LSAMP at the Smithsonian

LSAMP Winter Workshop
7 - 12 January 2001

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Scientific Partners:
Joining the Smithsonian Community

LSAMP at the Smithsonian '01 Winter Workshop
Table of Contents

Summary

Institutional Plan Recommendations

Agenda at a Glance

LSAMP Center Representatives

Description of Events

Demonstrations and Tours

Exploring Research Disciplines

Conversations with Scientists

Research Shadowing Presentation Schedule

Student Workshop: Research Opportunities at the Smithsonian and Beyond

Student Workshop: Report

Representative Workshop: Developing the Scientific Partners Plan

Representative Workshop: Report

LSAMP Center Team Presentations

Developing the Scientific Partners Plan Schedule

Student Workshop: Developing the Scientific Partners Plan Report & Recommendations

Representative Workshop II: Developing the Scientific Partners Plan Report & Recommendations
Including the Three Semester Model outline

List of Participants

Acknowledgements

In partnership with the National Science Foundation's Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP), and as part of the LSAMP at the Smithsonian initiative, the NMNH hosted a week-long winter workshop "Scientific Partners: joining the Smithsonian community" January 7-12, 2001.

A total of 35 students and administrative representatives were selected to participate in the week-long activities. Fifteen different LSAMP Centers from regional offices across the country including states Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida-Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina sent a two person team to participate in the workshop including seventeen administrative representatives and eighteen student representatives.

More than 100 staff from the NMNH community donated their time and talents toward the activities and events of the workshop by giving tours, demonstrations, lectures, and hands-on workshops and by engaging in formal and informal discussion as well as being "shadowed" by visiting students and administrators.

LSAMP Center representatives worked directly with NMNH scientific staff to facilitate placement of future LSAMP students in Smithsonian-sponsored research opportunities and activities at their home institutions. Through an interactive series of discussions and workshops, students and center representatives also participated in unprecedented planning sessions with Smithsonian administrative and scientific staff. These sessions focused on developing an institutional plan for the NMNH to become a national leader in supporting the increase of minority students achieving careers in the natural history disciplines.

The workshop was funded by a grant (HRD-9732790: $35,000) from the National Science Foundation as part of the LSAMP at the Smithsonian initiative that supports the goal of increasing substantially the quality and quantity of minority undergraduate students pursuing degrees and careers in science, mathematics, engineering and technology (SMET).

The workshop was implemented as part of the goals and objectives of the Office of the Associate Director for Research and Collections under the organizing team of Marita Davison, Mary Sangrey, and Wendy Wiswall.

Scientific Partners
Institutional Plan Recommendations

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is positioned - with superior research staff, collections, and facilities - to serve as the Nation's leader in encouraging more minority students to pursue research activities and careers in the natural history sciences. It is the Museum's goal to investigate and implement strategies to fulfill this leadership role. Close partnerships with LSAMP Centers, and active participation in Center activities, are the best mechanisms by which to easily and effectively initiate achievements toward this goal. It is the consensus of the '01 Winter Workshop participants, both students and administrative representatives, that the recommended priorities through which these partnerships can be fulfilled, and goals met, are:

· Priority #1:

Hire a person to be in-residence full time at the NMNH to serve as the LSAMP Program Manager with duties and responsibilities devoted exclusively toward the goals of the initiative and the implementation of the Workshop Institutional Plan of Action. To best fulfill the objectives, the Manager should be a minority.

· Priority #2:

Encourage LSAMP students to apply for, and facilitate their participation in, the summer sessions of the Research Training Program.

· Priority #3:

Implement processes that are already "in-hand" or easily achieved with minimal funding and effort. Key projects include:

• Improve and enhance NMNH and RTP web pages
• Implement the "Virtual Assistant" project
• Join "e-groups" and "FastWeb"

· Priority #4:

Connect NMNH staff with LSAMP Centers through on-site visits plus traditional and innovative collaborations. Key projects include

• Sponsor an "Open House" at the NMNH for LSAMP students and faculty.
• Facilitate on-site visits of NMNH researchers at LSAMP sites.
• Continue the one/two week winter workshop for LSAMP students.
• Participate in career fairs and LSAMP meetings.
• Investigate new technologies such as Access Grid and Distance Learning.

· Priority #5:

Develop new programs designed to focus on better retention of minorities in the natural history sciences, such as the "Three Semester Model" designed during the workshop.

