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

这个为期三年的弗吉尼亚理工学院REU现场项目将为学生提供在弗吉尼亚西南部城市化流域系统中独特的跨学科研究经验。弗吉尼亚理工大学的河流研究、教育和管理实验室（河流实验室）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，为学生提供了直接观察城市雨水对河流水文和水质的影响的机会。当REU参与者解决他们具体的研究问题时，他们将受到跨学科教师小组的指导，这将为他们提供关于目标问题的丰富视角，以及广泛的交流机会。通过一系列“社会与科学”的晚间讲座和讨论，以及通过指导设计旨在吸引少数民族幼儿参加暑期科学营的外展活动，鼓励本科生发展批判性思维和沟通技巧。更广泛的影响这个REU现场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可持续性问题。除了让学生接触到该领域相关研究的多样性外，该项目还将为学生提供与各种利益相关者和公众交流和互动的机会。招生工作将由弗吉尼亚理工大学工程多样性增强中心（CEED）指导，重点招收非研究密集型机构的学生。

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.