51. Experiences in Implementing an NSF/REU Site on Interdisciplinary Water Sciences and Engineering during 2007-13.
- Author
-
Lohani, Vinod K.
- Subjects
HYDROLOGY education ,ENVIRONMENTAL engineering ,LIFE science education ,CROP science ,CIVIL engineering education ,HIGHER education - Abstract
This paper summarizes the experiences of the author in implementing a successful NSF/REU Site on Interdisciplinary Water Sciences and Engineering for 6 years at Virginia Tech. The goal of the Site is to train REU fellows in water research using interdisciplinary projects. Site activities included: 1) 10-week long research projects supervised by faculty and graduate student mentors from five departments, 2) professional development activities including seminars and field trips, 3) training to communicate scientific information through research papers, YouTube videos and oral presentations, and 4) social and cultural activities for professional growth and bonding of REU fellows. Eleven faculty (6 women and 5 men) and their graduate students from diverse academic disciplines including engineering education, civil and environmental engineering, biological sciences, geosciences, and crop and soil environmental sciences directed REU fellows' research and two external experts assisted in program assessment. Fifty-six REU fellows, including 59% from minorities including women, from 40+ academic institutions all over the country graduated from this Site during the summers of 2007, 08, 09, 11, 12, and 13. Six Research Proceedings, one for each summer, and 40 publications document research findings of the Site. A summary of Site assessment activities and findings, tracking results of REU fellows' academic/professional career, and lessons learned are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014