LSAMP at the Smithsonian

LSAMP Winter Workshop
7 - 12 January 2001

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*  *  *    WORKSHOP SUMMARY    *  *  * A summary of of the LSAMP at the Smithsonian '01 Winter Workshop - - Scientific Partners: Joining the Smithsonian Community

at the Smithsonian

Scientific Partners:
Joining the Smithsonian Community

 
 Twelve freshman and sophomore students participated in the LSAMP at the 
Smithsonian '99 Winter Workshop, shown here with NSF Director of the 
LSAMP Program, Dr. A. James Hicks.

The 1999 Winter Workshop was such a success that we decided to do it again!  This time we're not just inviting students, but also administrative representatives from each of the LSAMP Centers to join the fun.  That's right.  We listened when you said we could reach more students by including key LSAMP personnel in the workshop so they too can learn more about Smithsonian natural history science first hand, and then share their personal insight with their students.  We also believe that there is a lot we at the Smithsonian can learn from the folks at LSAMP centers.  

To facilitate this, the '01 Winter Workshop will also feature interactive planning discussions with Smithsonian administrative and scientific staff focused on developing an institution plan for the NMNH to become an institutional leader in supporting the increase of minority students achieving careers in the natural history disciplines.  

As scientific partners, we believe that together LSAMP Centers and the LSAMP and the Smithsonian initiative can open the door to many new and exciting career options, and opportunities, for LSAMP student scholars.  Step #1: join us for the workshop this January!  Here are the details:

SUMMARY:  As part of the LSAMP at the Smithsonian initiative, the Research Training Program (RTP) of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, will host a one-week workshop during the winter semester break (7-12 January 2001) to bring together Freshmen/Sophomore level LSAMP student scholars* and center representatives from across the country.  Together as a team, students and representatives will explore the natural history research sciences of the Smithsonian. Workshop participants will participate in a short course designed to give beginning level undergraduates and center representatives information and insight into what natural history is, how it is conducted, and what careers are available in the field.

LOCATION:  The LSAMP at the Smithsonian '01 Winter Workshop will take place at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC  20560.

FACILITIES:  The science of the Smithsonian includes collecting, preserving, studying, and displaying specimens and artifacts from the natural world and its diverse human cultures.  The Smithsonian natural history community encompasses approximately 600 staff, including more than 100 research scientists in seven disciplines: Anthropology, Botany, Entomology, Geology & Mineralogy, Invertebrate Zoology, Paleobiology, and Vertebrate Zoology.   The NMNH collections total more than 124 million specimens of plants, animals, insects, fossils, rocks, minerals, meteorites, marine organisms, and human artifacts.

OBJECTIVES:  To bring together LSAMP scholars and representatives from across the country to participate in a short course designed to encourage undergraduate students to explore their interest in natural history research and careers.

CURRICULUM:  Workshop participants will partner with Smithsonian scientists, participating in on-going research projects of the NMNH and join special planning sessions to help create a future of opportunities for students to be part of Smithsonian natural history science activities.  The workshop agenda includes formal and informal lectures and discussions, behind-the-scenes tours of many Smithsonian facilities, hands-on workshops and demonstrations; and special experiences designed especially for workshop participants to share in the exciting research of Smithsonian scientists.

ELIGIBILITY:  To participate in the workshop, nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements:

    STUDENTS:
         US Citizen
         LSAMP affiliation
         English proficiency
         Freshman or Sophomore level undergraduate college student

    CENTER REPRESENTATIVES:
         US Citizen
         English proficiency
         LSAMP affiliation with duties and responsibilities focused on sharing information with LSAMP
         students.

APPLICATION:  Each LSAMP Center may nominate one team (composed of one freshman or sophomore student and one center representative) for participation in the workshop.  Teams interested in participating in the workshop must follow the application and selection process designed by their LSAMP Center.  Teams nominated by LSAMP Centers to participate in the workshop must submit to the Research Training Program office:

      Four-page RTP Application Form
      One-page Cover Letter
      One confirmation letter of support from the LSAMP Center Director

All application materials may be completed and submitted directly on-line at this web site.  Go to application procedure for information and on-line forms.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  1 December 2000

SELECTION:  A total of 27 teams (27 students and 27 representatives) will be considered (one nominated from each LSAMP Center).  Twenty teams will be selected to participate in the workshop.  Each LSAMP Center may have a different selection process to identify workshop nominees.  For more information about submitting an application to participate in the LSAMP Winter Workshop, students are encouraged to contact their local LSAMP Center Project Coordinator.

NOTIFICATION DATE:  8 December 2000

AWARD:   Each team selected to participate in the one-week workshop will receive an award package to support their participation, including:

•   Transportation allowance (travel, generally airline ticket to/from Washington, DC)

•   Housing

•   Per diem ($60/day to cover living expenses) 

TERMS & CONDITIONS:  To ensure the quality of the experience for all workshop participants, the following terms and conditions apply:

• Resident Participation - all workshop participants are expected to be in-residence at the NMNH throughout the duration of the workshop.

• Work Hours - all workshop participants are expected to be in-attendance during the official work hours of 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. unless otherwise advised.

•  Workshop Events  - all workshop participants are expected to attend, and participate in, all scheduled events including meetings, lectures, discussions, and tours.

• Safety and Security - all workshop participants are expected to adhere to all Museum regulations and procedures including safety and security policies.

• Protocol - all workshop participants are expected to follow the instructions and recommendations of the scientific staff when working with the museum collections and follow the sequence of priorities outlined by the staff sponsor. 

* The term "LSAMP Scholar" is used to identify students participating in the NSF-sponsored Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program and may be defined differently by each LSAMP Center.

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