Scientific Partners
Institutional Plan Recommendations
The Three Semester Model

The "Three Semester Model" is a plan, proposed by the LSAMP administrative representatives attending the '01 Winter Workshop, to successfully attract and secure minority students to the natural history sciences through a focused research and mentoring program. The model is seen as a "seed" for NMNH staff to broaden their outreach into the LSAMP university community through collaborations with student and faculty participants. The model is designed to focus on the student's professional development though direct, personal, interaction with NMNH research scientists and university faculty. The model identifies a promising student early in their undergraduate career, specifically targeting students the first semester of their Freshman year. Although designed with Freshman student in mind, it is also applicable for students at the Sophomore level. Through the Three Semester Model, a commitment is made to students selected for the program for focused research as part of a three person team composed of the student, an NMNH research scientist and university faculty mentor. The model is designed to be flexible enough to follow the student through their entire undergraduate career and on into graduate school.

TIMETABLE:

Year 1 (Freshman Year)

· Fall Semester: IDENTIFY: Student is identified by LSAMP Center administrative staff and/or teaching faculty. There are no special activities during this time period. The student focuses their time on course work and classes.

· Winter Break: EXPLORE: Student participates in one-week workshop at NMNH to explore their interest in the natural history sciences and identify a potential mentor.

· Spring Semester: SELECT: Student applies, and is selected for, participation in the program.

- - - NMNH designs the application process (forms, etc.) as a standard to be utilized by all Centers.

- - - LSAMP Centers administer the application process for their candidates with each Center nominating their top 2-5 students.

- - - NMNH scientists review applications and select one student to mentor/sponsor.

· Summer: Open

Year 2 (Sophomore Year)

· Fall Semester: TEAM: NMNH mentor and student establish a relationship through various media (e-mail, letters, phone calls, etc.). An on-site faculty mentor from the students' university is identified and joins the team, now composed of three members (student, NMNH scientist, and university faculty).

· Winter Break: DESIGN: Student again participates in the Winter Workshop, this time as a leader for first year participants and spends time with their NMNH mentor designing a research project.

· Spring Semester: PROPOSAL: The three member research team develop a written proposal for the research project, including a budget, timetable for accomplishments as well as visits to NMNH, and anticipated publication and/or presentation of the research project. Proposals are evaluated by a review panel consisting of LSAMP and NMNH representatives. Awards announced March 8. University mentor prepares the student for the research project through special tutoring and one-on-one training.

· Summer: INTERNSHIP: Student (and possibly also the university mentor) joins the NMNH scientist at the Museum, in the field, or a combination of both, for intense research project investigation. The duration is 10-14 weeks. Students in-residence at the Museum may (optional) participate in RTP activities and events.

Year 3 (Junior Year)

· Fall Semester: DISSEMINATION: Student returns to the home institution for course work and to complete the research publication/presentation. Paper presented at a scientific meeting (professional discipline meeting plus LSAMP meeting) and/or published in scientific journal.

· Winter Break: ROLE MODEL: Student has the option to participates in the Winter Workshop again as a key leader hosting an event and serving as a mentor and guide to younger participants. These are "renewal" students who also spend time with their mentor furthering the research project to the next level.

· Spring Semester: REPEAT: Student seeking appointment renewal develop and submit a written proposal for the ongoing research project, including a budget, timetable, plus publication and/or presentation including graduate school plans.

Agenda at a Glance

Sunday 7 January 2001

ARRIVAL
3:00 p.m. Hotel Check-in Hotel Harrington
3:30 p.m. Workshop Check-in begins Constitution Avenue Lobby, NMNH
4:00 p.m. Opening Reception Executive Conference Room
4:45 p.m. IMAX Film: Ocean Oasis Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater
5:45 p.m. LSAMP Poster Session set-up Director's Hallway

Monday 8 January 2001

8:00 a.m. Morning Reception Executive Conference Room
8:30 a.m. Opening Remarks Executive Conference Room by Robert Fri, Director, NMNH
9:00 a.m. Welcome Executive Conference Room by Dr. A. James Hicks, LSAMP Program Director
10:00 a.m. Group Photograph Executive Conference Room
10:30 a.m. LSAMP Poster Session and Reception Director's Hallway
NOON Open Lunch
NOON OPTION: Research Seminar Executive Conference Room by Rafael de Sa, Herpetologist
1:00 p.m. Demonstrations & Tours: Depart from ECR (Anthropology / Herpetology)
2:45 p.m. Demonstrations & Tours: Depart from ECR (Paleobiology / Botany)
4:30 p.m. Group Discussion Executive Conference Room

Tuesday 9 January 2001

8:00 a.m. Informal Gatherings Executive Conference Room
9:00 a.m. Exploring Research Disciplines / Shadowing Scientists Depart from ECR
11:45 a.m. Conversations with Scientists Atrium Cafe
1:00 p.m. Demonstrations & Tours: Depart from ECR (Entomology / Ornithology)
2:45 p.m. Demonstrations & Tours: Depart from ECR (Mammalogy / Invertebrate Zoology)
4:30 p.m. Group Discussion Executive Conference Room

