Research Training for Minority Students in the Ocean Sciences (Geological Sciences)

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Jackson State University (JSU) is one of the few historically minority institutions in the Nation that presently has Environmental and Marine Sciences programs. JSU is committed to the development of these programs as part of the overall long-term plan of the University, which is to provide the Nation with highly trained minority men and women in every sphere of education but particularly in the natural sciences. The JSU Marine and Environmental Sciences programs have made significant contributions in preparing minorities for the ocean sciences workforce and graduate programs. This project will enable these programs to continue their mission. The main objective of this project is to prepare and motivate minority undergraduates to pursue advanced degrees and/or professional careers in the ocean sciences. The project will involve the following: (1) provide early research experience with dedicated mentors and role models to high ability undergraduate students during the academic year at JSU, (2) provide academic enrichment activities in order to enhance the interest of the students in the ocean sciences, (3) provide opportunities to minority students to participate in off-campus research during the summer months, (4) produce graduates in chemistry, marine and environmental sciences who will be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies in these fields. In addition to the regular curricula, and specific courses in the ocean sciences, students will be required to take courses in Independent Study and Introduction to Research, which will parallel their career objectives. These courses will consist of supervised research projects and will include formalized training in technical writing and literature survey as well as laboratory experimentation. Students will be required to submit a report at the conclusion of their projects. All students will make at least one oral presentation of their research at one of the seminars which will be held during their tenure in the program. Students will travel to at least one conference or meeting related to their research experiences and will be encouraged to read papers where possible and appropriate. Participating faculty will be expected to accompany students to conferences and professional meetings.