The SMART Lab is a developing structure for peer-to-peer and faculty mentoring through applied, challenge-based research, to serve as both a connector and a generator. It aims to bring together dynamic, interdisciplinary faculty and students with an eye toward solving some of the most wicked problems facing our institution, higher education, our region, and the world - identified by adult learners themselves. Faculty research mentors serve as guides, models, and supporters, offering their time and expertise for the educational and professional development of mentees. SMART research mentors may take on a variety of roles, within varying phases of the research process, from skill coaching to research design, to project feedback or emotional support.  

As a faculty research mentor you can offer adult, online students the support they’ll need to engage in intensive, practical research, helping them ask big questions, apply course knowledge to real research, and, ideally, perform better academically. As the SMART Lab progresses, more information will be forthcoming. 

To find out more about the SMART Lab and how you can get involved, email Max Counter at [email protected].