EMPOWERING STEM STUDENTS THROUGH BIOCHAR RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Biochar has a drastic positive impact on crop health and quality of life, improving overall health of the plant, quality of the fruits/vegetables, and the overall nature of the soil. At Fresno State, undergraduate and graduate College of Science and Mathematics students have been engaging in climate and environmental course- and community-based research using biochar applications. The goals of this participatory research are to increase STEM success while addressing local issues in the San Joaquin Valley and engaging with the community to increase climate and environmental literacy. Using a freshman introductory science class (CSM-10 and CSM-15), senior undergraduates and graduate students mentor freshmen in the Scientific Method. In CSM 10, students created research projects and methods around biochar application in preparation for CSM 15, where these first year students are now executing their research. The goal is to help students to gain a greater understanding of the scientific process, and provide them the experience to continue with their projects or pursue new high-impact experiences related to their interests. Through exposure to scientific journals and mentorship, students in CSM-10 and -15 have gained a greater understanding of biochar and are working with other upper level students and faculty to advance cutting edge-knowledge. Here, we share our community-based research and mentorship model, and the retention- and subsequent course effect it has on incoming STEM students. The outcomes of this research give freshmen scientific experiences and knowledge that will make them competitive in future career markets but also allow them to explore climate change solutions in their own community. Connecting solutions to the local issues and engaging with the public is an important way to build trust between community members and the scientific community.