Creating a STEM-capable Workforce by Supporting REU Student Participation in Professional Conferences

一个本科生研究经验奖已经作出了落基山生物实验室（RMBL），以支持本科生在生物资助的REU网站和科学会议的补充赠款的参与。该奖项还将使PI能够开展外展活动，以使代表性不足的少数民族学生意识到参与REU研究的机会，并向更广泛的受众展示他们的研究成果。每年约有150名本科生将获得为期3年的会议旅行奖励。支持学生参与科学会议将有助于创建一个干能力的劳动力，因为学生能够与同龄人建立联系，并满足未来的研究生项目顾问和/或干雇主。准备海报或口头报告为学生提供了更深入了解科学过程和他们工作的意义的机会。在科学会议上展示成果对许多学生来说是一次顶峰体验，他们可以利用会议探索相关的科学主题，为可能的科学职业建立联系，并探索潜在的科学职业道路。 该项目利用REU计划的现有投资，以改善本科生的研究培训，并使STEM人才队伍多样化。 参加专业的科学会议是许多学生作为更大的科学界的一部分参与的重要新背景。 它让学生有机会把自己看作科学家。作为科学家的自我认同是学生是否继续从事科学的一个强有力的积极预测因素。

A Research Experience for Undergraduates award has been made to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) to support the participation of undergraduate students in BIO-funded REU Site and Supplement grants at scientific conferences. This award will also enable the PI to conduct outreach activities in order to make underrepresented minority students aware of opportunities to engage in REU research as well to present their research results to a broader audience.Approximately 150 undergraduate students each year for a period of 3 years will be supported on travel awards to conferences. Supporting student participation in scientific conferences will help create a STEM-capable workforce as students are able to network with their peers and meet future graduate program advisors and/or STEM employers. Preparation for a poster or oral presentation provides the student the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the process of science and the significance of their work. Presenting results at a scientific conference is a capstone experience for many students, who can take advantage of the conference to explore related science topics, make connections for a possible career in science, and explore potential science career paths. .This project leverages existing investments in the REU program to improve undergraduate research training as well as to diversify the STEM-capable workforce. Participation in a professional, scientific conference is an important new context for many students to engage in as part of the larger scientific community. It gives students an opportunity to see themselves as scientists. Self-identity as a scientist is a strong positive predictor of whether students continue in science.