Summer Mentoring Program

Program Description: Summer Research Forensic Mentoring Program for High School Students and Science Teachers

Background:

In 1994, Dr. Fredric Rieders brought to fruition a long held goal to establish a non-profit foundation that fostered love for science, art and humanitities in students young and old, but especially in the young and the disadvantaged.

The Forensics Mentors Institute of the Fredric Rieders Family Renaissance Foundation focuses on teaching through hands-on research, academic instruction and support of scientific and humanistic activities. Dr. Rieders endeavors to provide an educational experience that will nurture a love of science. To this end, the Foundation provides an academic milieu and experts in various fields who act as mentors to groups of researchers. The philosophy is that knowledge is the fundamental tool required to investigate any of life's problems or otherwise. Once the basic "tool bag" is filled with an understanding of these topics, one is truly ready to advance in the fields of science and life.

Program Objectives:

During nine weeks of summer vacation, high school students are assigned hands-on research projects working under the direction of mentors at the Forensics Mentors Institute (FMI). One or twice a week, biology, chemistry and mathematics enrichment courses are presented to the high school students. Science teachers participate in a weekly journal club. This section of the program augments the educational experience for the students. For the teachers, these experiences help to update their knowledge of recent scientific research and facilitate their development of educational techniques and ability to transfer this information students.

The goal of the FMI is to develop a relationship with high school students, teachers and institutions through this new educational experience.

Eligibility:

High school students must be enrolled with passing grades in at least basic biology, chemistry, mathematics, and English. Additionally, students must exhibit a desire to explore science and humanities. Students must demonstrate good academic potential as evidenced in official transcripts. Two letters of recommendation are also required. The applicant must agree to abide by the FMI guidelines of ethical conduct. In past years, the FMI has been awarded grant funds from the American Chemical Society (ACS) as part of the SEED Project for high school students. Names of eligible students will be submitted to the ACS for possible grant awards. The summer program gives preference to economically disadvantaged and underrepresented students.

Some Former Projects:

Throughout the years, the FMI has conducted more than 50 original research projects. Below are some examples of projects that were undertaken, some of which have been presented and published.

Detection of GHB/GBL in Beverages
Determination of GBL in Hair
Demographics of Emergency Toxicology
Binding Characteristics of Lorazepam in Human Plasma
Analysis of Herbal Supplements for Selective Heavy Metals
Saliva collection for drug analysis using a novel technique