Closing the Gap: Training the next generation of marine mammal scientists
Abstract
BAA Number: N00014-24-S-B001Title of Proposal: Closing the Gap: Training the next generation of marine mammal scientistsIdentify ofPrime Offeror: Tara M. Cox, Savannah State UniversitySub-Award: Carolina Bonin, Hampton UniversityTechnical Contact: Tara M. Cox, Marine Sciences Program, Box 20467, Savannah State University, Savannah, GA, 31404; 912-358-4097; coxt@savannahstate.eduAdministrative Contact: Shilpa Srinivasa, Office of Sponsored Research Administration, Savannah State University, 3219 College St, Savannah, GA, 31404; 912-358-4427; prasads@savannahstate.eduProposed period of performance: 04/2024-09/2028AbstractThis proposal aims to increase the number of under-represented minorities in U.S. marine mammal research. Specifically, the goal of this program is to establish a network of Minority-Serving Institutions and research organizations so we strengthen a key gap in the pipeline of minorities into marine mammal research. We will leverage existing partnerships and forge new collaborations to train interns in ONR-related marine mammal research as well as increase interns# professional skills and confidence. Some key components that set this proposal apart are: 1) early undergraduate participation (freshmen and sophomore), thus targeting students during a critical time in their STEM career; 2) academic year internships that introduce interns to the research environment; 3) virtual programming that will build cohort comradery and support, train interns in marine science research, and increase soft skills; 4) summer internships in which interns will receive continued training and mentors will engage in meaningful training of a diverse scientific field; and 5) a tiered mentoring structure with mentor training and near-peer mentoring. Collaborations will be built among the partner institutions: minority-serving institutions (Savannah State University and Hampton University), researchers at an R1 university (University of Washington), and private research organizations (National Marine Mammal Foundation, Cascadia Research Collective, Chicago Zoological Society, and International Fund for Animal Welfare). This program fills a gap in STEM training in general and marine mammal research specifically. Approved for public release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412493
Entities
People
- Tara Cox
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Savannah State University
- United States Navy