REU Site: Complex Human and Water Dynamics - An Interdisciplinary Research Experience at the Virginia Tech StREAM Lab

REU 网站：复杂的人类和水动力学 - 弗吉尼亚理工大学 StREAM 实验室的跨学科研究经验

• 批准号: 1156688
• 负责人: William Hession
• 金额: $ 31.43万
• 依托单位: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2012-03-15 至 2015-02-28
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1156688&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: REU; Site; Complex; Human; Water

Intellectual MeritThis three year REU site program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute will provide students with a unique interdisciplinary research experience within an urbanizing watershed system in southwestern Virginia. Virginia Tech's Stream Research, Education, and Management Laboratory (StREAM Lab) will serve as the focal point for several interconnected group research projects dealing with issues of water sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Town of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech's campus are the primary upland sources of pollutant loadings to this otherwise largely forested and agricultural receiving water, providing students with the opportunity to directly observe the effects of urban stormwater on stream hydrology and water quality. As the REU participants address their specific research questions, they will be mentored by interdisciplinary faculty groups, which will provide them with a rich perspective on their target issues, as well as extensive networking opportunities. The undergraduate students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and communication skills through a series of "Society and Science" evening lectures and discussions, and through the guided design of outreach activities intended to engage minority young children in summer science camps.Broader ImpactsThis REU site program will provide students with the interdisciplinary background necessary to address complex water sustainability issues during their future careers. In addition to exposing students to the diversity of related research in this area, this project will provide students with opportunities to communicate and interact with various stakeholders and the general public. Recruiting efforts will be guided by Virginia Tech's Center for Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) with a focus on recruiting students from non-research intensive institutions.

智力MeritThis三年REU网站计划在弗吉尼亚理工学院将为学生提供一个独特的跨学科的研究经验在弗吉尼亚州西南部的城市化流域系统。弗吉尼亚理工大学的流研究，教育和管理实验室（StREAM实验室）将作为几个相互关联的小组研究项目的焦点，处理水的可持续性和环境管理问题。布莱克斯堡镇和弗吉尼亚理工大学的校园是污染物负荷的主要高地来源，否则主要是森林和农业接收水，为学生提供直接观察城市雨水对河流水文和水质的影响的机会。作为REU参与者解决他们的具体研究问题，他们将由跨学科的教师小组，这将为他们提供对他们的目标问题丰富的视角，以及广泛的网络机会辅导。通过一系列的“社会与科学”晚间讲座和讨论，以及旨在让少数民族儿童参与暑期科学夏令营的指导性外展活动设计，鼓励本科生培养批判性思维和沟通技巧。更广泛的影响REU网站计划将为学生提供必要的跨学科背景，以解决他们未来职业生涯中复杂的水资源可持续性问题。除了让学生接触到这一领域相关研究的多样性外，该项目还将为学生提供与各利益攸关方和公众沟通和互动的机会。招聘工作将由弗吉尼亚理工大学的工程多样性增强中心（CEED）指导，重点是从非研究密集型机构招聘学生。