We are very interested in broadening participation in science and improving research mentoring. From 2022-2026*, we are funded by a RaMP grant from the National Science Foundation (DBI-2216648) to implement a program for post-baccalaureate research mentoring in biology, in collaboration with Liz McCullagh. Our program, the Oklahoma Network for Research and Mentoring for Post-baccalaureates (ON-RaMP), welcomed its first cohort of 8 mentees in 2023. The Reichert lab hosted one of these mentees, Matthew Thompson, who worked on projects about grasshopper color variation and cricket cognition. In 2024, we hosted Brendan Dehner, who worked on the effects of autotomy (voluntary limb loss) on behavior and performance in grasshoppers. There were a total of 10 mentees in the second class. The program included an intensive independent research experience, opportunities for conference travel, professional development, and work to build a sense in belonging in science among participants. We are also conducting research about best practices in post-baccalaureate mentoring.
For more information about the ON-RaMP program including opportunities to apply, please visit our website.
*Unfortunately the ON-RaMP program was among the grants terminated in 2025. This has had major negative consequences resulting in the loss of 11 jobs including 10 one-year post-bac research participants, and loss of funding for 10 important research projects. See here for some of the press coverage of this termination:
Democrats Stage a Science Fair of Canceled Grants To Show What’s Been Lost – Science
Reichert Lab 