FRI Replication Sites

FRI has introduced first-year college students to real research experiences alongside faculty scientists for over a decade. Since 2005, thousands of freshmen have participated in FRI, experiencing a range of benefits.

FRI students are^1,2:

35% more likely to graduate in four years
Twice as likely to graduate with a degree in science or math compared to non-participants
graduating with higher GPAs
Three times more likely to pursue an advanced degrees

Rodenbusch, S.E., Hernandez, P.R., Simmons, S.L., and Dolan, E.L.. (2016) Early Engagement in Course-Based Research Increases Graduation Rates and Completion of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Degrees. CBE Life Sciences Education, 15, 2. https://www.lifescied.org/doi/full/10.1187/cbe.16-03-0117

Walcott, R.L., Corso, P.S., Rodenbusch, S.E., and Dolan, E.L.. (2018) Benefit–Cost Analysis of Undergraduate Education Programs: An Example Analysis of the Freshman Research Initiative. CBE Life Sciences Education, 17, 1. https://www.lifescied.org/doi/full/10.1187/cbe.17-06-0114

FRI Replication Sites

FRI's proven positive results have caught the attention of other institutions around Texas and the country, with several universities now replicating the program on their own campuses.