AN EVOLVING STUDY OF HOT SPRINGS RESEARCH

Early undergraduate students, from Central Wyoming College, have been exploring the hot springs around Thermopolis, Wyoming, since 2006. The project began with a single student doing simple morphologic mapping of the microbial communities, and has grown to a steady 3-8 students every year, incorporating the tools of genomics, microscopy and water chemistry. This year we were able to add hydrologic and geophysical studies to the bigger picture. The research experience for our students can range from a solo lab, field or combination project as paid department interns, to a required class/team project in a semester-length course. About twenty students have passed through our project thus far, gaining invaluable experience for their resumes, and many have been awarded transfer scholarships or other acknowledgements for their efforts. All have gained confidence in their career decisions as well as competencies in skills that they apply to their future studies. Each of these students has presented their research at Wyoming’s Undergraduate Research Day, and six have also presented their work at annual Geological Society of America meetings. A mentor’s view of the impact of these experiences on student learning are presented. In addition, the mos recent projects are highlighted by current students, who express the impact of their research experiences on their confidence and interest in pursuing careers in science.