STEM Collaborative Ocean Research Experience (CORE): Student Research Network to Broaden Participation in Navy Careers - Tracking number: 23-00000506
Abstract
National security is dependent on having the best and brightest minds working to solve our future challenges. The Department of theNavy (DON) will require future scientists and engineers with diverse backgrounds to offer innovative solutions to the problems facing our warfighters. Ocean acoustics is a STEM field vital for many economic, environmental, and national security applications, and the DON utilizes ocean acoustics to fulfill commitments and legal obligations to support their mission. Here we propose a 3-year program that builds on an existing network of teachers and scientists to provide authentic ocean acoustics research experiences for diverse high school students. Since 2008, a program called SeaTech (co-led by Co-PIs Simonis and Jones) has trained more than 100 female and minority high school students to use technology to track and analyze the acoustic behaviors of marine mammals and human activity in the ocean. We will build upon the SeaTech model to develop a Collaborative Ocean Research Experience (CORE) network to supportstudent research experiences in ocean acoustics. Students from under-served communities in California, Alaska and Louisiana learn the skills, tools, and culture of science by doing ocean acoustics research with active scientist mentors. Through weekly meetings during the academic year, students gain a breadth of skills related to cutting edge science and technology, while also exploring careers in science. We will leverage existing partnerships with Navy researchers to bring cutting edge science and career opportunities to the next generation of scientists. Annual teacher-mentor training sessions will be held in each community to review supporting curricula and data analysis software, as well as understand central themes in researcher programs. The culmination of the program is a student research symposium where students travel to present conference-style talks summarizing their results to an academic audience. During this 6-day event, students also tour a university campus, visit local marine science research facilities, and meet with active researchers and educators, including our committed Navy collaborators. Regular, ongoing evaluations will be used to understand short and long-term outcomes in student development, as well to inform modifications the following year. Ultimately students will emerge with strong science identities, valuable research experiences, and a supportive professional network to help them pursue the next steps of their careers.Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412616
Entities
People
- Anne Simonis
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- San Francisco State University
- United States Navy