DEVELOPING A RESEARCH AND TEACHING PROGRAM IN PUERTO RICO: STRATEGIES AND INITIAL RESULTS

Creating opportunities for students which integrate field, cultural, and research experiences grows increasingly challenging within the context of economic limitations, changing dynamics in higher education, and safety concerns. These experiences promote feelings of belonging and connectedness among students. Initial field site investigations were conducted in Puerto Rico (P.R.) during April 2023 with a diverse team to assess the feasibility of development of an integrated cultural and field experience. The team was assembled to be scientifically and culturally varied having one tenured faculty member, one Ph.D. alumna, one B.S. alumna, two current graduate students and one pre-college geoscience student. Two team members are from Puerto Rico, and were able to rapidly guide research project development and provide cultural context. Graduate students and pre-college students shared insight regarding student experiences emerging from COVID, and the need for field experience opportunities. Numerous historically, culturally, and geologically significant locations were visited. Geologic and environmental projects identified during the initial trip include investigations of beach sands for geotechnical and engineering applications, geochemistry / petrology projects, plastic pollution studies, pollution investigation of road sediment, and remote sensing studies in the context of disaster management. Multiple models of future trips have been considered, and sources of funding identified. These trips are being designed to have extensive general educational opportunities for introductory students including visits to art galleries, architecturally and historically important sites, geohazard features, as well as traditional geologic exposures. P.R. has logistic advantages compared to international locations, with access to the U.S. Postal Service, English as a common language, domestic flights, and moderate travel costs. We conceptualize a series of regular trips involving diverse teams. This approach would aid in promoting geoscience to non-majors, spurring undergraduate research, increasing student retention and alumni engagement, and overall positively contribute to DEI efforts.