REU SITE: SUMMER RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES IN THE MAMMOTH CAVE/ UPPER GREEN RIVER WATERSHED

The primary objective of the REU site was to provide undergraduates with unique and exciting research opportunities in an area of environmental research. The unifying environmental theme of this REU site was a focus on karst environmental issues in the Mammoth Cave/Upper Green River Watershed.

This REU site is a cutting-edge example of the increasing focus on multidisciplinary research by the NSF. The program was designed for eight undergraduates in a multidisciplinary facsearch project submitted jointly from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Geology, and the Center for Water Resource Studies of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering of Western Kentucky University. Each student developed a research project in collaboration with one of ten faculty or professional staff mentors who have an active research program with an environmental focus in their respective disciplines.

This REU site had several objectives: 1) to provide the student participants with unique and exciting research opportunities in an area of environmental research; 2) to provide the students an opportunity to apply their knowledge to a real and current environmental problem in a meaningful way; 3) to enhance the critical thinking and communication skills (including written, oral, listening, and computer-enhanced presentations) of the student participants; 4) to introduce the students to a research setting that is “beyond the classroom”; 5) to develop the scientific maturity of the students while working on a research experience that is ultimately based on service to the greater community; 6) to increase interest in graduate study by hands-on experience utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation and experimental facilities; and 7) to prepare and present a research poster at a regional and national conference during the academic year. The goal was to have more than 50% of the participants pursue post-graduate studies and/or pursue careers in an environmentally related profession.