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Program Objectives
The implementation of the DRC- REU Program is based on the premise that exposure to research training and mentoring is essential for the professional development and growth of undergraduate students. Research focusing on minority students in institutions of higher education has found that research training and mentoring are two key variables that increase both the undergraduate graduation rates and enrollment in graduate programs. The DRC-REU experience will contribute to increasing the talent pool of students in general and minority students specifically in professional, academic, and research institutions in the United States, for the principal investigators and other members of the selection committee intend to ensure that there will be a strong representation of minorities and women as REU trainees such as Latino/a, African Americans, Native Americans, and Asians. Each year, 70% (n=7) of the REU trainees will be selected from institutions of higher education throughout the nation and the remaining 30% (n=3) will be selected from the University of Delaware . DRC graduate and undergraduate research assistants will be working, interacting, and providing guidance to trainees through their active participation in the core research projects. The primary objectives of the DRC-REU are to: 1) provide undergraduate students with a strong academic program and research experiences focusing on the social science aspects of hazards and disasters; and 2) increase the number of students generally and minority students specifically pursuing a Ph.D. in the social sciences. We will provide the DRC-REU students with a theoretically-based academic program and hands-on research experiences that will allow them to: a) enhance their research and academic training in social science approaches to hazards, disasters, and terrorism; b) develop research, methodological, theoretical , analytical, and critical thinking skills; c) develop knowledge and attitudes that promote responsible and ethical research practices; d) develop computer and software literacy skills; e) enhance their skills in graduate programs and fellowships in the social sciences; f) develop mentoring relationships with faculty and student peers; g) develop and present a research proposal focusing on the study of hazards and disasters; h) carryout an actual research project under the mentorship of a faculty member; i) present their research findings at regional and/or national scientific meetings/conferences; and, j) publish their final reports or research articles in an edited volume which will be made available to the general public through the DRC Resource Collection and its website. |