Ten University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science women faculty members have volunteered as research mentors for 43 Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy students working on biology-based projects.
Dr. Gretchen Potts, department head for Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, said the department is always looking for ways to connect with the local community, and the chance to work with CGLA was a perfect opportunity.
“All the faculty in the department participate in continuous outreach efforts with the community,” she said.
“This year, the CGLA Senior Projects provided a unique opportunity for 10 women faculty members from BGE to mentor these graduating students.
“When I asked the department for volunteers, these 10 women immediately responded to my call. Some have volunteered in previous years, but this year marks the first time we have sponsored 10 mentors.”
The hope, she said, is to maintain an ongoing relationship with CGLA to “continue to promote student success.”
As part of the collaboration, a group of CGLA students visited the UTC Library to learn how its resources can be used to do research. Andrew Forrester, a scientific research instructor at CGLA, accompanied the students on the UTC trip.
“My job is to instruct the students on all aspects of scientific research, including background, gathering data, analysis and presentation of result,” said Mr. Forrester, one of four senior advisors at CGLA. “Most of the work is to be done by the student. Mainly I am here to keep them on track.”