FAQs
What is the ACE Scholars Program?
The ACE Scholars Program takes an integrative and interdisciplinary multi-scale approach to undergraduate research training. We are housed in the Arizona Cancer Evolution Center at Arizona State University.
What does the ACE Scholars Program offer?
The ACE Scholars Program combines scientific mentoring with career and professional development sessions. In the ACE Scholars Program, students work together on research projects led by senior undergraduates. The group meets weekly for a research meeting, and they also participate in weekly sessions that alternate between R tutorials and career and professional development sessions. During the R tutorials, students learn about comparative phylogenetics, RNA-Seq, data curation, and data visualization. During the career and professional development meetings, students learn from guest speakers about various topics such as research writing and prepping for publication, cultural intelligence, medical school applications, and art-science collaborations. Furthermore, students are mentored in topics such as time management, personal branding, graduate school applications and strategy, mental health, difficult conversations, the importance of mentoring, and how to find mentors.
How do I join the ACE Scholars Program?
We are recruiting students twice per year: in May for the Fall semester, and in November for the Spring semester. You are welcome to join our interest list and we will contact you when applications open up. To join our interest list, click here or see the Join Us tab.
As an ACE Scholar, what sort of research opportunities and outputs do I have access to?
The ACE Scholars Program is based on project and team learning. We have over a dozen of projects at any given time, and typically students work in teams of 4-6 individuals. The goals for all the projects and teams are the same for any given semester: present at least at one academic event, and work towards a publishable manuscript.
I am an online student. Can I join the ACE Scholars Program?
Yes! In fact, we partnered with the Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) Program at ASU in an effort to include more online students in our program. Regardless of your physical location in the world, you are welcome to join us!
I am not an ASU student. Can I join the ACE Scholars Program?
Most likely. While we are not actively recruiting non-ASU students, we are accepting applications from students who are attending other higher education institutions. if in doubt, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Can I receive research credits as an ACE Scholar?
Yes! Depending on your major, we will convene at the beginning of each semester and decide what the best course of action might be.
I am an ACE Scholar. Can I receive a letter of recommendation for graduate school/professional purposes?
Absolutely! All ACE Scholars are eligible for letters of recommendation after they spent at least one semester in our group. We will analyze and grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis if needed.
What is the time commitment as an ACE Scholar?
As an ACE Scholar, you will be typically expected to devote 2-3 hours per week to meetings (i.e., weekly main research group seminar, weekly R tutorial or career and professional development seminar, and potentially weekly small group research meeting), and 3-5 hours per week to independent work with the goal of accomplishing the tasks that you have been assigned by your team leader.
Is it feasible for full-time professionals to work as ACE Scholars too?
While everyone's situation is different and we encourage you to explore the possibilities and decide for yourself, over 50% of our students work part or full time, and/or take care of dependents.