The Nieh Lab
Section of Ecology, Behavior & Evolution
Division of Biological Sciences
University of California, San Diego

The Nieh Lab participates in several programs that promote an interest in science and attendance at 4-year colleges for students from groups typically underrepresented in the sciences. These programs include:

ORBS: Opportunities for Research in Behavioral Science

ORBS is a program for undergraduates attending 2-year colleges.  Schools currently participating are San Diego City College and Southwestern College.  This program encourages students attending community colleges to transition to 4-year institutions and to pursue careers in the behavioral sciences.  In particular, we assist students who are interested in transferring to UCSD by familiarizing them with the campus, the faculty, and the educational and research opportunities available.

The Preuss School

The Preuss School is a charter school serving minority students in the San Diego City School District.  In working with this school, we aim to introduce young students to research in order to encourage the development of scientific understanding and interest in groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the sciences.  Our model uses successful undergraduate students as a model for minority success to come and speak about their research experiences and career plans at the Preuss School.  As the involvement of Preuss School students increases, we anticipate adding these students to our group of model speakers.