News Article

Microbiology Professor Chosen for National Research Fellowship

Aug 28, 2015

AUGUST 28, 2015 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) microbiology professor Dr. Robert Furler was recently chosen for the American Society for Microbiology and the National Science Foundation’s (ASM-NSF) Leaders Inspiring Networks and Knowledge (LINK) Undergraduate Faculty Research Initiative Fellowship (UFRI).

 The UFRI is designed to empower undergraduate STEM educators (who are currently employed by or transitioning to institutions with small research programs, such as community colleges, minority-serving institutions, or public undergraduate institutions) to understand and leverage their research contributions.

 The year-long fellowship will provide Dr. Furler the opportunity to mentor with established scientists, attend various national conferences with other fellows and scientists, and participate in webinars on how to promote research at FSW.

“Research is my passion,” Dr. Furler said. “More importantly, research shows students how to think critically and how to investigate the world around them.”

With the addition of three new research labs on the FSW Thomas Edison Campus, Dr. Furler plans to use the collaborations and tools from the fellowship to increase undergraduate research projects at FSW. 

“We have a lot of very curious students at FSW, but they don’t always know their full potential,” Dr.  Furler said. “They may not have the same research opportunities as students attending universities do, so I want to give them that exposure.”

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Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: August 28, 2015