CEOE summer interns get hands-on research experience
College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment summer interns.
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9:14 a.m., July 9, 2009----The annual summer intern program at the University of Delaware's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) is under way.

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In June, 17 undergraduates from around the country arrived at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes eager to begin 10 weeks of graduate-level study and research.

A grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funds about half of the internships, which are awarded to students in science, engineering, and mathematics. In 1987, the college received its first summer internship grant and now has one of the longest-running programs in the nation.

Interns work one-on-one with faculty and research staff on individual research projects on topics in chemical, physical, and biological oceanography; marine biology; marine geology; and marine biochemistry. This summer, their projects focus on topics such as sea spray, solar energy, and coastal mapping.

The students also attend weekly workshops and seminars presented by CEOE faculty, staff, and students and obtain lab and field experience. Seminar topics range from responsible conduct of research to life under the ice in Antarctica. Field trips include a visit to the Cape Henlopen dunes and a daylong cruise in which they experience research at sea aboard the R/V Captain Thomas White, a 26-foot research vessel in the UD fleet.

Kathryn Bus, a current intern from Orefield, Pa., described the program as challenging but also an experience she would not have been able to receive anywhere else.

“The professors, graduate students, and interns are all supportive of each other and strive to help one another succeed,” she said, explaining that the collaborative atmosphere makes the college feel like a family.

Ana Dittel, research scientist in marine biosciences and coordinator of the REU program, said that internships are a valuable experience for undergraduates because they provide hands-on experience in the field and in the laboratory. In addition, internships help to enhance interns' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. She also said that the opportunity to conduct and present results of research contributes to professional development of students in their future careers.

“It is very rewarding to work with highly motivated students from undergraduate institutions across the country,” Dittel said.

The following students are participating in the program with the support from NSF-REU (each student's hometown is listed in parenthesis): Victor Band, Tufts University (Pleasantville, N.Y.); Kathryn Bus, Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Orefield, Pa.); Christopher Englert, Colby College (N. Woodstock, N.H.); Chelsea Hopkins, University of North Carolina Wilmington (Wilmington, N.C.); Alex Ko, Illinois State University (Normal, Ill.); Erin McKinley, Northland College (Pottstown, Pa.); Nathan Rabideaux, Fort Lewis College (Hastings, Minn.); Kendra Ryan, John Hopkins University (Mahopac, N.Y.); Laura Treible, University of Delaware (York, Pa.); and Joshua Wrubel, Susquehanna University (Williamstown, Pa.). Other NSF-supported students include Jennifer Clarke, Lincoln University (Philadelphia, Pa.), Keonie Morrisey, Lincoln University (Upper Marlboro, Md.), and Michal Williams, Lincoln University (Philadelphia, Pa.).

These students also are participating in the program with funding from other sources: Justin Gilchrist, Millersville University (Downingtown, Pa.); Kevin Crum, University of Delaware (Flanders, N.J.); Brittany Schieler, University of Delaware (Queens, N.Y.); and Andrew Grammatikos, University of Delaware (Newark, Del.).

The program ends in early August, when the interns give oral presentations that summarize their research and deliver their results in written scientific reports.

For more about CEOE, visit the Web site.

Article by Alexa March
Photo by Lisa Tossey

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