REAL-WORLD NATURAL HAZARD ASSESSMENT THROUGH “MINI” INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES IN AN ONLINE COURSE

In the Spring of 2023 I was tasked with redeveloping a class entitled “Violent Earth” in our Earth Science program that would serve both majors and non-majors at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I was motivated to reimagine the class with a more applied natural hazards focus and unique digital delivery. 17 students enrolled in the course - 70% Junior and Senior geoscience majors and 30% non-majors in other related fields.

The course was structured in 3 parts. Parts 1 and 2 involved synchronous (live) lectures and digital modules that covered relevant geologic processes and natural hazard assessment/mitigation strategies, respectively. Part 3 involved a “mini” internship experience delivered digitally via a third party software and representing a significant departure from traditional approaches. Using knowledge and experience gained previously, students transitioned to small group projects with outside partners addressing a real-world problem/needs. Students were able to choose 1 of 3 options - Hazard Management Cayman Islands (public), Adaptive Concepts, LLC Tsunami Extraction Potential (private), and Earthquake Prediction Institute (non-profit).

The natural hazard assessments produced by students during this mini internship experience represent a novel and effective synthesis of student learning throughout the course. Having outside partners involved from different sectors of the working world delivered an authentic nature to the projects and some low-stakes pressure to produce results. Communication and time management were key to meeting predetermined milestones/deadlines. Students produced a final report and delivered a summary presentation via Zoom.

Participation and execution of these projects exceeded my expectations and resulted in positive feedback from both students and partners. I hope to encourage others to explore this "mini" internship model as an effective way for students to apply knowledge and gain real-world experience.