Research Experiences for Undergraduates at the University of Montana: Linking Environmental Chemistry and Science Policy Formulation

University Of Montana, Missoula MT

Investigators

Abstract

The Chemistry Division award supports a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site at the University of Montana for the summers of 2004-2006. Garon Smith is the PI and Christopher Palmer is the co-PI. Faculty members from the Department of Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Health and Environmental Studies will serve as REU mentors to eight students who will each participate in an eight-week program. Recruitment is targeted to American Indians, Hispanics and inner city students. REU students will perform environmental chemical research. They will participate in a weekly ethics and social action seminar providing exposure to environmental policy issues and decision making, and attend and participate in public hearings on environmental policies. The participants will return to the department after the following fall semester to prepare for talks at national meetings and for discussions on professional opportunities.