Kennesaw State's Advanced Majors Program Provides Support For STEM Education

Press release from Kennesaw State University:

May 7, 2021

Kennesaw State's Advanced Majors Program provides support for STEM education

Basirat Olorunlambe

KENNESAW, Ga.
(May 7, 2021) — When it came to selecting a university, Basirat Olorunlambe said her main criterion
was to find a school with a strong science program, where she also had a supportive
community. Now a senior biochemistry major who is set to graduate this month, Olorunlambe
said that Kennesaw State’s Advanced Majors Program (AMP) was exactly what she had
in mind.

Olorunlambe is part of the inaugural cohort of graduates in AMP, housed within the
College of Science and Mathematics. Established four years ago by associate professor
of biology Jennifer Louten, AMP is designed for high-performing, motivated science
and math students.

“In developing the program, we recognized the need that some students have for more
advanced educational opportunities, and we wanted to create something that challenges,
motivates and supports them on their academic journey,” Louten said. “AMP also gives
students access to all the benefits of a large research-focused university, while
providing a more personalized experience, where they are able to cultivate meaningful
relationships with faculty and fellow students in their discipline.”

According to Louten, AMP is based on an extended learning community model, where students
form a community based on similar interests. Studies have shown that learning communities
increase student success in college, and Louten says that the AMP program is proving
to have some very positive results.

“The grade-point average among our AMP students is 3.43 on a 4.0 scale, which compares
with an average of 3.18 for comparable students who did not take part in AMP. They
are also retained in their major at a higher rate, and AMP students are involved in
all facets of the College and University as undergraduate research students, learning
assistants, student organization leaders and more,” said Louten.

Tia Gordon
As a cohort, AMP students all have similar experiences with access to personalized
advising, hands-on courses, weekly guest speakers, and special research and scholarship
opportunities.

In addition, students in AMP meet and receive advice from upper-level students already
in the program. This begins with the Backstage Pass to Success event, a reception
where students network with other AMP students, faculty and academic advisers.

Olorunlambe said that it was the relationships she built with faculty members and
fellow students that led her to become a Birla Carbon Scholar. Each year, a select
group of students receives a stipend from Birla Carbon to conduct research alongside
a faculty member and present their work at an annual Symposium. This year, Olorunlambe
won top honors for her research on the use of bacteria to reduce infections from MRSA,
an infection caused by the methicillin-resistant strain of staphylococcus aureus.

“It was an honor to be a Birla Carbon Scholar and an even greater honor to win. I
know it wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t been a part of AMP. This program has
opened so many doors and has also given me the tools to begin preparing for my life
after college,” said Olorunlambe, who is currently in the process of applying to medical
school.

Biology major Tia Gordon said the community aspect of the program extended to faculty
as well. With the frequent meet-and-greets, Gordon said she developed friendships
with mentors that will last beyond graduation.

Vanessa Rodriguez
“I got to build a sense of community not only with peers, but with the faculty as
well,” she said. “As a senior, I can say that I’ve met lifelong friends, and the people
I met in the program have positively shaped my college experience. I also built great
connections with professors who have helped me tremendously reach goals that I never
thought possible.”

Following graduation, biology major Vanessa Rodriguez will head to graduate school
to pursue a master’s degree in science education so that she can inspire future generations
of scientists.

“For me, one of the greatest aspects of the AMP program was the diversity of the faculty
and the students,” she said. “As a Hispanic student, it was wonderful to experience
different cultures and backgrounds and, as a teacher, I hope that I inspire other
students like me to pursue a career in the STEM fields.”

– Dave Shelles

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.

This press release was produced by Kennesaw State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.