REU Site: Interdisciplinary Science for the Environment: A Research Experience at New Mexico Tech

New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology, Socorro NM

Investigators

Abstract

This award from the Division of Chemistry (CHE) supports the renewal of a successful Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) for the summers of 2008-2010. This site is co-funded by the Department of Defense in partnership with the NSF REU program in the Division of Chemistry (CHE) and the Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI). The program will be organized and managed by Michael Pullin from the Chemistry Department at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. The project will provide twelve undergraduate students with research experience for 9-weeks in a cross-disciplinary study of environmentally related topics that span the fields of chemistry, biology, Earth sciences, and environmental sciences. Recruitment plans will specifically target Hispanic and Native American students and students from schools that lack large, Ph.D.-level research programs. A collaborative partnership has been developed between New Mexico Tech and four minority-serving regional two and four year institutions in New Mexico: Dine College, San Juan College, Northern New Mexico College, and New Mexico Highlands University. Several field trips are planned to expose the participants to the rich scientific, cultural, and historical heritage of New Mexico. The program will end with a final research conference where each research group will give an oral presentation on their project.