Skip to main content

Undergraduate Research Center

READY to SOAR

What is READY to SOAR?

The READY to SOAR (R2S) program is a high school outreach initiative designed to immerse students in research and creative activities at MTSU. The program aims to highlight the university’s undergraduate research opportunities through a one-day event. Participants engage in informational sessions and hands-on group activities, guided by current undergraduate researchers, giving them a glimpse into campus life and research experiences. 

Is your high school interested in participating? Contact the URC Director, Dr. Jamie Burriss, at Jamie.Burriss@mtsu.edu.

2024-25 READY to SOAR Mentors

Anna Collins is a senior majoring in Agribusiness with a minor in Honors. Anna oversees high school student engagement in the Murfreesboro area. Anna served as a READY to SOAR Group Leader in 2024 and has a silver-level URECA grant with Dr. Grant Gardner.

Have questions? Email Anna Collins at ajc9k@mtmail.mtsu.edu

Emily Callison is a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology and Chemistry. Emily assists Anna in overseeing the READY to SOAR Program. Emily has experience in undergraduate research with her two URECA grants (assistant and silver) with Dr. David Nelson.

Have questions? Email Emily Callison at enc3m@mtmail.mtsu.edu


How do I get involved?

Are you an MTSU student interested in getting involved? Check back later to see what opportunities we will have for the 2026 program.

Ready to SOAR Blackman Collegiate Academy Seniors at Scholars Week 2025
Blackman Collegiate Academy Juniors attending sessions on research papers and undergraduate research as part of the Rutherford County Stem Expo in the Student Union.
Blackman Collegiate Academy Juniors attending sessions on research papers and undergraduate research as part of the Rutherford County Stem Expo in the Student Union.
R2S Seniors listen to a panel discussion on undergraduate research and college life from SOAR members.
R2S Juniors attend presentations about undergraduate research and college life from SOAR members.
BCA Senior James Bush presents his research to Dr. William Langston at Scholars Week 2025.

Ready to SOAR Blackman Collegiate Academy
Ready to SOAR Blackman Collegiate Academy
Ready to SOAR Blackman Collegiate Academy
Ready to SOAR Blackman Collegiate Academy

Blackman Collegiate Academy Ready to SOAR program.
Blackman Collegiate Academy Ready to SOAR program.
Blackman Collegiate Academy Ready to SOAR program.

Thursday, September 4th at 4:30 pm


Contact us

Jamie Burriss, Ph.D., Director
(615) 494-7669 
Jamie.Burriss@mtsu.edu

Casey Penston, Coordinator
(615) 494-7614 
Casey.Penston@mtsu.edu