Wednesday 10 January 2001

8:00 a.m. Informal Gatherings Executive Conference Room
9:00 a.m. Exploring Research Disciplines / Shadowing Scientists Depart from ECR
11:45 a.m. Conversations with Scientists Atrium Cafe
1:00 p.m. Presentation Preparation RTP Workroom / Hall 27
2:45 p.m. Demonstrations & Tours: Depart from ECR (Geology / Ichthyology)
4:30 p.m. Group Discussion Executive Conference Room

Thursday 11 January 2001

8:00 a.m. Informal Gatherings Cathy Kerby Seminar Room
9:00 a.m. Natural History Discipline Presentations Cathy Kerby Seminar Room
11:45 a.m. Open Lunch
1:00 p.m. Workshops
Students: Research Opportunities Waldo Schmitt Room
Representatives: Panel Discussions Cathy Kerby Seminar Room
4:15 p.m. Free Time

Friday 12 January 2001

8:00 a.m. Informal Gatherings Executive Conference Room
9:00 a.m. LSAMP Center Team Presentations Executive Conference Room
11:45 a.m. Open Lunch
1:00 p.m. Free Time
2:00 p.m. Closing Remarks ECR by Ross Simons, Associate Director for Research and Collections
2:30 p.m. Departing Comments ECRby Dr. A. James Hicks, LSAMP Director
3:00 p.m. Closing Reception Executive Conference Room

Saturday 13 January 2001

11:30 a.m. Hotel Check-out
DEPARTURE

LSAMP Center Representatives

Alabama LSAMP

· Bernice Coar-Cobb
· TanJanika Daniel

California LSAMP

None

California State LSAMP

· John Brenner
· Jacob Varkey

Chicago LSAMP

· Raymond Batts
· LeRoy Jones II

Colorado LSAMP

· Donna Begay
· Brenda Sakizzie
· Tyrone Smith
· Julie Turner

Florida-Georgia LSAMP

· Chad Baker
· Ralph Turner

The Georgia-College Fund LSAMP

None

Heartland's Alliance LSAMP

None

Louisiana LSAMP

None

Maryland (University System) LSAMP

· Brian Dummett
· Anika Green

Metropolitan Detroit LSAMP

None

Mid-South LSAMP

None

Mississippi LSAMP

· Kenneth Brookins
· Diana Ortiz

All Nations LSAMP

· Janine Burns
· Zetra Wheeler

New Mexico LSAMP

· Yolanda Chacon
· Ricardo Jacquez

New York City LSAMP

· Claude Brathwaite
· Konrad Wright

North Carolina LSAMP

· Jasmin Feimster
· Vivian Hampton

Oklahoma LSAMP

· Zola Drain
· Curtrina Hughes

Philadelphia Region LSAMP

· Jean Dorsey
· Linda Powell

Description of Events

IMAX Film Ocean Oasis

Showing at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX theater in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, Ocean Oasis is a 2D IMAX film that features the research of four Hispanic natural history scientists who study the bountiful seas and pristine deserts of two remarkably different, but linked worlds: Mexico's Sea of Cortes and the Baja California desert. Glide side-by-side with a graceful giant manta ray; witness the pageant of migrating whales, the tango of courting terns, and the battles of lumbering elephant seals. Fly over sweeping vistas of snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, palm oasis, and mangrove swamps.

Monday Welcome Reception

The workshop officially begins 8:30 a.m. Monday morning, 8 January 2001 in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History Executive Conference Room. Mr. Robert Fri, Director of the National Museum of Natural History will offer the opening remarks and Dr. A. James Hicks, Director of the LSAMP program at the National Science Foundation will welcome the group.

LSAMP Poster Session

Displayed in the NMNH Director's Hallway, this is an opportunity for workshop attendees to learn about each other and to share information with members from the NMNH community. Each LSAMP Center is allocated a 4' x 4' space for posting materials.

Demonstrations & Tours

Join Smithsonian professionals as they offer LSAMP Winter Workshop participants an inside view behind-the-scenes of the research investigations, scientific laboratories, and national collections of the National Museum of Natural History.

Group Discussions

Workshop participants will divide into smaller groups for touring research departments. After the day's tours have concluded, all workshop participants will convene to share with the rest of the group highlights of the activity. A "recorder" from each session will present the highlights of the demonstrations and tours to the rest of the group.

Informal Gatherings

The Executive Conference Room will serve as "Event Headquarters" including the starting point to disperse to different activities. It will be staffed from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. each day. In addition to functioning as a resource center, the ECR is a location to gather informally and relax when events are not in-session. Coffee, tea, and juice will be available each morning from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Exploring Research Disciplines / Shadowing Smithsonian Scientists

As part of the Workshop activities, LSAMP students and administrative representatives are paired with one Smithsonian research scientist to spend some personal time with them learning about their research interests and the research activities of career scientists in their discipline. Scientists selected for the shadowing opportunity will provide insight into their methods and processes of research, plus what they do during their day-to-day activities. This activity is an excellent opportunity to personally learn more about the research endeavors of natural history scientists. About 5 hours are reserved for this activity including two mornings (Tuesday and Wednesday) of the scheduled agenda.

