• Join a research group for the rest of their time as undergraduates
• Find a job
• Get into graduate school
• Have a lifelong career in the sciences

Fast Facts

• More than 500 freshman are recruited each year to participate (including 50% women and 50% underrepresented groups)
• The core of this program is a year-long, potentially publishable research project working on faculty research that fulfills degree requirements for the student.
• Students are members of a 30-student cohort – a Research Stream – in which they conduct independent, but parallel projects under the guidance of faculty, graduate students and peer mentors.
• FRI students learn techniques as a team, but have their own independent projects with the potential to publish their work.
• Since 2005, FRI has involved over 2000 freshmen in faculty research in biology, biochemistry, mathematics, physics, textiles & apparel, chemistry, computer science and astronomy.

Students who do research through FRI

Find out More at the Freshman Research Initiative Website