In an effort to increase under-represented student participation in research, Mississippi State University (MSU) introduced the BRIDGES Undergraduate Research Program in 2022.
The initiative stemmed from the findings of a Student Success Task Force committee, which revealed that many students were eager to engage in high-impact experiences like undergraduate research but faced opportunity barriers due to the need to maintain jobs or the inability to forgo paid opportunities. Recognizing research as a valuable pathway to degree completion and career readiness, MSU created BRIDGES to offer a solution: the opportunity to participate in research while receiving financial compensation.
BRIDGES, which stands for Building Relationships that Intentionally Develop Generations of Excellent Scholars, is held each spring semester. The program launched with 13 students in 2022, expanding to 31 by 2024. Looking ahead to spring 2025, BRIDGES will offer 40 research opportunities across a variety of MSU centers and institutes. The process begins each fall, when interested parties submit an application before being matched with research projects based on their interests and career goals. Once selected, students interview with research center mentors, who guide them through the research process during their time in the program.
Participating MSU centers, such as the Center for Cyber Innovation and the Advanced Composites Institute, offer meaningful real-world research experiences working on cutting-edge projects. “A huge component of the undergraduate research experience is communicating the results of their work through presentations, including creating research posters for the university’s Undergraduate Research Symposium,” says MSU Vice President for Access, Opportunity and Success, Ra’Sheda Forbes. These experiences help participants build professional networks and acquire skills that are critical to academic and career success.
The impact of the BRIDGES program is evident in student outcomes. Surveys conducted with participants highlight significant growth in research knowledge and career aspirations. At the January 2024 start of the program, 51% reported having a minimal understanding of research. By the end of the semester, 82% indicated a moderate to strong understanding of research. “In this same survey, students indicated an openness to research careers in academia and industry,” says Forbes.
BRIDGES not only broadens access to research for underrepresented students but also fosters skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional development. Students leave the program with hands-on experience, mentorship, and a clearer sense of their academic and career paths. As the program continues to grow, it provides an invaluable platform for those who are historically underserved to excel in research and beyond.
