Category: News

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research

Encourage students to apply for an Engaged Learning Fellowship

Since 2012, SMU has awarded 384 undergraduate students with the Engaged Learning Fellowship (ELF), a prestigious program that provides funding and support for capstone-level projects in research and the arts. Over the years, ELF recipients have conducted innovative projects in more than 20 different countries, truly embodying SMU’s motto “World Changers Shaped Here”.

Recent highlights from the ELF program include:

  • Yvonne Yang ’24 (awarded for her senior film Speculo) is directing Egg Drop Soup, an official selection for SMU Film’s Summer Film Production project. Collaborating with fellow film producers Suniti Bhikshesvaran, Tyler Chapman, and Juan Davalos—who also received ELF awards—this team has brought their vision to life. Read more about their project in this Meadows News article.
  • Anna Kelley Zielke ‘25 created a children’s book that inspires the next generation to embrace pluralism. Watch her interview with the George W. Bush Institute where she shares insights about her project.
  • Gabriella Doan ‘25 was selected to present her research, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. J.C. Chiao, at the Biomedical Engineering Society Conference in Baltimore, MD (October 23-26). Her project, Polypropylene Paper-Based Electrodes with a Voltage Response for pH Sensing, will be showcased at the undergraduate poster session.

Each year, we welcome 25-30 students into the Engaged Learning Fellowship program. The deadlines to apply are: September 15, December 15, February 15, and April 15. For seniors graduating in May, September 15th is the final opportunity to apply.

If you know an undergraduate student working on an exciting project or who is ready to start one, encourage them to apply for an ELF! Students can go to smu.edu/elf for more information.

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

OEL launches pilot program First Year Research Experience (FYRE)

The Office of Engaged Learning is excited to launch a new pilot program, the First Year Research Experience (FYRE). Usually students who are interested in research get involved after getting to know professors, generally in their second or third year. FYRE is a unique opportunity for a limited number of students to get involved in research right away in their first year at SMU.
Students in FYRE will be working as Undergraduate Research Assistants all year, and taking a class this fall. The projects they will assist on include research on antibiotics for tuberculosis and leprosy with Dr. John Buynak (Chemistry); developing a Smart and Reslient Infrastructure toolkit with Dr. Janille Smith-Colin (Civil and Environmental Engineering); creating instruments and performances for a “dinosaur choir” with Dr. Courtney Brown (Creative Computation).
The FYRE course, taught by Dr. Jennifer Ebinger and Dr. Adam Scott Neal, will deconstruct the research process and environment. Students will work through exercises to understand their faculty mentor’s research, learn to develop research questions, and work on networking and communication skills.
Thank you to all the faculty involved with this pilot for taking a chance on these promising first-year students!
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News Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

OEL gets ready for Stampede

We’re excited to welcome new students and families to campus during Stampede. The OEL team will be active throughout the week, and we invite you and students to connect with us at several key events. Please stop by, say hello and guide students our way!

  • Family Fest: Wednesday 9/21 and Thursday 9/22 from 1 – 4 PM in HTSC Ballroom. Our team will be stationed at the OEL tables during Family Fest, ready to connect with new students and their families. We encourage you and new students to stop by and explore the opportunities we offer, including:
    • Undergraduate Research Assistantships
    • Engaged Learning Fellowships
    • Mustang Mentors Peer Mentoring Programs
    • Pathways to Business and Industry
    • Big iDeas pitch competition
  • Commuter and Transfer Lunch: Friday 9/23, 11:30 – 12:45 PM in HTSC Ballroom. OEL is hosting a lunch specifically for incoming commuter and transfer students, aimed at helping them get acquainted with life on the Hilltop. This event is a great chance to ensure these students feel supported and informed.
  • Academic Explorations School Meetings: Friday 9/23 from 1:30 – 3:30 PM, happening across campus. Hosted by each academic school, these sessions provide students with the opportunity to connect with faculty and discover the academic opportunities available within their chosen major. Our own program’s session – Pathways to Business & Industry – will be held in McCord Auditorium, Dallas Hall in partnership with the University Advising Center, PALs, and the Hegi Family Career Development Center.
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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Pathways to Success: Student Spotlight on Ritney Coleman

Ritney Colment presenting to research team
Ritney presenting weekly updates of human trafficking research to the team during teh Summer Research Intensive.

