Research Experience for Undergraduates in Grassland Ecology at Konza Prairie Research Natural Area

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This award will support the participation of ten undergraduate students each year in independent research studies of tallgrass prairie ecology at the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area (KPRNA)/ Long-Term Ecological Research Site of Kansas State University. Long-term subjects of investigation at the site include study of the impact of fire and grazing on native tallgrass prairie vegetation. To facilitation investigation of these variables, all watersheds on Konza Prairie have been assigned to different burn regimes and native and domestic grazers have been introduced to some watersheds. The watershed level manipulations on KPRNA offer a unique opportunity for the study of many aspects of prairie ecology. Currently, 41 Kansas State University faculty, 32 visiting scientists, 29 graduate students, and 15 undergraduate researchers are working on 126 research projects on KPRNA. The REU Sites Program on KPRNA will feature several components including an independent research project, a seminar/discussion course in grassland ecology, a course in bioethics and ecology, and a trip to a national scientific meeting. Each REU student will have a faculty mentor as well as contact with resident graduate students and research associates. KPNRA REU students will interact with other undergraduates who are brought to campus each summer, at the invitation of other programs, to do research in other scientific disciplines. At the conclusion of the summer, students will make an oral presentation of the results of their research and prepare the results for publication. There will be a yearly assessment of the program by student and faculty participants in order to insure that the REU program continues to provide a quality experience to all participants. This award will foster the continued education and training of individuals who will be part of the next generation of basic researchers in the ecology. It will also serve to produce citizens informed about vari ous aspects of environmental sciences and management and decision making in environmental issues.