Smithsonian
Institution
National Museum of Natural History
Research
Training Program
Smithsonian
Latino Initiatives
Partnership Program
2004
|
2006
To
build academic relationships between the NMNH
scientific community and Latino/a students the
NMNH hosts the "Latino Initiatives Partnership
Program" (LIPP). Through this program undergraduate
and beginning level graduate students spend
ten weeks working with an NMNH scientists. Latino/a
students join in the full curriculum of our
prestigious summer Research Training Program.
Smithsonian
Latino Initiatives Fund
2006
Jorge
Alvarez.
2006.
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. Reconstructing
a Permian Tropical Forest: Vegetational Compositions
and Patterns of Herbivory. Dr. William DiMichele
and Dr. Conrad Labandeira., Paleobiology. Smithsonian
Latino Initiatives Fund.-
- RTP
Project Summary.
Dear
Latino Initiatives Fund,
It
is with utmost sincerity that I give my thanks
for providing the funds that have enabled me
to partake in a most enriching and interesting
experience; the Research Training Program (RTP)
at Smithsonian Institution's National Museum
of Natural History. This permitted me to be
part of this Institution and to work alongside
some of the top scientists in my field of interest,
as well as meet some of the other experts doing
the latest research in their respective field.
It has been a unique chance to experience first-hand
the work that goes on "behind the scenes"
of a museum, something that many others might
never realize.
Through
the RTP I have been given access to invaluable
resources that would otherwise be out of my
reach. I have worked with, and held in my hands,
invaluable specimens that give us insights into
our planet's past, plus the necessary equipment
to analyze these. This program that I have been
a part of has lived up to its name, giving me
a real feel for what scientific research consists
of, as well as giving me an excellent start
for what I plan in my future career. It has
also helped me in deciding what I would really
like to focus on for my graduate studies, if
not simply given me many more options.
I
sincerely believe that the Latino Initiatives
Fund is truly making a difference for our community.
I understand that, like me, many others in the
Latino community are interested in the natural
sciences, but they do not have the resources
to take their interest much further, or in the
worst of cases, are simply disregarded as valuable
assets to the scientific community. It is thanks
to programs like yours that address this issue
that a difference can be made, and like me,
many others are sure to be immensely grateful
for this.
Thanks
for a wonderful and unique experience that has
taught me much for my future benefit; one that
I will forever remember.
Sincerely,
Jorge
Alvarez
Research Training Program
Class of '06
Smithsonian
Latino Initiatives Fund
2004
Since
it's founding in 1980 the NMNH Research Training
Program has provide quality internships for
students to engage in the natural history
science of the Smithsonian. Much more that
just a general internship, in addition to
conducting a research project, students become
part of the NMNH community and through a diverse
curriculum of lectures, discussions, workshops,
demonstrations, tours and field trips gain
an unbarrelled view of our Museum and the
science we support.
The RTP has launched the graduate education,
and career, of many student who are now professionals
in the natural history sciences. Including
international student participants has always
been an important component of the program.
Not only does this provide an opportunity
for US students to learn about other countries
and cultures, they also establish important
colleague relationships that carry through
the years, including joint field work and
interesting publication collaborations. The
opportunity for international students to
come to the NMNH, utilize our collections
and facilities, and gain personal friendships
with our staff not only furthers their education,
it also helps maintain international relationships
and partnerships. They bring their culture
to our program, and Museum, and in doing so
influence our public products and productions
thereby encouraging other students and professionals
from their culture to be attracted to, and
share in, our offerings.
A total of 213 applications were received
for consideration in the '04 Research Training
Program. The applicant pool included 145 US
citizens and 45 applications from international
students, representing 28 different countries
including: Argentina (2), Brazil (4), Colombia
(1), Cuba (1), Ecuador (5), Guatemala (1),
Mexico (3), Paraguay (2), Peru (1), and Uruguay
(1).
Of these 21 applicants, many are very strong
candidates for placement in an internship
at NMNH, including participation in the '04
RTP.
To bring Hispanic science and culture to our
'04 RTP we would like select from the 21 Latino/a
RTP applicants, 4 international, Hispanic
students for participation in our summer program.
Students will be provided a stipend, housing,
travel to/from Washington, DC, and a research
support budget. The cost per participant is
$7,500.
The
2004 Latino Initiatives Interns
Miguel
Pinto, Xavier Haro, Mauricio Torres, Joaquin
Aldabe
Joaquin
Aldabe.
2004.
Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay. A study
of the morphological adaptations and the feeding
habits of the Scimitar-Billed Woodcreeper
(Drymornis bridgesii). - - Virtual
Poster. Dr.
Carla Dove, Vertebrate Zoology - Birds. Smithsonian
Latino Initiatives Fund..
- - RTP
Project Summary.
Xavier
Haro.
2004.
Catholic
University of Ecuador. A key of the genus
Cryptionopsis Ecuador, South America
(Vernonieae: Asteraceae).
- - Virtual
Poster. Dr.
Harold Robinson, Botany.
Smithsonian
Latino Initiatives Fund.
- - RTP
Project Summary.
Christian
Miguel Pinto.
2004.
Pontificia
Universidad Catolica, Ecuador. Identity of
an unusual bear from Alaska: the first documented
wild hybrid bear (Ursus americanus X
Ursus arctos)?
- - Virtual
Poster. Dr.
Al Gardner, Vertebrate Zoology - Mammals.
Smithsonian
Latino Initiatives Fund.
- - RTP
Project Summary.
Rafael
Mauricio Torres Mejia.
2004.
Universidad
Industrial de Santander, Colombia. Description
of a new Creagrutus species (TELEOSTEI:
CHARACIFORMS: CHARACIDAE) from the Rio Magdalena
basin, Colombia.
- - Virtual
Poster. Dr.
Richard Vari, Vertebrate Zoology - Fishes.
Smithsonian
Latino Initiatives Fund.
- - RTP
Project Summary.
