Poster titles and descriptions are organized in alphabetical order under one of three themes. The presenting author's name is in bold.
Theme A: Challenges of and Solutions for Running an REU
Abbott, D. 2014. Best Practices of the LDEO REU Site. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Five best practices are outlined for maximizing each of the following components of the LDEO REU Site: (1) student safety, (2) advisor engagement, (3) student engagement, and (4) student satisfaction.
Fauver, A., Johnson, A., Ricciardi, L., Detrick, L., Siegfried, D. 2014. Workforce development: broadening participation in STEM. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
This poster overviews the state of diversity in STEM in general, and ocean sciences as an example; briefly covers the foundational concepts of what underrepresentation is, who is underrepresented, what it means to broaden participation, and why diversity matters; and offers an overarching framework of strategies, practices and resources that addresses how to broaden participation and increase diversity in an REU program.
Haacker-Santos, R. and V. Sloan. 2014. The GEO REU Network: Supporting REU leaders in running, enhancing, and evaluating their programs. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
The SOARS Center for Undergraduate Research and Mentoring supports REU leaders in facing many new challenges, including adapting research experiences to 2YC students, communicating with today’s students, and evaluating long-term impacts of our REUs, and provides a supportive community, professional development, and information on career opportunities for geosciences students from diverse backgrounds.
Hayden, L., D. Monteau, P. Burkette, D. Johnson, and A. Lawrence. 2014. Arctic and Antarctic Research Experience for Undergraduates: Building Collaborations that Enhance Diversity. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Over the last 4 years underrepresented minorities have made up ~75 % while women composed ~50 % of the Arctic and Antarctic REU demographics; The secret is to think partnership not just recruitment!
Lang, N., S. McDowell, and C. Miller. 2014. Supereruption REU: Strategies for implementing an inteagrated field- and lab-based student research experience. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
We explore the challenges of running an REU that includes both field- and lab-based student research components and some of our current approaches and strategies.
Montoya-Ospina, R.A., F. Moser, and M. Allen. 2014. Pilot Bridging REU Program: Multidisciplinary Bridge to Marine Science Undergraduate Training in Puerto Rico. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Challenges and solutions to run a bridge REU program for early-stage Hispanic students in Puerto Rico are presented, including outcomes and future work to enhance this model.
Retelle, M., J. Brigham-Grette, R. Powell, S. Roof, and A. Werner. 2014. Challenges and Opportunities in an International REU in the Norwegian arctic focused on glaciers and climate change. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
For the past ten years the Svalbard REU has offered exciting and relevant research opportunities focused on high arctic glacial processes and glacial history. The REU benefits greatly from collaboration with Norwegian university partner UNIS (University Centre in Svalbard) by sharing logistics and collaborative summer field programs. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by working in an extreme environment with international partners.
Rockwell, A. and B. Baeuerle. 2014. Lower atmospheric observing facilities available for educational uses. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
A subset of the NSF Lower Atmospheric Observing Facilities (LAOF) can be made available for educational purposes for classroom instruction and hands-on learning experience for graduate, undergraduate and K-12 education, including the deployment of a facility to a university for a limited period of time. As such, educational deployments offer unprecedented opportunities for project-based learning, real-time research, and teamwork in the field of observational meteorology, science and engineering.
Teranes, J. - The impact of an REU experience in attracting and retaining a diverse pool of talented undergraduate students to careers in marine sciences. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Challenge: NSF REU programs exist to provide research opportunities to undergraduate students as a means to attract and retain a diverse pool of talented undergraduate students in STEM fields.
Theme B: Best practices of running an REU
Abolins, M., H. Brown, and P. Phoebus. 2014. Forming a community of undergraduate researchers during a five-day field trip: preliminary results. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
During the first week of the Geosciences Directorate's first pre-service teacher REU, participants form a cohesive, functioning community while participating in a five-day field trip.
