Avery August is interested in the role of Tyrosine Kinases (TKs) in regulating the immune response, with the goal of using this information to manipulate immune responses. He developed a research program aimed at supporting students transferring from community colleges, often a pipeline for students seeking to earn STEM degrees and major destinations for low-income, first-generation, women, and minority students. Because these students face various barriers, including obtaining undergraduate research experience, that can make academic success difficult, Avery’s program includes three stages: a pre-summer research exposure program, research mentoring and preparation, and peer mentorship to enhance preparation for laboratory research for two-year transfer biology students.