Conversations with Scientists

Organized by the Museum's Senate of Scientists, here is another opportunity to personally meet NMNH research scientists. Following the successful format featured at many student-focused meetings, such as SACNAS, our "Conversations with Scientists" will take place during lunch Tuesday and Wednesday. Workshop participants may bring lunch or purchase something from either the Atrium Cafe or NMNH staff cafeteria, then join NMNH research scientists at reserved tables. Each table features a different research discipline and is hosted by an NMNH scientist who is an expert in the field. Scientists will discuss valuable career and academic experiences with workshop attendees.

Research Shadowing / Natural History Discipline Presentations

Having spent time exploring, in-depth, a particular natural history research discipline with a shadowing sponsor, and as part of a team participating in specialized activities of the discipline, each research team will present their experiences to the rest of the group through informal 10 minute presentations.

Student Workshop

Reserved exclusively for student participants, this session features opportunities to learn about grant funding opportunities in the natural history sciences, especially for undergraduate students. Talk directly to program directors and representatives from several major programs including the Smithsonian's Office of Fellowships and Grants and NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site investigators.

Representative Workshop
Developing the Scientific Partners Plan

The most unique aspect of this workshop is the rare opportunity to meet with Museum leaders to participate in the development of a plan of action for future activities, products, and services to encourage more minority students to achieve degrees and careers in the natural history sciences. Reserved for administrative representatives only, the session will be conducted in three parts beginning promptly at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. The discussion will focus on how to facilitate placement of LSAMP students in Smithsonian-sponsored research opportunities including internships, field research assistance positions, co-sponsored graduate fellowships, employment opportunities at the Smithsonian, and careers in the natural history disciplines.

LSAMP Center Team Presentations

After spending a week learning about natural history science, student and administrative teams from each Center will present to the rest of the group a summary of their "take home" message.

Demonstrations and Tours

Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday - - - 8,9 & 10 January 2001 - - 1:00 - 4:15 p.m. - - - Research Sites

Featuring 124 million research specimens, the National Museum of Natural History holds many rare and valuable natural history objects and artifacts. Museum staff personally guided workshop participants on a voyage through their specialized discipline and the unique collections that support their research activities. As the research and collections spaces are small, the groups were divided into two parts. Half the group went to one location (Option I), the other to a different location (Option II). A tour "recorder" was selected to document the tour highlights. After the tours of the day concluded, the entire group reconvened in the Executive Conference Room to share with each other what the other half missed.

Exploring Research Disciplines

Tuesday & Wednesday - - - 9 & 10 January 2001 - - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. - - - Research Sites

Anthropology

In addition to one-on-one shadowing, on Tuesday from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. MARY JO ARNOLDI will lead the Anthropology group on a guided tour of the African Voices exhibit.

· Donna Begay with Dr. Ives Goddard

· Ricardo Jacquez with Dr. Daniel Rogers

· B. Alexander Dummett with Dr. Donald Ortner

· LeRoy Jones II with Abelardo Sandoval

· Linda Powell with Deborah Hull-Walski

· Zetra Wheeler with Dr. Joallyn Archambault

Botany

For the Botany group, Tuesday features in-depth, one-on-one shadowing while Wednesday is reserved for group activities. The Wednesday activities begin with a demonstration in the Plant Anatomy Lab from 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. by STAN YANKOWSKI. From 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. JIM NORRIS will discuss his research on marine algae including his in-lab algae "greenhouse" tank. Following a 15 minute break DAN NICOLSON will present the foundations of Botany (10:15 - 10:30 a.m.). Next, from 10:30 - 10:45 a.m., LIZ ZIMMER will discuss her research and molecular systematics followed by JOHN KRESS (10:45 - 11:00 a.m.) who will speak on pollination biology and concluding with a discussion of agrostology by PAUL PETERSON (11:00 - 11:15 a.m.).

· Janine Burns with Dr. Vicki Funk

· Claude Brathwaite with Dr. Paula DePriest

· Jasmin Feimster with Dr. Warren Wagner

· Javier Figueroa with Dr. Pedro Acevedo

· Cecilia Lewis with Dr. Robert Faden

Entomology

The entomology group will devote the entire session toward in-depth interaction with their shadowing sponsor.

· Jean Dorsey with Dr. Thomas Henry

· Shingara Sandhu with Dr. Ted Schultz

· Chad Baker with Dr. Wayne Mathis

Geology & Mineral Sciences

Students and administrative representatives assigned to the geological sciences will interact individually with their shadowing sponsor on Tuesday. On Wednesday shadowing sponsors will host an interactive tour of their research specialty collections for the geology group. With MIKE WISE the group will see the gems and minerals collection. TIM MCCOY will show the meteorites and BILL MELSON will lead the group through the rocks and ores collection.