Allen, M., J. Clark, and F. Moser. 2014. Enhancing Student Understanding of Estuarine Dynamics Using an Orientation Research Cruise Experience. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
To introduce students from a diversity of backgrounds to the Chesapeake Bay and estuarine science, Maryland Sea Grant hosts a week long orientation that includes three days on Chesapeake Bay science and a research cruise on the R/V Rachel Carson. Here, we discuss best practices for quickly engaging students in discussion, field research, data analysis and presentation.
Braile, L., W.S. Baldridge, G. Jiracek, S. Biehler, J. Ferguson, L. Pellerin, D. McPhee, P. Bedrosian, C. Snelson, A. Sussman, and S. Kelley. 2014. SAGE – Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience: Learning Geophysics by Doing Geophysics for 31 Years. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
SAGE is a five-week long, field-based research and education program in applied geophysics, featuring “hands on” measurement, processing, and interpretation. It prepares students for careers in groundwater, mining, petroleum, geothermal, environmental, and engineering applications. The program partners with industry, academia, federal agencies, and a professional society (SEG) for support, mentoring, and exposure to employment opportunities.
Blake, R. and J. Liou-Mark. 2014. Critical Elements in Advancing Authentic Research Experiences for Underrepresented Minority Students. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Successful strategies for engaging underrepresented minorities in research endeavors are presented. These strategies (they encompass academic support and the participation in a community of scholars) and the lessons learned from them may be instructive and beneficial in providing guidance to programs that intend to involve this population of students.
Bruhweiler, F.C., E.M. Verner, E.M. and D.M. Rabin - Beyond Summers: Further Experiences in the Scientific & Engineering Student Internship (SESI) Program at NASA’s GSFC. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
The Science & Engineering Summer Internship (SESI) program, during the past 20 years, has provided exceptional summer research experiences principally in solar and heliospheric physics to talented undergraduates in our SESI program at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
Camilo, F., H. Colón and F. Escobar. 2014. Research in Radio/Radar Astronomy and Atmospheric Sciences at Arecibo Observatory. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
An historic and results oriented presentation on the Arecibo Observatory REU.
Chandrasekar, V. and J. Hardin. 2014. The CSU-CHILL REU program: Success stories and lessons learned. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar., 2014.
The CSU-CHILL hosts an REU program emphasizes working with real data from state of the art research facilities, alongside practitioners in the field. The CSU-CHILL REU program has a good track record of students publishing their work at professional conferences. This presentation will go over the REU program at the CSU-CHILL facility, sharing our success stories and challenges.
Cheung, I.S. and K. Yalcin. 2014. Professional Development Components for Emerging Undergraduate Researchers. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Best practices for delivering professional development activities for an REU program are presented.
Cuhel, R. and C. Aguilar. 2014. Undergraduate Networking in Ocean Sciences: Career Path Continuity Through REU Participation in Professional Society Meetings. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Post-REU experience networking at society meetings enhances appreciation of STEM career diversity and leads to success in pursuit of post-Baccalaureate education and training.
de Groot, R.M. and T.H. Jordan. 2014. SCEC UseIT: Best Practices for Running a Team-Based Internship. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar., 2014.
Undergraduate Studies in Earthquake Information Technology (UseIT) interns work in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams to tackle a scientific “Grand Challenge.” The Grand Challenge varies each year but always entails performing computer science research that is needed by earthquake scientists or outreach professionals.
Dittel, A. and D. Kirchman. 2014. UD Marine Sciences Summer Intern Program Delaware: What works for us. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Here we present an overview of practices geared towards providing students with a valuable research experience and contributing to professional development
Farid, S. and A. Winebarger. 2014. How to Successfully Recruit Targeted Groups. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
We discuss our program design, recruitment strategy and specific strategies used to recruit targeted groups.
