REU: Summer Research Experience in the Mammoth Cave/Upper Green River Watershed

Western Kentucky University Research Foundation, Bowling Green KY

Investigators

Abstract

This is a 10-week summer research program, designed the program for eight undergraduates in a multidisciplinary faculty research project submitted jointly from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Geography and Geology and the Center for Water Resource Studies of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering of Western Kentucky University. Each student will develop a research project in collaboration with one of ten faculty or professional staff mentors who have an active research program with an environmental focus in their respective disciplines. All projects will be linked to environmental issues related to the karst terrain in the Mammoth Cave/ Upper Green River Basin in western Kentucky. This REU site has several objectives: 1) to provide the student participants with unique and exciting research opportunities in an area of environmental research; 2) to provide the students an opportunity to apply their knowledge to a real and current environmental problem in a meaningful way; 3) to enhance the critical thinking and communication skills (including written, oral, listening, and computer-enhanced presentations) of the student participants; 4) to introduce the students to a research setting that is .beyond the classroom.; 5) to develop the scientific maturity of the students while working on a research experience that is ultimately based on service to the greater community; 6) to increase interest in graduate study by hands-on experience utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation and experimental facilities; and 7) to prepare and present a research poster at a regional and national conference during the academic year. A goal is to have more than 50% of the participants pursue post- graduate studies and/or pursue careers in an environmentally related profession. The undergraduate researchers will develop a mentoring relationship with a faculty mentor while participating in meaningful research activities. They will be exposed to a variety of research and instrumental techniques in each participating department through a series of hands-on training sessions. During the academic year, regular contact between the mentor and student will be maintained in order to facilitate the students poster presentation at a national conference. Mentors will also attend the conference with the student to provide on-site support, if needed.