A SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATIVE FIELD-LABORATORY SUMMER RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERGRADUATES (REU) PROGRAM BASED IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BLUE RIDGE

We are in our fourth year of directing a NSF-sponsored REU program in which student participants work collaboratively toward a common research goal using field, geochemical, petrologic, geophysical, and structural observations and analysis. The research to date has focused on evaluating the origin and evolution of several mafic-ultramafic bodies/complexes in the western North Carolina Blue Ridge. Twelve students a year participate in a 7- or 8-week summer program, collaborate electronically on abstract and poster preparation, and present research results at the subsequent SEGSA meeting. During the first half of the summer program students, typically working in groups of 3, conduct field research, based at Western Carolina University, to constrain field relations, collect samples for petrography and geochemistry and in the last two years, collect geophysical data. During the second half of the summer program students prepare and analyze samples geochemically via direct current plasma emission spectrometry, make petrographic observations and process and synthesize geophysical data. This past year students made use of electron microprobe analysis to collect data on mineral chemistry. Students participate in all aspects of analysis but typically focus on more specific problems, with some students pursuing post-summer independent research projects. Faculty act as mentors/collaborators, providing a balance of support and independence. Faculty participation is staggered, but overlapping and all faculty participate in the final summer synthesis week. With few exceptions, participants have rated the experience very highly, indicating that they significantly improved their skills, confidence, and understanding of their own abilities to develop and carry a research problem to completion. They also learned important interaction skills and the strengths, challenges, and enjoyment of working with colleagues. The student teamwork and ability to learn from each other has been impressive and should develop into a lasting professional network. Of the 36 students who have completed the program, nearly 75% have pursued graduate studies, many indicating the important influence of the program on their professional directions.