Ritney Coleman is a rising senior pursuing a B.S. in Economics with Financial Applications. A military veteran, he initially aimed to major in accounting and become a CPA, but decided on a different career path where he felt he could make more of a societal impact. Ritney found the Non-Profit Organization and Concept Primer course (offered through the Economics department) to be “one of the most impactful courses and added to my understanding of non-profits and how they are managed.” This course provided the theoretical concepts needed to thrive in the non-profit sector, while Ritney’s internships and volunteering brought classroom concepts to life.  

Ritney credits SMU’s vast resources with helping him focus on his passion for research and non-profit leadership. During his junior year, Dr. Wendelin Donahue, SMU Director of Community Engagement, helped Ritney gain practical experience by collaborating with local non-profits through community events. Ritney’s goal is to develop a non-profit that serves disadvantaged youth by providing various opportunities through field trips, seminars, sports programs, and college access support.   

Ritney emphasizes the importance of networking and engaged actively with professors to uncover learning opportunities. This summer, he is a research assistant for Dr. Elizabeth Wheaton-Páramo, Research Associate Professor in Economics through the Office of Engaged Learning’s Summer Research Intensive. In his work with Dr. Wheaton-Páramo, Ritney is using the SMU human trafficking data warehouse to gather data on organized crime groups transition between smuggling and human trafficking. Sometimes it’s difficult to relate the theoretical course work to practical experiences, but Ritney noted that the knowledge obtained in his Introductory Econometrics class has helped him “feel confident analyzing data” in his summer research project.  

When asked about his advice for incoming first-year students, Ritney said, “the opportunities are available, but students need to be active, not passive, in their networking pursuits. I was able to get an internship by simply asking my professor.” Ritney recommends first and second year undergraduate students schedule an appointment with the Hegi Family Career Development Center early for resume prep and to build their LinkedIn profile. He also credits his peers in the Economics department for providing him with useful resources.  

For students interested in data analysis and practical skills development, Ritney suggests exploring the Bloomberg Terminals in the Business Library, where he is currently pursuing the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate. 

To find out more information about the SMU Pathways to Business and Industry, please contact pbi@smu.edu.  

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success

The Office of Engaged Learning welcomes Neha Husein as Entrepreneurship Fellow

We are thrilled to welcome Neha Husein as the 2024-2025 Entrepreneurship Fellow in the Office of Engaged Learning. Neha’s journey as a Big iDeas alumna to successful entrepreneur and mentor embodies the spirit of innovation and social impact that we strive to cultivate in our community. 

Neha graduated from SMU in 2019 with degrees in Human Rights and Marketing. Her academic background laid the foundation for her commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Recognizing the growing issue of distracted driving after being rear-ended by a distracted driver, Neha channeled her passion for social entrepreneurship into creating Just Drive, an app dedicated to rewarding undistracted drivers with coupons good for local businesses.  

Today, Neha serves as the Senior Event Producer for Vegandale, an international festival that celebrates vegan food, music, and art. In addition to her professional achievements, Neha is deeply passionate about mentoring and supporting collegiate entrepreneurs. As a former student herself, she understands the unique challenges that come with starting and growing a venture in college and is dedicated to helping students navigate these hurdles. Neha’s mentorship provides invaluable guidance, inspiration, and practical advice, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to achieve their goals. 

As the new Entrepreneurship Fellow, Neha will play a pivotal role in enhancing our programs and initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and increasing women entrepreneurs. We believe that her experience and insights will undoubtedly inspire and encourage more women to develop their entrepreneurial skills. 

We are excited to have Neha Husein join the Office of Engaged Learning team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our Big iDeas community. Please join us in welcoming Neha!  

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News Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry

Exploring boundless futures with SMU’s Pathways to Business and Industry

A close-up view of a person typing on a laptop.

Embarking on a journey, SMU Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) is an ongoing initiative designed to guide undergraduates through their academic years and beyond, nurturing their aspirations towards careers in business and industry. PBI extends its support not only to first and second-year students but also to transfer undergraduates, ensuring a comprehensive approach to academic and career development.

SMU PBI offers a structured framework enabling students to explore majors and minors within academic departments across campus including Dedman College of Humanities and Science, Meadows School of the Arts, Lyle School of Engineering, and Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

In collaboration with SMU’s academic departments and university service partners, PBI organizes a series of tailored events throughout the fall and spring semesters. These programs will serve as invaluable opportunities for students to delve deeper into the initiative’s offerings, foster meaningful connections through networking, and engage in enriching experiences.

By joining PBI, eligible students that are actively pursuing opportunities for growth and development gain exclusive access to tailored programs and events. These initiatives not only broaden their understanding of business and industry careers but also provide paths for hands-on learning and skill enhancement.

