EXPLORE AN OCEAN OF RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
The Research Scholars Program at NSU Florida is customized for students who have a passion for scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and hands-on research projects. As part of this intellectual community, you’ll learn about research theoretical framework and methodology and then team up with NSU faculty mentors who are accomplished researchers to better understand research techniques in a variety of fields, such as marine biology, psychology, neuroscience, medical, dental, and education..
As a Research Scholar, you’ll develop skills that will prepare you to make an impact in your field of study. You’ll also receive a $25,000 annual scholarship package and earn a minor in research studies.
Program Overview and Objectives
Our Research Scholars are immediately immersed in a wealth of knowledge and spend four years becoming immersed in research opportunities in their areas of interest. Each semester, Research Scholars update their portfolios with goals, highlights, artifacts, and reflections to build an impressive resume for future professional or graduate studies and careers.
Many Razor's Research Scholars are Dual Admission and Honors College students who participate in an array of activities on campus.
Key Skills and Experience Gained
- Analytical skills
- Critical thinking
- Hands-on research
- Field study with a faculty mentor
- Problem solving skills
- Collaborative skills
- Presentation skills
- Improved writing skills
Razor's Edge Research Values
Passion is an intrinsic motivation possessed by students who pursue long-term goals with steadfast resilience. Within the Razor's Edge Research Program, our scholars, guided by tailored faculty mentorship, cultivate students' innate curiosity to pursue unique research interests. Through research contributions, Razor's Research students aim to motivate and inspire future scholars.
Integrity is a commitment to honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct. Scholars prioritize transparent, accountable, and responsible research practices. This foundational principle extends beyond research, shaping scholars who embody ethical, open, and truthful engagement with the community in their academic and personal lives.
Diversity embodies the acceptance of variance and serves as the upholstery of adaptation. Differences in perspective help to spark new discoveries, uniting each of our scholars and providing endless possibilities of creativity. Variation in experience and ideas is a key component of the Razor's Edge Research Program, building thought-provoking discussions to create an environment for curiosity and collaboration to thrive.
Curiosity. In the Razor's Edge Research Program, curiosity is paramount, fostering a lifelong commitment to inquiry. The Program aims to shape scholars who embody a spirit of curiosity, influencing both their academic pursuits and personal growth.
The NSU Edge
With the help of proven leaders, faculty and staff members, you’ll gain the skills necessary to solve problems and make a significant impact on the NSU community. Sharks become immersed in research through mentorship, cocurricular activities, and hands-on research projects.
What Can You Gain as a Razor’s Edge Research Scholar?
Program and Minor Requirements
Earn a Minor in Research Studies
As a Research Scholar, you’ll earn a 15 credit minor in Research Studies (available only to Razor's Edge Research Scholars) to enhance your critical-thinking and analytical skills. Excelling in these minor courses positions you to use newfound tools and knowledge to make a difference on the NSU campus.
To earn the minor, you must complete 15 credit hours, including
- RAZR 1000R - Seminar in Research Design and Implementation I (3 credits)
- RAZR 2000R - Seminar in Research Design and Implementation II (3 credits)
- RAZR 3000 - Quantitative Research Design and Statistical Analysis (3 credits)
- RAZR 2501 - Field Experience (1 credit)
- RAZR 3501 - Field Experience (1 credit)
- RAZR 3502 - Field Experience (1 credit)
- RAZR 4501 - Field Experience (1 credit)
- RAZR 4502 - Field Experience (2 credits)
Required GPA: Earn a grade of “B” (3.0) or better in each undergraduate course used to satisfy the minor, and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
What else do we expect from our Research Scholars?
You’ll come to NSU with a potentially brilliant and curious mind destined for success. Through the Razor’s Edge Research Program, you’ll learn to channel that intelligence and become a future leader in the world of research.
Community Engagement
Research Scholars work closely with faculty members and NSU researchers to solve complex problems and unearth exciting new findings in important fields, such as STEM, social sciences, education, and business.
Academic Excellence
Research Scholars are among NSU’s top students, committed to excelling in a challenging curriculum.
Serve as a Student Success Mentor
In your first year, you’ll receive training on how to be a student success mentor. In your second and third years, you’ll serve as an active mentor. In your fourth year, it will be your turn to train members of the incoming Razor’s Edge class and share what you’ve learned during your time as a mentor.
Live on Campus
Scholars within the Razor's Edge program are required to live on campus during their freshman and sophomore year, but are given the option to opt-out of university housing during their junior and senior year.
Sample Field Experience Projects
Social Sciences
"Music, Exercise and Cognition": Erin Goonan ’23, mentored by Dr. W. Matthew Collins, College of Psychology
"Cultural Humility for LGBTQ Populations": Kayla Sewell ’22, mentored by Dr. Helene Fisher, Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
"Effects of Prolonged Touch Deprivation as a Result of Covid-19": Lorena Hernandez ’21, mentored by Dr. Lia Jiannine, Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
"Virtual Analysis of the Writing and Communication Center": Joy Oni ’20, mentored by Dr. Kevin Dvorak, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
"Effect of Hope Court on Kids Going Through the Foster Care System": Sharan Sankar ’23, mentored by Dr. James Pann, College of Psychology
Medical Sciences
"Can SDF and KI be used to treat Carious Lesions on Bovine Teeth": Christian Ramlal ’22, mentored by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, College of Dental Medicine
"The Impact of Potassium Iodide on the Staining of Silver Diamine Fluoride as Potential Cosmetic Restorative Procedure for Carious Lesions": Nelson Triana ’21, mentored by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, College of Dental Medicine
"The Use of Volatile Organic Compounds as a Tool for Diagnosing Diseases": Nabiha Atiquzzaman ’23, mentored by Dr. Jessica Brown, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
"The Effect of Social Defeat Stress on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats": Miguel Cuello ’22, mentored by Dr. William Kochen, College of Psychology
Natural Sciences
"Thermal Biology Research on Mangrove Associated Fishes": Erin Cowan ’22, mentored by Dr. David Kerstetter, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
"Stabilization of a Porphyrin Monocation": Mamiko Swanson ’23, mentored by Dr. Maria Ballester, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
"Bottle-Nose Dolphin Contact Exchanges in Mother-Calf Pairs at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences": Savanna Duda ’23, mentored by Dr. Amy Hirons, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
"Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Ferrocene-bis Bipyridine Ruthenium Complexes": Abigayle Gonzalez ’23, mentored by Dr. Dimitri Giarikos, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
Academic Requirements at a Glance
Connect with the Razor’s Edge Research Scholars Program
Ready to dive in? We’re here to help!
Program Contact
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Dana Mills at dmills@nova.edu or (954) 262-7818.
Prospective Students
Connect with an admissions counselor to learn more about the application process.
Learn How to ApplyCurrent Razor’s Edge Research Scholars
Get in touch with your career and academic success coach if you have questions about coursework or to chat about future career goals.
Connect With Your Counselor