The Student Center for Science Engagement (SCSE) at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), was established in 2008 with the mission to support students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM disciplines with the challenges they face in their academic and career development. The SCSE is supported by the U.S. Department of Education grant, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA, #P031C080027). Each year the SCSE hosts a summer research experience for STEM students. The goals are: (a) encourage students to pursue STEM careers, (b) provide exposure to research at a hands-on level, (c) improve student knowledge about the nature of research including ambiguity, evolving understanding, and the open ended nature of research, and (d) develop student inquiry skills including formulating research questions, experimental design, analysis, scientific communication, and envisioning future steps.