· TanJanika Daniel with Dr. Michael Wise

· Tyrone Smith with Dr. Timothy McCoy

· Konrad Wright with Dr. Richard Fiske

· Ralph Turner with Dr. Edward Vicenzi

· Jacob Varkey with Dr. William Melson

· Beverly Wright with Dr. Thomas Simkin

Invertebrate Zoology

The invertebrate zoology group will concentrate their time both days on in-depth interaction with their shadowing sponsor.

· John Brenner with Dr. David Pawson

· Vivian Hampton with Dr. Rafael LeMaitre

· Yolanda Chacon with Dr. Kristian Fauchald

· Jeanietta Terry with Dr. Jon Norenburg

Paleobiology

The paleobiology group will spend the first 2 hours each day (9:00 - 11:00 a.m.) engaged in the research activities of their shadowing sponsor. On Tuesday, from 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. RALPH CHAPMAN will demonstrate to the group some of the computer technologies used to reconstruct the Triceratops. On Wednesday, from 11:00 - 11:30 a.m., the group will meet with STEVE JABO for a tour of the Paleo Vertebrate Prep Lab and see some of the specimen preparation in-action.

· Susan Baez-Cazull with Dr. Daniel Stanley

· Diana Ortiz with Dr. Conrad Labandeira

· Curtrina Hughes with Dr. Anna K. Behrensmeyer

· Brenda Sakizzie with Dr. Scott Wing

Vertebrate Zoology

On Tuesday, workshop participants assigned to Vertebrate Zoology will engage in the research activities of their shadowing sponsor. On Wednesday the entire group will join CARLA DOVE from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. for a discussion of her research with the U.S. Air Force on the relationships between aircraft damage and encounters with birds (bird strikes). The talk will include a demonstration of some of the techniques used to identify bird remains from their feather characteristics. From 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. LINDA GORDON will host a demonstration of how to prepare bird and mammal study skins for the museum collections

Herpetology

· Raymond Batts with Dr. George Zug

· Bernice Coar-Cobb with Dr. Kevin deQueiroz

Ichthyology

· Kenneth Brookins with Dr. Richard Vari

· Anika Green with Dr. Lynne Parenti

Mammalogy

· Olaf Feliciano with Dr. James Mead

· Zola Drainwith Dr. Don Wilson

Ornithology

· Julie Turner with Dr. Gary Graves

Conversations with Scientists

Tuesday & Wednesday - - 9 & 10 January 2001 - - - 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. - - Atrium Cafe

Join in open, informal conversation with Smithsonian research staff about science careers and scientific investigations in the natural history disciplines. Table topics include:

Tuesday 9 January 2001

Archaeology
Bill Fitzhugh
Department of Anthropology

Biodiversity
Don Wilson
Department of Vertebrate Zoology

Botany
Vicki Funk
Department of Botany

Entomology
John Brown
Department of Entomology

Geological Processes
Tim McCoy
Department of Mineral Sciences

Human Ecology
Melinda Zeder
Department of Anthropology

Molecular Systematics
Kevin deQueiroz
Department of Vertebrate Zoology

Paleobiology
Dave Bohaska
Department of Paleobiology

Wednesday 10 January 2001

Archaeology
Bill Fitzhugh
Department of Anthropology

Biodiversity
Don Wilson
Department of Vertebrate Zoology

Entomology
Alma Solis
Department of Entomology

Geological Processes
Bill Melson
Department of Mineral Sciences

Marine Biology
Jim Norris
Department of Botany

Molecular Systematics
Liz Zimmer
Department of Botany

Paleobiology
Scott Wing
Department of Paleobiology

 

Research Shadowing Presentation Schedule

Thursday - - - 11 January 2001 - - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. - - - Cathy Kerby Seminar Room

As part of the '01 Winter Workshop, all participants were paired with a Smithsonian research scientist to shadow their activities and grouped in research disciplines to learn more about a particular natural history topic. So as to share experiences, workshop participants will convene to informally present to each other what they learned about the different natural history research topics being investigated at the Museum. Group members will work together to decide what to present to the rest of the workshop participants. One member from each group was selected at random to present the group's experiences.

Student Workshop I:
Research Opportunities at the Smithsonian and Beyond

Thursday - - - 11 January 2001 - - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - - - Cooper Room

After a week of exploration through the natural history sciences, as guided by research and collections staff, LSAMP Center student representatives met with a panel of key administrators of programs offering opportunities for research and graduate study in the natural science disciplines. The goal of this session was to engage the students in personal dialogue about important career options for their future and provide them with valuable information to apply for themselves and disseminate to their broader campus communities.