Fauver, A., D. Siegfried, L. Detrick, A. Johnson. 2014. Designing for success: positive factors that support success and retention in STEM. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
This poster distills and highlights positive factors that support individuals in successfully entering and persisting in STEM fields. Faculty and program administrators can design for success by cultivating positive factors in program environments and curricula to reduce barriers to participation and increase diversity.
Goehring, L., R. Haacker-Santos, and E. Dutilly. 2014. Partnerships for building strong internship and research experiences for undergraduate. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Collaborative partnerships between internship and REU programs can lead to increased support of students through stronger cohorts, shared trainings, and enhanced program content. Sharing resources and best practices benefits organizations, programs and most importantly students.
Heidelberg, K., D. Kim, and R. Marinelli. 2014. REU Coastal Ocean Systems and Sustainability: best Practices. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
We provide an overview of strategies that promote research excellence and professional development for students working at a field station.
Kingsley-Smith, P. - Minorities in Marine and Environmental Sciences (MIMES) Program – a 12-week undergraduate research internship at the SCDNR Marine Resources Division. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
The primary goal of the MIMES Program is to increase minority participation in the marine and environmental sciences by providing key research development, implementation, analysis and information dissemination training.
Myrbo, A., D. Dalbotten, and J.E. Rawling. 2014. Breaking Barriers: Avant Garde Approaches to Flexible REU Design, Student Recruitment, and REU Implementation to Maximize REU Student Diversity. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Examples of barriers to diverse REU applicant pools and student participation include complex cultural and socioeconomic considerations, reluctance or inability to leave home for extended periods, parental obligations, and a lack of role models in the earth sciences. We present instances we've encountered and discuss potential solutions to remove many of these barriers, which are often compounded and overlapping.
Parsons, R., A. Peters, and P. Barnes. 2014. The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences REU Program: Tools for Measuring a Successful REU Program. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) REU Program has been running since 1991. Here are five ways for measuring the success of an REU Program including project diversity, recruitment, student feedback, publication rates and alumni remaining in science. These tools for measuring success are used to showcase the BIOS REU Program but can be useful for all REU Programs.
Linda Schaffner and R. Seitz. 2014. REU Site Program: Coastal Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
We provide research opportunities focused on coastal marine and estuarine science, and 39% of the interns in the program 1997 - 2010 were from underrepresented groups, 74% were female, and most have gone on to careers in science or are seeking advanced degrees in science.
Varner, R. and E. Froburg. 2014. Effective mentoring strategies developed through the Northern Ecosystems Research for Undergraduates (NERU) program. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
NERU is an interdisciplinary, international Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, which has an emphasis on recruiting students from non-research and/or minority serving undergraduate institutions. We present a “cascade mentoring” approach which provides a mutually beneficially research and learning environment between REU participants and their mentors: research assistants, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers and scientists.
Theme C: Goals of your new REU
Clauer, C.R, S.M. Bailey, P. Carstens, and D. Collins. 2014. REU at Virginia Tech: Space @ VT Summer Program 2013. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
We describe our first summer REU program devoted to research in ground based and satellite based measurements of space weather phenomena as well as theoretical and modeling research into space plasmas. This 10-week program had 9 undergraduate student participants. The goal is to provide REU students with an engaging, high-quality learning and interdisciplinary research experience.
Cuhel, R. and C. Aguilar. 2014. Aquatic Sciences: Inherently Interdisciplinary, Irresistable Lure Leading Reproducibly to Career Continuity. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
Linking in-house and externally-funded undergraduate research programs can weave a web of interdisciplinary excitement that stimulates STEM interest and enhances the likelihood of graduation.
Tovani, J., R. Hoffman, and C. Grant. 2014. PCP PIRE RET: International Research Experiences for Teachers. Abstract presented at the 2nd GEO REU PI Workshop, UCAR, Boulder, CO, 19-21 Mar.
PCP PIRE Teach is a pilot project for professional development for STEM teachers (in Panama and the U.S.). The poster highlights project description, outcomes, plans for scaling up and NGSS integration.