Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)

The Texas A&M System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (TAMUS LSAMP) is a partnership between Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and Prairie View A&M University. The program is dedicated to increasing student participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. LSAMP is a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded initiative focused on promoting academic success for students pursuing STEM degrees.

The TAMU-CC LSAMP Undergraduate Research Program provides undergraduate STEM students with opportunities to engage in advanced research alongside faculty mentors. Participants also take part in various research-related activities and receive stipends for their involvement.

Who is Louis Stokes:

Louis Stokes was born on February 23, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents Louise (née Stone) and Charles Stokes. He and his brother, Carl Stokes, grew up in federally funded housing projects. Stokes served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, later earning degrees from Western Reserve University and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He began his legal career in Cleveland and gained national recognition in 1968 after arguing the significant "stop and frisk" case, Terry v. Ohio, before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Later that year, he was elected to the U.S. Congress, becoming the first Black member of Congress from Ohio. He served fifteen consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his tenure, he chaired several influential committees, including the House Select Committee on Assassinations, the Ethics Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, HUD, and Independent Agencies. After retiring, he became the first Black member of Congress to complete thirty years in office. Throughout his career, Stokes received numerous awards recognizing his public service and leadership.

Benefits to the LSAMP Student:

Engage in a meaningful research experience
Enhance communication and leadership skills
Paid research opportunity
Monetary support for research supplies
Gain hands-on experience with “cutting edge” research projects
Preparation for graduate school
Travel support to attend conferences, symposiums, REUS (Research Experiences for Undergraduates), and international experiences
Build a professional network through faculty sponsorship and lab groups
Belong to a community of Undergraduate Research scholars and fellows

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a full-time student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi pursuing a degree in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) fields within the College of Science and College of Engineering and Computer Science
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
Demonstrate intention to pursue graduate school
Have a strong interest in engaging in Faculty sponsored research
Be available to work >10 hours/week on a research project during the academic year