Award Abstract #0552871
REU Site: Ecology in Context: Research Strategies and Applications for the Undergraduate

NSF Org:	DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure
Initial Amendment Date:	March 8, 2006
Latest Amendment Date:	July 15, 2008
Award Number:	0552871
Award Instrument:	Continuing grant
Program Manager:	Sally E. O'Connor DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date:	April 1, 2006
Expires:	March 31, 2010 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$433956
Investigator(s):	Alan Berkowitz berkowitza@ecostudies.org (Principal Investigator) Stuart Findlay (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Institute of Ecosystem Studies 65 SHARON TPKE MILLBROOK, NY 12545 845/677-5343
NSF Program(s):	PROGRAM EVALUATION, HUMAN RESOURCES, RSCH EXPER FOR UNDERGRAD SITES
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s):	SMET, 9251, 9250, 9178, 9177, 7218, 1228
Program Element Code(s):	7261, 7226, 1139

ABSTRACT

The Institute of Ecosystem Studies (IES) will offer an undergraduate research opportunity through the Ecology in Context program. Ten students will be selected to join the unique IES research community to carry out cutting-edge investigations of their own design, working closely with a mentor scientist. The program emphasizes the community nature of the scientific enterprise. As participants design and complete their independent research projects they consult with other scientists, present their plans for critique, and then speak in the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium and write a paper for the peer-reviewed on-line IES Occasional Publication. The program provides students many opportunities to reflect upon and think about the process of science and its place in the world, and to develop their skills in doing science. Through a case study of a regional environmental issue, a career forum, and a day spent teaching high school students from a nearby city; students explore the social, political, intellectual and personal dimensions of being an ecologist. The twelve-week program is open to undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors or first semester seniors. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its possessions. Participants receive a stipend, a meal allowance, free housing, and assistance with travel to and from the program. More information is available at http://www.ecostudies.org/reu.html, or by contacting Heather L. Dahl (Coordinator) at (845) 677-7600 x326 or dahlh@ecostudies.org.

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