Research
Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences in Environmental Science logic model
Students at regional community colleges and small colleges without research labs rarely get hands-on research experience before applying to graduate programs. Fewer than 1 in 10 STEM majors at partner colleges report taking part in faculty-mentored research.
Inputs
- 10 faculty mentors with active funded research
- Lab space, field equipment and computing allocations
- Student stipends, housing, meals and travel for 10 participants per summer
- Recruitment partnerships with 8 community colleges and small colleges
Activities
- Recruit students from institutions with limited research opportunities
- Run a 10-week summer research program with weekly professional development
- Train students in research ethics, data management and scientific writing
- Host a closing poster symposium and fund travel to a national conference
Outputs
- 10 undergraduates complete 10 weeks of mentored research each summer
- 10 research posters presented at the closing symposium
- 6 students present at a national or regional conference each year
- 100% of participants complete responsible conduct of research training
Short-term outcomes
- Participants report gains in research skills and science identity
- Mentors rate student research competencies at proficient or above
Intermediate outcomes
- At least 2 participant co-authorships on peer-reviewed papers over 3 years
- 60% of participants enroll in a STEM graduate program or STEM job within 2 years of graduation
Long-term impact
- A broader pool of researchers in environmental science
- Lasting research partnerships between the host university and partner colleges
Indicators and data sources
| Indicator | Source | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Self-reported research skill and identity gains | Undergraduate Research Student Self-Assessment (URSSA) | Pre and post each summer |
| Graduate school enrollment | National Student Clearinghouse StudentTracker | Annual |
| Presentations and publications | Program alumni tracking survey and citation databases | Annual |
| Applicant pool and participant institutions | Program application system | Each recruitment cycle |
Assumptions
- Faculty mentors keep research funding that supports summer student projects
- Students can commit to a full-time 10-week summer with stipend support
Programs this model suits
- NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites
- NSF REU supplements to existing research awards
- Private science foundation undergraduate research funds
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