Undergraduate participation is vital to my research. Undergraduates have been instrumental in keeping us on track in our current huge, multi-population, multi-generational project. I have helped to train each cohort (one each quarter, five quarters each year, approximately totaling 15 cohorts with 10-20 students each) of undergraduates at UCSB.
In return, I have taken students to the field.
Definitely a valuable experience, but perhaps
not pleasurable given the very hot conditions
mid-summer (100's +) and sometimes difficult footing. The field, however, is where I am really able to assess a student's strength and perseverance.
I have also helped to prepare students to give poster and powerpoint presentations at local, regional, and national events.
Students that I helped to mentor
are now at such places as graduate school
in Ireland, at their chosen program to become a high school teacher, transferred from a 2 year to 4 year institution.
