Since fall of 2013, FOCUS has offered programming for sophomore students. The second year in the program is structured around the Sophomore Project, a year-long, interdisciplinary study of a topic chosen by the FOCUS Faculty Mentor. This project offers students the unique chance to choose and design a study plan that plays off their interests and strengths. The students will thus “FOCUS” on a single topic within a broader scientific theme and become local experts.
The Sophomore Project also provides experience with science journalism and writing for a broad audience. It also includes a community component, as students reach out to community partners and perform novel research within Northfield. The Sophomore Project, therefore, is a special opportunity to use scientific research to potentially impact community well-being.
Find out what previous FOCUS classes have studied during their Sophomore projects.