Student research training begins in the Junior year at Purchase. Students choose a research topic and a faculty mentor. With the Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science Program Award, students whose Senior Project research is in an interdisciplinary area are designated as Merck Scholars. Each student prepares a formal research proposal on the chosen topic under the guidance of the mentors-one from each Department. Exceptionally well prepared sophomores or juniors may join interdisciplinary projects by faculty's invitation and are named Junior Merck Scholars.

The progress of each Scholar's research is monitored by the mentors, the Faculty Committee and the Advisory Committee. Each Merck Scholar is required to give progress reports at the Interdisciplinary Colloquia and attend all Merck Lectures. At the conclusion of their project, in addition to submitting a formal written thesis, a final oral report is given at our Annual Natural Science Student Research Symposium. Scholars may also report their research findings at national meetings. All scholars are encouraged to attend and actively participate in scientific meetings where they will be exposed to lively discussions of scientists at the frontiers of their respective fields.

Merck Scholars (from left): Adriana Gheta (Chem), Laura Simon (Psych), Lana Sattaur (Bio)

Fall 2000 / Spring 2001 Tony Blanc Danielle Finelli Adriana Gheta Patricia Evbuomwan Kelly Galasso Jason Tenzer Spring 2001 Edward Casy Laura Simon Lori Tsaldaris Sharon Rivera Fall 2001/Spring 2002 Debora Cambetas Eugene Pastore Cherie-Ann McKennon Douglas Stanton Bianca Matos Joelle Rodriguez Lana Sattaur