Recently, Gwen Bethea, director of communications, Howard University Graduate School, conducted an on-line interview with Dr. Kelly Mack, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research.  Dr. Mack recently accepted an appointment on the Board of Governors of the National Council on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Dr. Mack is a 1995 Ph.D. graduate in the field of Physiology from Howard University.  She holds a teaching appointment at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore in the areas Biology, Physiology, and Endocrinology in the Department of Natural Sciences.  She is also the MARC U* Star Program co-director. She has garnered several federal grants to assist undergraduate students in gaining widely ranging research experiences, particularly in the sciences. The interview follows.

Bethea:  What exactly is the title of your new appointment?

Mack:  I am a member of the Board of Governors of the National Council on Undergraduate Research.  I serve on the Finance, Operations and Development Committee of this organization.  My appointment is for 3 years, from 2007-2010.  Board members are eligible to serve for two consecutive three year terms.

Bethea:  What is the nature of your responsibilities?

As a member of the Board of Governors, I serve with a group of individuals who advocate for the implementation of undergraduate research experiences, scholarship and creative activities across all academic disciplines at all types of higher education institutions.  Additionally, the Board of Governors advocates for curricular reform to support undergraduate research in all disciplines and supports the funding of undergraduate research activities.

The Finance, Operations and Development Committee is responsible for updating the constitution and bylaws as appropriate as well as determining budget expenditures and making final reports to the Board of Governors at large on the status of NCUR.

Bethea:  Do you foresee a heightened focus on undergraduate research generally and at Howard?

Mack:  As a result of my serving on the Board of Governors of NCUR, I do foresee a heightened focus on undergraduate research at Howard. Specifically, by working with key undergraduate research training programs already in place at Howard (i.e., McNair Program, Howard University Science, Engineering, and Mathematics program (HUSEM), and the  Bridges to the Doctorate, etc.), I hope that we can increase the representation of minority undergraduates at the annual NCUR conference.  Historically, minority undergraduate students have made up only about 10-15% of the total student population who participates in this conference.  This year, the conference is being held in April 2008 in Salisbury, Maryland.  I hope to facilitate the attendance of Howard undergraduates at this conference.  The conference also highlights faculty development and alternative means for involving undergraduates in the professional culture of their disciplines which can be easily translated into specific strategies for enhancing an undergraduate research program at Howard, as well as elements that can be implemented into our annual undergraduate research symposium at Howard to showcase the accomplishments of all undergraduates.

Bethea:  How will your appointment enhance these efforts?

Mack: My appointment has a bidirectional purpose. First, it provides for representation from historically black institutions on the Board.  As such, I bring unique perspectives on undergraduate research and the value that it has, particularly for students of color.  Second, my appointment provides me with an opportunity to gain a more global perspective of undergraduate research and the ability to incorporate successful national models of undergraduate research that can be tailored to suit the needs of our campus.

            Bethea:  Thank you and Congratulations