LSAMP at the Smithsonian

LSAMP '99 Winter Workshop
2 - 17 January 1999

List of Participants   |   Workshop Agenda   |   Logistics   |   Site Map

*  *  *    WORKSHOP SUMMARY    *  *  * A summary of the LSAMP at the Smithsonian '99 Winter Workshop - - Explore!

at the Smithsonian

Explore!
The Natural Sciences

The AMP Scholars 1999 Winter Workshop 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, hosedt a two-week workshop during the winter semester break (2-16 January 1999) to bring together Freshman/Sophomore level AMP scholars* from across the country.  Representing different AMP Centers, students participated in a short course designed to give beginning undergraduates insight and experience into what natural history is, how it is conducted, and what careers are available in the field.

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 to participate in a short course designed to encourage undergraduate students to explore their interest in  natural history research and careers.

CURRICULUM:  Workshop participants joined Smithsonian scientists and participated in on-going research projects that complemented the student's career interests and the research activities of the NMNH. In addition, the workshop 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 projects.

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

• US Citizen
• Freshman or Sophomore level undergraduate college student
• AMP affiliation
• English proficiency

APPLICATION:  Each AMP Center could nominate one freshman or sophomore student for participation in the workshop.  Centers could also submit the names of four additional nominees for consideration as alternates.  Students interested in participating in the workshop had to follow the application and selection process designed by their AMP Center.  Students nominated by AMP Centers to participate in the workshop had to submit to the Research Training Program office the following:

• Four-page RTP Application Form
• One-page Cover Letter
• Two Professional Letters of Recommendation

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  1 December 1998

SELECTION:  A total of 27 students were considered (one nominated from each AMP Center).  The program anticipated choosing ten to twelve AMP scholars to participate in the workshop.  Each AMP Center had a different selection process to identify workshop nominees.  For more information about submitting an application to participate in the AMP Winter Workshop, students were encouraged to contact their local AMP Center Project Coordinator.

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

• Transportation allowance (travel, generally airline ticket to/from Washington, DC)
• Housing (completely furnished four-person occupancy apartment in Alexandria, Virginia)
• Stipend ($500 to cover living expenses)

TERMS & CONDITIONS:  To ensure the quality of the experience for all student and staff workshop 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.
• Workshop 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.

RTP Home page  |  Professional Education & Training  |  LSAMP  |  LSAMP Site Map