Research Training Program

National Museum of Natural History - Smithsonian Institution

at the Smithsonian

Summer Program

The AMP Scholars 1999

Summer Program at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC   20560

SUMMARY:  The Research Training Program (RTP) of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History hosted a ten-week course during the summer (29 May 1999 - 6 August 1999) to bring together AMP scholars* from across the country with other natural history scholars.  Students from around the world were selected to participate in a curriculum designed to give in-depth insight and experience in natural history research.

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 121 million specimens of plants, animals, insects, fossils, rocks, minerals, meteorites, marine organisms, and human artifacts.

OBJECTIVES:  To bring together AMP scholars from across the country with international natural history scholars to participate in an in-depth research experience under the guidance of a Smithsonian scientist.

CURRICULUM:  Participants joined Smithsonian scientists, participated in on-going research projects that complemented the student's career interests and the research activities of the NMNH. In addition, the program curriculum included formal and informal lectures and discussions, behind-the-scenes tours of many Smithsonian facilities, hands-on workshops and demonstrations; and special experiences designed to directly complement the research project.

ELIGIBILITY:  To participate in the program, students had to meet the following eligibility requirements:

• US Citizen
• Undergraduate level college student
• AMP affiliation
• English proficiency

APPLICATION:  Students must submit to the Research Training Program office:

• Four-page RTP Application Form
• Transcript of Courses and Grades
• One-page Cover Letter
• Two Professional Letters of Recommendation

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  1 February 1999

SELECTION:  A total of 24 students were selected to participate in the Research Training Program, including at least 3 AMP scholars.  

AWARD:   Each student selected to participate in the ten-week program received an award package to support their participation, including:

• Transportation allowance (to support travel to/from Washington, DC)
• Housing (completely furnished four-person occupancy apartment in Alexandria, Virginia)
• Stipend ($2,400 to cover living expenses)
• Research Support Budget (to support the research topic)

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

• Resident Participation - students are expected to be in-residence at the NMNH throughout the duration of the workshop.
• Work Hours - students are expected to be in-attendance during the official work hours of 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. unless otherwise advised.
• Program Events  - students are expected to attend, and participate in, all scheduled events including meetings, lectures, discussions, and tours.
• Safety and Security - students are expected to adhere to all Museum regulations and procedures including safety and security policies.
• Protocol - students are expected to conduct the per-approved project according to the sequence of priorities outlined by the staff sponsor.

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