ForagerOne Strengthens Student-Faculty Research Connections
Strategic investment enhances access to undergraduate research and interdisciplinary faculty collaboration
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Baylor University has announced the university-wide adoption of ForagerOne, a leading software platform that facilitates undergraduate student engagement in research and interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty. Spearheaded by the Office of the Provost and the Office of Engaged Learning (OEL), the adoption of ForagerOne represents a significant investment in the infrastructure of Baylor’s R1 research enterprise.
ForagerOne builds on Baylor’s existing excellence in research and mentoring by providing a centralized, intuitive platform to match undergraduate students with faculty-led research projects across disciplines.
While students have long participated in meaningful research experiences at Baylor, ForagerOne streamlines the process for both students and faculty. Students will now have a single, searchable platform on which to discover and apply for research opportunities, and faculty will now benefit from a unified place and process for posting research opportunities, receiving and reviewing student applications, and sharing and discovering interdisciplinary research projects.
“The adoption of ForagerOne reflects Baylor’s deep commitment to research as both a scholarly and formational endeavor,” said Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D. “By making the process of connecting students and faculty clearer and more accessible, we’re continuing to invest in a research culture that values mentorship, exploration, and the integration of learning with discovery.”
“Adopting ForagerOne is a tangible way Baylor is investing in the infrastructure that sustains a thriving research enterprise,” said Vice Provost for Research Kevin Chambliss, Ph.D. “Alongside a transformational education, undergraduate students will have an innovative tool to connect with faculty in meaningful research pursuits.”
The platform is also designed to increase access and equity for students and to reduce the administrative friction often experienced by faculty.
"Clearer pathway into research"
“ForagerOne gives more students a clearer pathway into research while offering faculty a simpler process for engaging students and connecting across disciplines,” said Andrew Hogue, Ph.D., associate dean for engaged learning. “We’re building on what Baylor already does well – deep mentoring in research – and making it more accessible in support of Baylor’s mission.”
Early users of the platform are already seeing benefits, including Michael Trakselis, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry who leads research on DNA replication and repair.
“ForagerOne was easy to set up based on already available material from our lab websites, and its streamlined interface is easy to navigate," Trakselis said.
Jacques Nyugen, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience who focuses his research on the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms underlying the onset and development of substance use disorders and addiction.
"The ForagerOne interface is intuitive, and faculty information was included seamlessly. I'm hoping that students take full advantage of the system to inquire about lab opportunities," Nyugen said.
ForagerOne is available for immediate use by students, faculty, and staff, who can learn more and find login instructions on the Office of Engaged Learning’s website. Faculty are encouraged to log in, claim their auto-generated profiles, and begin posting research opportunities. Students are encouraged to log in, complete their profile, and begin exploring faculty profiles and research opportunities and applying for any of interest.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.
ABOUT THE OFFICE OF ENGAGED LEARNING
The Office of Engaged Learning at Baylor University is a central hub of programs through which students discover opportunities to maximize their undergraduate education by learning beyond the classroom. OEL brings together mentoring opportunities for students across fields of study, empowering undergraduates to deepen learning by participating in faculty-led research, apply burgeoning academic expertise to work for the good of the community, broaden and diversify understanding through global involvement, and gain valuable professional experience through internships, especially in research and public service. In addition, OEL provides opportunities for students to compete for major fellowships and awards, including the Fulbright, Truman, Rhodes, Marshall or Churchill that support post-graduate study, research or international engagement, and other notable undergraduate awards such as the Goldwater, Boren, Critical Language Scholarship, Gilman and NSF-REU that fund student research and study.
ABOUT THE OFFICE OF THE PROVOST
The Office of the Provost oversees all academic operations at Baylor University, including the University Libraries, research enterprise, and 12 colleges and schools. Under the leadership of Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., the Office advances Baylor’s academic mission with a focus on excellence in research, teaching, and mentorship across disciplines.
ABOUT THE OFFICE OF THE VICE PROVOST FOR RESEARCH
The Office of the Vice Provost for Research provides comprehensive support for Baylor’s research enterprise through pre- and post-award services, compliance, commercialization, and strategic research development. Led by Kevin Chambliss, Ph.D., the office is dedicated to growing Baylor’s research impact and helping faculty thrive across fields and disciplines.