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Using a Summer REU to Help Develop the Next Generation of Mathematical Ecologists
- Source :
- Bulletin of mathematical biology. 80(4)
- Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Understanding the complexities of environmental issues requires individuals to bring together ideas and data from different disciplines, including ecology and mathematics. With funding from the national science foundation (NSF), scientists from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the US geological survey held a research experience for undergraduates (REU) program in the summer of 2016. The goals of the program were to expose students to open problems in the area of mathematical ecology, motivate students to pursue STEM-related positions, and to prepare students for research within interdisciplinary, collaborative settings. Based on backgrounds and interests, eight students were selected to participate in one of two research projects: wind energy and wildlife conservation or the establishment and spread of waterfowl diseases. Each research program was overseen by a mathematician and a biologist. Regardless of the research focus, the program first began with formal lectures to provide students with foundational knowledge followed by student-driven research projects. Throughout this period, student teams worked in close association with their mentors to create, parameterize and evaluate ecological models to better understand their systems of interest. Students then disseminated their results at local, regional, and international meetings and through publications (one in press and one in progress). Direct and indirect measures of student development revealed that our REU program fostered a deep appreciation for and understanding of mathematical ecology. Finally, the program allowed students to gain experiences working with individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives. Taken together, this REU program allowed us to successfully excite, motivate and prepare students for future positions in the area of mathematical biology, and because of this it can be used as a model for interdisciplinary programs at other institutions.
- Subjects :
- 0106 biological sciences
0301 basic medicine
Research program
Conservation of Natural Resources
Universities
General Mathematics
Ecology (disciplines)
Immunology
Wind
Theoretical ecology
010603 evolutionary biology
01 natural sciences
General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
03 medical and health sciences
Student development
Wisconsin
ComputingMilieux_COMPUTERSANDEDUCATION
Mathematics education
Animals
Humans
Renewable Energy
Students
General Environmental Science
Pharmacology
Ecology
Bird Diseases
General Neuroscience
Research
030104 developmental biology
Computational Theory and Mathematics
Undergraduate research
Geological survey
Curriculum
General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Mathematics
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 15229602
- Volume :
- 80
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Bulletin of mathematical biology
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....a5c41e5101faf6390832b25423d57deb