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

[摘要]美国加州州立大学热带生态学研究所（IRES）为理科生提供热带生态学的指导和研究机会。该项目以圣马科斯加州州立大学（CSUSM）的G. Vourlitis博士和马托格罗索联邦大学（UFMT）的F. Lobo博士的合作为中心，每年为四名本科生提供正式的教学和实际的实地工作。核心科学项目侧重于巴西塞拉多和潘塔纳尔的一个积极的、长期的生态系统研究项目。本计划提供热带生态学的指导和研究机会，让理科生在职业生涯的早期。该项目包括三个阶段，包括实地前的研究方法教育、在巴西实地的深入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博士（UMFT）指导，他在了解巴西生态系统的生理生态学方面与PI进行了广泛合作。四名美国学生将在塞拉多和潘塔纳尔生态系统的实地站点与巴西同行和导师一起工作六周。该项目将招募各种各样的本科生参加，其中女性和少数族裔的代表性很强。重点从社区学院招聘，再加上巴西本科生和研究生的参与，将促进代表性不足的少数民族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.