Student Science Training Program (SSTP)
Research Component
The research component of the UF-SSTP matches the student with a faculty mentor. The student works with that mentor and his/her staff in a discovery process. Students do background research (internet/library) to become familiar with the topic being studied, learn basic safety techniques and some learn how to use equipment applicable to the lab. Topics assigned cover a broad area of scientific study; some students will do field research, some bench research and some computer research.
Lectures and Seminars
In a daily lecture/seminar series, university scientists highlight the concepts, experimental approaches and applications of current research in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Lecture topics presented in the past include: Ecoestrogens and Alligator Embryos, Biohazards in the Research Laboratory, Semiconductors: From Computer Chips to Laser Chips, The Brain and Reading, Quasars: Outposts of the Future, Tracing the Migration of Sea Turtles with Genetic Markers, and Politics of the Global Habitat: Population Growth and Sustainable Development in the 21st Century. The lecture series includes topics on both the biological and physical sciences. All students participate fully in this component of the program.
