About Us

Volunteer Program

In today's rapidly evolving world, driven by technological advancements and complex global challenges, the demand for a skilled workforce in Science, Technology, Engineering, and 
Mathematics (STEM) has never been greater. However, a persistent gap exists between the need for STEM professionals and the number of students pursuing these critical fields. This shortage poses a significant threat to our nation's economic competitiveness, innovation capacity, and overall societal well-being.

Data indicates a concerning trend:

Growing Demand

  • STEM occupations are projected to grow at a significantly faster rate than non-STEM occupations.
  • Industries ranging from healthcare and renewable energy to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are facing acute shortages of qualified professionals

Educational Gaps

  • Many students lack access to hands-on, engaging STEM learning experiences that 
    ignite their passion and prepare them for future careers.
  • There are also persistent equity gaps, with underrepresented groups often having 
    limited access to quality STEM education.

Societal Impact

  • Without a robust STEM workforce, we risk falling behind in global innovation, 
    hindering our ability to address critical challenges such as climate change, public 
    health crises, and technological security.
  • A lack of STEM literacy among the general population can also impede informed 
    decision-making on issues that impact our lives.

STEM professionals are the ones who are creating the new technologies, finding cures for 
diseases, and solving the world’s most pressing problems. Recognizing this critical need, the USFis proud to have the UTL-VP5 Program. This initiative aims to address the STEM talent gap by providing undergraduate students with invaluable hands-on laboratory experience, fostering their interest in STEM careers, and equipping them with the essential skills to succeed. Through this program, we are committed to cultivating a new generation of STEM leaders who will drive innovation, solve complex problems, and contribute to a brighter future for our society.

Vision Statement

To cultivate a vibrant community of passionate STEM learners, empowered by hands-on laboratory experiences, who will drive innovation and discovery for the betterment of society.

Mission Statement

The USF Teaching Lab UTL-VP5 Program provides exceptional undergraduate students with immersive laboratory experiences, fostering their development as future STEM professionals through practical training in laboratory techniques and equipment, meaningful contributions to laboratory operations and educational resources, mentorship and skill development in collaboration, project management, and scientific communication, promotion of STEM engagement and career exploration within the USF community.

Program Goal

To provide USF students with hands-on experience in teaching laboratories, 
fostering their interest in STEM careers, and developing valuable technical and professional skills.

I. Program Objectives

  1. Enhance STEM Engagement: Increase student participation and interest in STEM fields through practical laboratory experience

  2. Develop Technical Skills: Provide opportunities to learn and master laboratory techniques and equipment, including NMR, IR, pH meters, spectrophotometers, gas chromatography, and HPLC (depending on project assignment).

  3. Improve Soft Skills: Foster collaboration, communication, project management, and leadership skills.

  4. Support Lab Operations: Assist undergraduate lab specialists with essential lab setup, breakdown, and maintenance tasks.

  5. Promote Safety Awareness: Educate students on laboratory safety procedures and proper etiquette.

  6. Contribute to Educational Resources: Develop and refine laboratory protocols for future use.

II. Program Structure

1. Application and Selection Process

Initial Inquiry Students interested in volunteering must send an email to 
jhonfigueroa@usf.edu at least one month before the end of the current semester.
Application Form
  • Include personal information, major, year in school, relevant coursework, and a statement of interest.
  • Ask about specific areas of interest within STEM and any prior laboatory experience.
  • Ask about what skills they would like to improve.
Waivers and Agreements Liability waiver, confidentiality agreement, and commitment to program guidelines
Interview conduct interviews to assess student qualifications and fit for the program (online or in-person)

2. Training and Orientation

I. Comprehensive safety training, including chemical handling, equipment operation, and emergency procedures.
II. Orientation to lab protocols, equipment, and administrative tasks.
III. Introduction to the specific laboratory and assigned projects.

3. Volunteer Duties may include

Lab Support
  • Assist with lab setup and breakdown.
  • Prepare materials for experiments.
  • Clean and maintain laboratory equipment.
  • Support administrative duties, including data entry, document preparation (Word, Excel).
Student Assistance
  • Help undergraduate students understand safety procedures and lab etiquette.
  • Help students with basic laboratory techniques.
Project Development
  • Develop a laboratory protocol under the guidance of lab specialists.
  • Master the use of relevant laboratory equipment (NMR, IR, pH meters, spectrophotometers, gas chromatography, HPLC, etc.)

4. Learning Goals and Skill Development

Soft Skills
  • Collaboration: Work effectively in teams to complete projects.
  • Project Management: Plan, organize, and execute lab protocol development.
  • Communication: Clearly communicate instructions and findings.
Hard Skills
  • Proficiency in laboratory techniques and equipment operation.
  • Data analysis and interpretation.
  • Scientific writing and protocol development.
  • Industry specific software.

5. Time Commitment

i. Minimum 10 hours per week during regular semesters.
ii. Minimum 15 hours per week during summer sessions.

6. Evaluation and Feedback

i. Regular meetings with lab specialists to discuss progress and provide feedback.
ii. End-of-semester evaluation of volunteer performance and program effectiveness.
iii. A student evaluation of the program.

7. Recognition and Benefits

i. Certificate of volunteer service.
ii. Letter of recommendation (upon successful completion of the program).
iii. Valuable hands-on experience in a university laboratory setting.
iv. Networking opportunities with faculty and lab specialists.
v. Enhancement of resume and professional portfolio.

III. Application Form Components

  1. Personal Information (Name, Student ID, Contact Information, Major, Year)

  2. Academic Background (Relevant Coursework, GPA)

  3. Statement of Interest (Why are you interested in volunteering? What do you hope to 
    gain?)

  4.  Prior Laboratory Experience (If any)

  5.  What skills would you like to improve?

  6. Availability (Days and Times) 

Waiver and Agreement Components

1. Liability Waiver (Acknowledging risks and releasing USF from liability)

2. Volunteer Application form

3. Volunteer Appointment (by program manager) Outlining expectations and 
responsibilities

4. Minors Hazardous Area Registration (if you are a minor)