If you know of first, second, or transfer undergraduate students eager to unearth their passions and navigate their academic and professional trajectories, encourage them to join PBI by signing up at smu.edu/pbi.

To learn more about the PBI initiative, feel free to reach out to pbi@smu.edu.

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News Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

National Mentoring Month 2024

Two women sitting together on a bench outside smiling

Did you know January is National Mentoring Month? Mentoring plays a significant role in the university experience, providing students with the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed. As a new semester begins, now is the perfect time for us to reflect on the impact these positive relationships have within our academic community.

Here are some of the benefits of mentoring, to name a few: 

  • Improved academic performance
  • Positive impact on mental health and well-being
  • Boosted confidence and sense of belonging
  • Connections on campus and beyond
  • Preparation for life after college

Peer mentoring is equally as important to student success and offers the unique benefit of the shared experience!

Starting this spring, the Office of Engaged Learning will re-launch SMU Mustang Mentors in partnership with the Mentor Collective, a peer mentoring platform to promote student engagement and tailor mentorship to fit all students’ needs.

Join us in celebrating National Mentoring Month and stay tuned for more on SMU Mustang Mentors!  

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success

SMU student entrepreneur Trevor Gicheru in the news

Photo of Trevor Gicheru talking with a microphone

Trevor Gicheru, a computer science junior at SMU, is making headlines with his software Nurovant AI, which uses AI technology to create quizzes, flashcards, and study tools from audio recordings of lectures. While preparing for a class at SMU, he saw an opportunity for the app, and fellow students are already using it to improve their learning experience. Nurovant AI is growing popularity among students and investors alike, and recently featured in the Dallas Morning News.

In 2024, Trevor and his team have ambitious goals for Nurovant AI.

“We are currently in the midst of raising a pre-seed round of 250k. We’ve already secured about half of our funding target and aim to complete this round by the end or middle of January,”  Trevor said. “Additionally, we’ve garnered venture interest from VCs across the country. Our objective is to finalize a deal with one of these firms by mid-year. Another key goal is to achieve 10,000 downloads of our app by April, a milestone that would significantly demonstrate our product’s traction and market fit. We’re also aiming to pilot our school-facing version of the software in at least five schools, broadening our impact and reach.”

As a two-time winner of the Big iDeas Pitch Competition, Trevor has great advice for students aspiring to build a startup:

“My advice is straightforward: take action,” he says. “Don’t wait for others to believe in your dreams. It’s essential to be proactive and pursue your vision with determination and resilience. Building a startup is a journey filled with challenges, but with a strong belief in your ideas and a willingness to work hard, you can create something truly impactful.”

For SMU students looking to take the next step in building their startup, The Office of Engaged Learning will be holding the Big iDeas Business Plan Competition on February 9 from 9am -1pm. Encourage students to apply today to pitch to win $5000.

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research

2023 Fall Research Symposium

On November 1, 2023, the Office of Engaged Learning held the annual Fall Research Symposium, where 23 undergraduate and graduate students from select research and service programs presented on issues affecting communities locally and globally. The event was a wonderful celebration of the scope of research taking place across campus. Thank you to the scholars and everyone who attended! To see more photos from the event, check out @smuengagedlearning on Instagram.

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

The Office of Engaged Learning welcomes new ELFs

Banner with text "Congratulations 2023 Engaged Learning Fellows"

The Office of Engaged Learning is happy to introduce the new Engaged Learning Fellows for 2023! Engaged Learning Fellowships award up to $2500 for student pursuing capstone projects in research, service, and creative activities.

Tyler Chapman ‘24
Fight the New Drug
Mentor: Mark Allen (Temerlin Advertising Institute)

Isis Kazadi ‘24
Am I My Brother’s Keeper: A Rational Dissection into the Family Unit’s Political Response to Incarceration
Mentor: Kara Sutton (Sociology)

Kevin Nguyen ‘24
The Synthesis of HEMI and Biodegradable Polymers
Mentor: David Son (Chemistry)

Theodore Morris ‘24
SMU Guildhall Capstone Recording Sessions: Year Two
Mentor: Robert Frank (Music Composition)

Anika Saiprabhu ‘26
Prisoner of the Strings: The Dystopia of Book Bans and Censorship in Schools
Mentor: Lane Harder (Music Composition)

Anna Su ‘24
Early Interventions in STEM Education: Examining Spectrums of Youth Interest in Engineering
Mentor: Richard Duschl (Caruth Institute for Engineering Education)

Yvonne Yang ‘24
Speculo
Mentor: Rebecca Flores (Film and Media)