AGENDA

1:45 - 2:00 p.m. Student and panelist introductions

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Part I: Undergraduate Opportunities

· Dr. Marilyn Suiter NSF Division of Undergraduate Education
· Dr. Robert Taylor NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
· Dr. Jewel Prendeville REU Geological Sciences
· Dr. Robert Murphy REU at Carnegie Mellon University
· Dr. Shola Adeyeye REU at Duquesne University

3:00 - 3:15 p.m. BREAK

3:15 - 3:45 p.m. Part II: Graduate Opportunities

· Dr. Joseph Bragin NSF Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) Program
· Dr. Janet Rutledge NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

3:45 - 4:00 p.m. Part III: Smithsonian Opportunities

· Pam Hudson Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Grants

4:00 - 4:15 Question/Answer session

Student Workshop I - Report:
Research Opportunities at the Smithsonian and Beyond

Thursday - - - 11 January 2001 - - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - - - Cooper Room

RESULTS

Part I: Undergraduate Opportunities

The first part of the session was aimed at providing students with crucial information regarding undergraduate research opportunities available to them throughout their undergraduate careers and to inspire them to take early action.

· Dr. Marilyn Suiter - NSF Division of Undergraduate Education

At the National Science Foundation, the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) serves as the focal point for efforts in undergraduate education. Whether preparing students to participate as citizens in a technological society, to enter the workforce with two- or four-year degrees, to continue their formal education in graduate school, or to further their education in response to new career goals or workplace expectations, undergraduate education provides the critical link between the Nation's secondary schools and a society increasingly dependent on science and technology.

What is NSF? - NSF has broad authority to assist in developing the science and engineering talents of men and women of all ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds; NSF funds research and education, does not do research.

Why is it important to become involved in research during undergraduate study? - The undergraduate level plays a pivotal role in entering students in advanced training at the professional level.

It is important for all students present at the session to inform their advisors and mentors of what they learn because many of them might not be aware of the available for their students.

· Dr. Robert Taylor - NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program

Through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program, the National Science Foundation makes possible a number of opportunities for undergraduates to join research projects each summer. This allows students to experience first-hand how basic research is carried out, and to contribute consequentially. The principal support by NSF of such activities is through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program.

What is the REU Program? - Simply, the program supports opportunities for undergraduates to join research projects each summer. The program includes all fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. There are Sites located nationally. A typical Site consists of 8-10 undergraduates working at a host institution. Students are assigned to a project and work intensely with faculty, post-docs, and students. They also attend educational and social functions. Students are given stipends and assistance with housing and travel (usually housing is provided at a dormitory in the institution). Application deadlines vary, make sure to check with individual programs. Send applications as early as possible.

· Dr. Jewel Prendeville - REU Geological Sciences

NSF Directorate for Geosciences supports research in earth, ocean, and sciences. The Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences (OEDG) is a new program (NSF 01-36) designed to address the problem of underrepresentation of certain groups across the geosciences. The primary goal of the OEDG program is to increase the participation in geoscience education and research by students from these minority groups. The application deadline is 16 March 2001. Fifteen awards are anticipated with the anticipated funded amount per award is $3,000,000.

· Dr. Robert Murphy - REU at Carnegie Mellon University (Biological Sciences)

Biological Sciences Department Summer Undergraduate Research Program for students from other universities completing their sophomore or junior year: http://www.bio.cmu.edu/SURP
The program has been funded by NSF REU since 1978.
There is a strong commitment to serving students from underrepresented groups.
Application deadline: March 1, 2001.
The focus of the program in engaging students in conduct cutting-edge research.
Students involved in social programs with other summer programs within Carnegie Mellon University and with other area universities.

· Dr. Shola Adeyeye - REU at Duquesne University

Very enthusiastic about program at Duquesne.
Duquesne is a leader in providing quality research opportunities for undergraduates.
Students housed in the best student dormitory on campus.

Part II: Graduate Opportunities

Part II of the student session involved broadening the students' horizons on opportunities for graduate study and research. This consisted of dialogue on funding sources, target institutions, and fellowship opportunities.

· Dr. Joseph Bragin - NSF Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST)

The Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) Program makes substantial resources available to upgrade the capabilities of the most research-productive minority-serving institutions. It develops outstanding research centers through the integration of education and research. It serves to promote the production of new knowlege, to increase the research productivity of individual faculty, and to expand a diverse student presence in SMET disciplines. The program also enables CREST Centers to increase the effectiveness of related science and engineering activities within their research areas.

What is CREST? - a program that supports minority-serving institutions to upgrade their research capabilities by providing infrastructure support. Look into CREST institutions when considering graduate study.

