Program gives students a taste of graduate research
Contact Information:Dr. Curt Rom, Department of Horticulture
479-575-7434 / crom@uark.edu
Dr. Dan Rainey, Department of Agricultural Economics and AgriBusiness
479-575-5584 / rainey@uark.edu
By Fred Miller, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
479-575-5647 / fmiller@uark.edu
Lakeita Rena Ruffin of Fayette, Miss., left, and Monique Fahie of the U.S. Virgin Islands are conducting research this summer with faculty in Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. Their work is part of the George Washington Carver Research Program.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Monique Fahie of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Lakeitha Rena Ruffin of Fayette, Miss., are researching elements of Arkansas' economic health this summer with faculty mentors in Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
Fahie and Ruffin are among 21 undergraduate students participating in the George Washington Carver Research Program at the U of A. The internship program helps prepare minority undergraduate students for graduate school, while paying tribute to the renowned African American educator and scientist, George Washington Carver.
Fahie is a senior at Alcorn State University, Lorman, Miss. Ruffin is a 2007 graduate of Alcorn State. Both are agricultural economics majors. Their research at the U of A began May 20 and will continue through July 13.
Ruffin is working with Curt Rom, professor of horticulture, conducting an economic analysis of organic management systems for apples. She is examining different types of mulch, fertilizer and other treatments.
"We're looking at 12 different management systems with everything needed to establish an organic orchard," Ruffin said.
Fahie is working with Dan Rainey, associate professor of agricultural economics, on an analysis of what Arkansas has done or needs to do to compete in a global economy. Part of the study includes collecting data on Arkansas higher education and occupations since 1970 to see how college majors correlate with the state's job market.
"We're trying to find out what more Arkansas can do to attract investments in the state and its people," Fahie said. "That includes learning what schools are doing to attract students to majors in marketable careers."
The Carver Research Program gives prospective graduate students from historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions the opportunity to work directly with a UA faculty mentor and experience graduate-level research.