Temple University
Science Scholar Program (SSP)
Science Scholars Program
In the Spring of 2013, the College of Science and Technology created the Science Scholars Program (SSP) to support exceptional incoming CST students with three semesters of paid summer research as well as academic and professional development.
Goals
- Identify exceptionally prepared, academically strong, incoming freshman who have demonstrated passion in science or technology and provide them with opportunities to begin advanced research experiences in their freshman year.
- Continue to improve the quantity and quality of CST students so that (1) more qualify for prestigious national and international scholarships, including Rhodes, Marshall and Goldwater, and (2) more are accepted into the most prestigious graduate programs.
- Further establish CST as a destination for talented students who are interested in advanced research and scientific exploration and discovery.
Benefits
Each SSP student will receive $4,000 in summer funding for three years to complete research projects within CST, Temple or at another institution either in the US or abroad. Their first summer research project must be completed with a faculty member in the College of Science and Technology.
Other benefits include:
- Multiple Temple research opportunities starting in freshman year
- Personal and professional development—seminars, workshops, conferences and colloquia
- Access to faculty, graduate student and professional mentors
- Potential for international research which would be supported via the program
- Preparation for awards, scholarships and external research opportunities
Scope
For the 2014 and 2015 academic years, CST seeks to select 8 to 10 new SSP students per year.
Impact
Current feed back from the two of the 2013 Science Scholars
Eric Tran, Science Scholar - Biology Major
I'm studying the biomechanics of freshwater turtles and their gait transition from water to land, with Professor Tonia Hsieh. SSP is a great program that passionate freshman scientists can take advantage of. I hope it becomes a huge success in the next few years as the program grows.
Louis Graup, Science Scholar - Applied Mathematics Major
I am modeling traffic flow, with Dr. Benjamin Seibold. It’s an excellent program, and to say that we're the first Science Scholars of Temple University is pretty impressive.
First Class of Science Scholars - 2013
The 2013 SSP students were selected from CST students within Temple Honors Program. All five of the students had both math and verbal SAT scores above 700, exceptional high school transcripts with many advanced placement credits, and had completed a rigorous fall course load with a GPA of 3.5 or better.
The 2013 Science Scholars are:
| Student | Major | Faculty Research Mentor |
| Eric Tran | Biology | Dr. Tonia Hsieh |
| Louis Graup | Applied Mathematics | Dr. Benjamin Seibold |
| Katey Steinberg | Biology | Dr. Allen Nicholson |
| Claire Burns-Lynch | Chemistry | Dr. William Wuest |
| Mark Gleason | Biology | Dr. Robert Levis |
Science Scholars Program for 2014
The goal for the 2014 academic year is to select 8-10 Science Scholars from the accepted incoming freshman class. The program is highly selective with an academically challenging selection proces. There is a formal application and selection process which includes a full review by the Science Scholars Faculty Committee.
The selection requirements are as follows:
- Must be a College of Science & Technology student
- Must be admitted to the University Honors Program
- Strong High School Grades in Math & Science - also an overall High School GPA of 3.5 or better
- Strong SAT or ACT scores - 1300 Math & Verbal on SAT or 20 Math & Verbal in ACT
- High Scores in the AP or IB exams in Math or Science subjects
- Research experience or high level science fair projects - awards preferred
- Participation in high level external science or math programs - preferred
- Any other significant academic achievements
- Evidence of strong passion, dedication, and achievement in science or technology