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Twenty-two students from The Five Colleges of Ohio (OH5) showcased their research at a Capstone event on The Ohio State University (OSU) campus in late July, marking the conclusion of the 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program—a key initiative that connects liberal arts education with cutting-edge STEM research. Established in 2018 by OSU Professors Amy Ferketich and Tom Magliery, the OH5-OSU SURE Program offers up to 30 paid summer internships annually. Participants engage in full-time STEM research, live on the OSU campus, and work closely with OSU faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. The program also includes workshops on graduate school preparation and career development, culminating in a final event where interns present their research.
The transformative nature of the SURE program is evident in the experiences of its participants. “SURE students work alongside OSU faculty on projects that challenge their analytical skills and broaden their perspectives, all while engaging with the vibrant Columbus community,” said OH5 Executive Director Lindsey Interlante. “This experience not only shapes their career paths but also paves the way for graduate school and future success.”
To further enhance its impact, SURE has made significant strides in bridging the gap between liberal arts education and emerging workforce opportunities. Since 2023, Intel Corporation grants have funded three SURE internships in semiconductor research, while the National Institutes of Health-supported Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science (TCORS) sponsored four tobacco control research internships this past summer. Both initiatives have been highly successful.
The 2024 SURE program received a record 168 applications for 30 spots, ultimately admitting 22 students. Since 2018, the program has consistently attracted a diverse group—50% women, 40% students of color, and one-third international—enriching Ohio’s STEM pipeline and engaging a predominantly out-of-state cohort. “SURE is a tremendous opportunity to bring talented liberal arts students to OSU for an
authentic graduate school experience, and the research outcomes have been amazing,” said Magliery, a 1996 Kenyon College alum. “The program also helps OH5 students, faculty, and staff learn about opportunities at Ohio State,” added Ferketich. Notably, several SURE alumni have since enrolled in OSU doctoral programs.
The success of SURE graduates in securing competitive professional roles and admission to top-tier graduate programs at institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, University of California Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University highlights the program’s significant
impact.
Founded in 1995, The Five Colleges of Ohio brings together Denison University, Kenyon College, Oberlin College, Ohio Wesleyan University, and The College of Wooster to enhance the academic and operational success of its member institutions. Through the power of collaboration, OH5 achieves significant cost savings, fosters academic partnerships, offers impactful internships, and secures grants, advancing excellence in liberal arts education.
For more information on the OH5-OSU SURE Program, please visit ohio5.org or contact OH5 staff at info@ohio5.org.