Mentored undergraduate research in the geosciences

Abstract

There is little argument about the merits of undergraduate research, but it can seem like a complex, resource‐intensive endeavor [e.g., Laursen et al., 2010; Lopatto, 2009; Hunter et al., 2006]. Although mentored undergraduate research can be challenging, the authors of this feature have found that research programs are strengthened when students and faculty collaborate to build new knowledge. Faculty members in the geology department at The College of Wooster have conducted mentored undergraduate research with their students for more than 60 years and have developed a highly effective program that enhances the teaching, scholarship, and research of our faculty and provides life‐changing experiences for our students. Other colleges and universities have also implemented successful mentored undergraduate research programs in the geosciences. For instance, the 18 Keck Geology Consortium schools (http://keckgeology.org/), Princeton University, and other institutions have been recognized for their senior capstone experiences by U.S. News & World Report.

Engaging Early-Career Students in Research Using a Tiered Mentoring Model

“…In this chapter, we describe a course-based model using tiered mentoring to facilitate early career undergraduate research. The model described is a hybrid of similar programs (17, 19, 24, 27) adapted to suit our needs. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is relatively small with 15 faculty, ~1 postdoc, ~12 graduate students, and about 12 undergraduate degrees are conferred annually.…”

“…Course-based models have recently emerged as an efficient way to engage large numbers of students in research with similar learning outcomes to the traditional research lab-based experiences (12, 19–22). Course-based research experiences have also been reported as more inclusive for underrepresented groups may not be aware of research opportunities and may be less likely to be selected or self-select for the more traditional research experiences (7).…”

Portals for Undergraduate Research in Geology Curricula

“…portals serve as gateways that introduce students to research in the general curriculum, as opposed to a special course for seniors or a single required capstone [ Judge et al ., 2012 ]. Because opportunities for research have been placed throughout the curriculum, students may initiate a research experience at any point.…”

Mentored undergraduate research in the geosciences

“…Research at the undergraduate level should be encouraged-engagement of undergraduates in research early in their academic careers builds an environment of investigation in the department that attracts majors and promotes peer mentoring of research practices [see Judge et al ., 2012].…”

“…In 2005 the geology program at Western Kentucky University (WKU) began making modifications to its curriculum to intentionally place "portals" to undergraduate research throughout the curriculum. These portals serve as gateways that introduce students to research in the general curriculum, as opposed to a special course for seniors or a single required capstone [ Judge et al ., 2012 ]. Because opportunities for research have been placed throughout the curriculum, students may initiate a research experience at any point.…”