Georgia Southern University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSM) has unveiled an innovative program designed to tackle a long-standing challenge: getting more undergraduates involved in research without forcing them to choose between lab time and a paycheck.
Breaking Barriers to Research
For years, many students eager to dive into research hit a wall — they either didn’t know how to get involved or couldn’t afford unpaid lab work on top of jobs and classes. The Emerging Researchers Program, launched this spring, aims to change that. It’s a work-study program, but instead of desk jobs or cafeteria shifts, students spend up to 15 hours a week contributing to real scientific projects.
“We recognized that traditional work-study jobs often don’t align with students’ academic goals,” said Heather Joesting, associate professor of biology and administrative fellow for undergraduate research at COSM. “This program changes that equation.”
The initiative secures federal work-study funding for 25 students, blending financial support with meaningful academic experience — a rare combination in higher education.
Who Gets In?
The program isn’t open to just anyone. To qualify, students must:
- Be in at least their second semester of a COSM major
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
- Meet federal work-study eligibility criteria
Students submit applications detailing their research interests, and Joesting matches them with one of 20 participating faculty members. The result? Tailored experiences that align with each student’s academic and career goals.
From Dishwashing to Data Analysis
Undergraduate research jobs have a reputation — and not always a good one. Too often, students end up doing grunt work, like cleaning glassware or organizing supplies. That’s not the case here.
“They’re not just washing lab dishes,” Joesting said. “They’re learning how science actually works.”
The work is serious. Students contribute to projects spanning biology, biochemistry, geoscience, sustainability science, physics and more. A few standout projects include:
- Studying organic compounds for anti-tumor properties
- Designing eco-friendly solvents and recycling catalysts
- Developing new physics theories
- Analyzing marine ecosystems
Each project provides more than just resume fodder. Students get practical, resume-worthy skills — the kind that employers and graduate programs value.
Faculty and Students Both Benefit
It’s not just the students who win. Faculty members gain much-needed help on their research. But beyond the extra hands in the lab, professors like Joesting say the program brings a different kind of reward.
“When you see a student’s confidence grow — when they go from feeling like an imposter to contributing real data — that’s something special,” she said. “They’re not just assistants. They’re part of the research team.”
Some students have even taken ownership of pieces of their projects, contributing ideas and problem-solving alongside faculty. That’s a big shift from traditional undergrad roles in research labs.
A New Model for Work-Study?
The Emerging Researchers Program is a fresh take on the traditional work-study model — one that could inspire similar programs at other universities. With rising tuition costs and increased competition for post-grad opportunities, programs like this may become less of an exception and more of a necessity.
For now, Georgia Southern’s students are making the most of it. They’re getting paid to do meaningful work in their fields — and that’s a win for everyone.
