IRES: Development of a new generation of tropical ecologists through research and instruction opportunities in the Cerrado and Pantanal of Brazil

加州州立大学圣马科斯分校的George Vourlitis为本科生提供热带生态学方面的指导和研究机会。该项目以加州州立大学圣马科斯分校(CSUSM)的G.Vourlitis博士和马托格罗索联邦大学(UFMT)的F.Lobo博士合作为中心，每年为四名本科生提供正式指导和实践实地考察。核心科学项目侧重于巴西塞拉多和潘塔拉地区积极的、长期的生态系统研究计划。拟议的项目为本科理科学生在职业生涯早期提供热带生态学的指导和研究机会。该方案包括三个阶段，包括研究方法的实地前教育、在巴西的实地强化研究经验以及实地后的数据分析和传播培训。学生研究人员将由Francisco Lobo(UMFT)博士指导，他与PI在理解巴西生态系统的生理生态方面进行了广泛的合作。四名美国学生将与巴西同行和导师一起在塞拉多和潘塔纳尔生态系统的实地考察工作六周。PI将招募一批不同的本科生参加，其中女性比例很高，少数族裔比例较低。注重从社区大学招聘，再加上巴西本科生和研究生的参与，将促进未被充分代表的少数群体参与这一国际研究机会。

AbstractGeorge Vourlitis, California State University, San Marcos 0968245The proposed IRES offers mentoring and research opportunities in tropical ecology to undergraduate science students. The project is centered on collaboration between Dr. G. Vourlitis, California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) and Dr. F. Lobo, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), and combines formal instruction and practical field work for four undergraduate students each year. The core scientific project focuses on an active, long-term ecosystem research program in the Brazilian cerrado and pantanal.The proposed project provides instruction and research opportunities in tropical ecology to undergraduate science students early in their careers. The program consists of three phases involving pre-field education in research methods, an in-field intensive research experience in Brazil, and post-field training in data analysis and dissemination. Student researchers will be mentored by Dr. Francisco Lobo (UMFT) who has collaborated extensively with the PI in understanding the physiological ecology of Brazilian ecosystems. Four US students will work for six weeks with Brazilian counterparts and mentors at field sites in cerrado and pantanal ecosystems. The PI will recruit a diverse group of undergraduate students to participate, with strong representation of women and underrepresented minorities. A focus on recruiting from community colleges, combined with the involvement of Brazilian undergraduate and graduate students, will promote the engagement of underrepresented minorities in this international research opportunity.