· Dr. Janet Rutledge - NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

The Graduate Research Fellowhsip Program offers three-year graduate research fellowships in science, mathematics, and engineering, including Women in Engineering and Computer and Information Science awards. Fellowships are awarded for graduate study leading to research-based master's or doctoral degrees in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, and behavioral and social sciences, including the history of science and the philosophy of science, and to research-based Ph.D. degrees in science education.

Applications are due each November (early, 1st week).
Students can apply before or during first or second year of graduate school.
The application requires 4 essays and general and subject GRE scores.
If going into the natural sciences field, there is no reason why any student should have to pay one cent of their graduate education.
There are plenty of funding opportunities, students must research.
Useful fellowship search engines: Fastaid (www.finaid.org) and College Board.

Part III: Smithsonian Opportunities

The final part of the student session highlighted specific opportunities available for research in the natural history sciences at the Smithsonian.

· Pam Hudson - Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Grants

The Office of Fellowships and Grants (OFG) has the central management and administrative responsibility for the Institution's programs of research grants, fellowships, and other scholarly appointments. One of its primary objectives is the facilitation of the Smithsonian's scholarly interactions with students and scholars at universities, museums, and other research institutions around the world. The Office administers Institution-wide research support programs, and encourages and assists other Smithsonian museums, research institutes and research offices in the development of additional fellowships and visiting appointments.

The Smithsonian has research and study opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students. Fellowships are offered to graduate students, pre-docs, and post-docs.
Internships are offered in various ways, two notable programs are the Minority Research Program and the Research Training Program. More information can be found at http://www.si.edu/research+study/resopp.htm

Question / Answer Session

Q: How do students go about disseminating the information gathered at the discussion?

A: Meet with faculty advisors and mentors, hold informal meeting with students, or simply discuss with friends.

Q: When are application deadlines for REU Programs?

A: They vary, check www.nsf.gov for updates or the individual programs of interest.

Q: What can/should students do from here?

A: Communicate with peers and faculty members, continue to be involved with LSAMP Centers, and participate in the opportunities discussed!

Student Participants (18 total):

Susan Baez-Cazull - Graduated Chemistry Univ. of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras
Chad Baker - Freshman Pre-Engineering, Mathematics Bethune-Cookman College
Raymond Batts - Junior Biological Sciences Chicago State University
Donna Begay - Junior Biology Fort Lewis College
John Brenner - Freshman Biology Humboldt State University
Kenneth Brookins - Freshman Biology Jackson State University
Janine Burns - Sophomore Environmental Science Salish Kootenai College
Yolanda Chacon - Sophomore Biology New Mexico State University
TanJanika Daniel - Sophomore Biology Miles College.
Jean Dorsey - Sophomore Engineering Science Community Co.of Philadelphia.
Alexander Dummet - Freshman Chemical Engineering University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Jasmin Feimster - Freshman Biology North Carolina AT&T State Univ.
Olaf Feliciano - Sophomore Chemistry Univ. of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras.
Curtrina Hughes - Sophomore Biology Langston University.
Cecilia Lewis - Freshman Marine Biology College of Charleston.
Brenda Sakizzie - Sophomore Biology Fort Lewis College.
Jeanietta Terry - Sophomore Biology University of South Carolina.
Konrad Wright - Freshman Electrical Engineering City University of New York.

Representatives Workshop I:
Developing the Scientific Partners Plan - Planning Session

Thursday - - - 11 January 2001 - - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - - - Cathy Kerby Room

After a week of exploration through the natural history sciences, as guided by research and collections staff, LSAMP Center administrative representatives will convene with leaders from the NMNH community to review the activities of the week and begin the process of developing an institutional plan of action. The goal of this session aims to stimulate honest, personal dialogue between the LSAMP Center representatives and NMNH leaders to establish "what we are doing right" and what we can do "better" to attract and sustain minority interest in the natural history sciences. Moreover, the dialogue is anticipated to result in a composite document that focuses the efforts of the LSAMP at the Smithsonian initiative toward quality activities, products and services that fulfills "our place" within the nation-wide LSAMP network.

Format of the Representatives Session

1:00 - 1:45 p.m. General Discussion

1:45 - 2:00 p.m. BREAK

2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Breakout focus groups

2:45 - 3:00 p.m. BREAK

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Summary of focus group reports, general discussion, and plan of action

GENERAL DISCUSSION

The General Discussion will begin by outlining the goals of the session and setting a format for discussion. The discussion will include opportunities for Center representatives to share their experiences from the week including offering their evaluation of how well Smithsonian scientific staff presented their research specialty. Questions addressed include:

· Did the workshop activities get students and administrative representatives interested and excited about natural history research science?

· What worked best and what could be done differently?

The discussion will proceed to review topics such as:

· Why do "you" think there are so few African American, Hispanic American, and Native American research scientists in the natural history disciplines?

· What should the Museum be doing to encourage more minority students to consider research and careers in the natural history sciences?

· What would the LSAMP Centers especially like to see the Museum initiate, expand, or continue to complement their programs that are proving successful?

· What on-site administrative personnel and structure will best facilitate the goals of the initiative (e.g. Program Manager)?

BREAKOUT FOCUS GROUPS

Following a short break, the group of seventeen (17) administrative representatives will divide into three (3) focus groups of about six (6) representatives per group. A recorder will be selected to document the points discussed and conclusions reached. The Breakout Focus Groups will be moderated by representatives from the Smithsonian research community. Moderators will present the topics for discussion, but also guide the general discussion. The topics of the three focus groups are:

"On-site activities and initiatives" moderated by Dr. Vicki Funk and Dr. Daniel Rogers

"Off-site involvement" moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Zimmer

"Developing points of Connectivity" moderated by Dr. Timothy McCoy and Dr. Scott Miller.

Starting topics for the "On-Site" focus group discussion include:

· What are the most effective on-site "things" the Museum can offer to support the goals of the LSAMP at the Smithsonian initiative?

· Should the winter workshop become an annual event? What are the advantages?

· Should in-residence summer internships be supported? How many?

Starting topics for the "Off-Site" focus group discussion include:

· How best can Smithsonian science and scientists reach out into the LSAMP community? (e.g. develop a video, produce a regular newsletter, brochures, booklets, posters)

· Would on-site visits to Centers by Smithsonian Scientists be effective?

· How important are staffed exhibit booths at Center gatherings (e.g. FGAMP annual meeting) and other scientific meetings (e.g. SACNAS)?

Starting topics for the "Developing Points of Connectivity" focus group discussion include:

· Which technology options (e.g. Access Grid, distance learning, Electronic classroom, electronic fields trips) currently serve the LSAMP community best?

· How effective are technology options compared to "in-person" opportunities?

· What technologies do Centers currently have available and what do they hope to develop?

SUMMARY AND PLAN OF ACTION

The session will conclude with participants again gathering as one group to discuss the key points revealed during the breakout focus groups and to prioritize topics. Recorders from each focus group will present the results to the entire panel, followed by a general discussion with all members encouraged to contribute their perspective and new ideas. On-going questions include:

· Can we make a difference?
· What are the barriers to success and how can these be overcome?
· What are realistic expectations (what can we REALLY do)?
· Who should take the lead for specific elements?
· How do we find the right person to manage this site and lead this initiative?
· Where do we go from here?

FOLLOW-UP

Following the panel discussion, a summary document will be prepared to summarize the topics discussed, conclusions reached, and plan proposed.

MODERATORS & PANELISTS

Vicki Funk
Research Botanist
Department of Botany
Smithsonian Institution

A. James Hicks
Program Director
NSF LSAMP Program
National Science Foundation

Timothy J. McCoy
Geologist
Department of Mineral Sciences
Smithsonian Institution

Scott Miller
Chairman & Research Entomologist
Department of Entomology
Smithsonian Institution

Daniel Rogers
Curator of North American Archaeology
Department of Anthropology
Smithsonian Institution

Ross Simons
Associate Director for Research & Collections
National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institution

Elizabeth Zimmer
Principal Investigator
Laboratory of Molecular Systematics
Smithsonian Institution

Representatives Workshop I - Results:
Developing the Scientific Partners Plan

Thursday - - - 11 January 2001 - - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - - - Cathy Kerby Room

After a week of exploration through the natural history sciences, as guided by research and collections staff, LSAMP Center administrative representatives met with Ross Simons, Associate Director for Research and Collections at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, to review the activities of the week and begin the process of developing an institutional plan of action.

Part I: Key Points resulting from the Breakout Groups

"On-site activities and initiatives" moderated by Dr. Vicki Funk and Dr. Daniel Rogers

• Motivation should come early in the student's career
• Target all level of students, not just "straight A's"
• Implement a "staged" plan
• Freshman Award - LSAMP/NMNH Fellow
• The student would have a mentor at the Museum as well as a faculty mentor at their host institution; both the faculty member and the student would be learning
• There should be an initial one-week visit
• This follows with roughly a year of continuous communication between the three - the student, Museum mentor, Host Institution mentor - probably via email
• During the "sophomore" summer, the student would make a longer site visit
• There would be a continuous cycle of student/faculty mentoring
• The financial reality is $200K per year
• Also need to get NMNH off to the LSAMP sites

"Off-site involvement" moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Zimmer

• Critical for NMNH scientific staff to go to LSAMP Centers
• NMNH needs a list of the appropriate conferences being held at the LSAMP Centers
• Need scientific representation at SACNAS, ACES, Beta Kappa Pi
• They would like to see a video and/or short brochure that talks about what goes on here at NMNH
• Send out the resurrected Quest to the LSAMP Centers