Progress 07/01/07 to 06/30/10
Outputs
Grant Objectives: The four major objectives of the TSJC Associate of Science Transfer Program were: 1. update biology and chemistry laboratories and greenhouse with state of the art scientific equipment; 2.update biology and chemistry classrooms with technology based delivery methods; 3.train science instructors to effectively and efficiently utilize the laboratory and technology based equipment; and 4. increase enrollment of those groups (Hispanic, minority and first generation students) historically underrepresented the TSJC Associate of Science Transfer Program through scholarship incentives. Objective 1. The greenhouse has been gutted, refurbished and used for research with Herrickia horrida, a rare plant from southern Colorado. Our labs have been outfitted with new lab equipment and supplies. We have had ten research studies presented by minority students at research conferences. This minority student research would not have been possible with the scholarships, the new equipment or the refurbished greenhouse. The time-line for this objective has been completed. Objective 2. Three classrooms have been equipped with new educational technology equipment and internet connection and are now considered "Smart Classrooms." The time-line for this objective has been completed. Objective 3. Three instructors have received training on the use the use of the new educational technologies and the new laboratory equipment. According to our external evaluation, this is our weakest area. Training has occurred, but our instructors think more is needed. The time-line for this objective has been completed. Objective 4. After two years, all involved at Trinidad State Junior College agree that the grant has had very positive impact. We had six minority /first generation students attend on scholarships. All were successful. Three received their AS transfer degree in biology and the other three are returned in the fall of 2009. Minority enrollment increased from 43% to 46%. Minority enrollment, retention and academic achievement in the TSJC Associate of Science Transfer Program have increased because of the grant. The time-line for this objective has been completed and the monitoring the $50,000.00 transfer scholarship continues through the TSJC Educational Foundation. The transfer scholarship recipient worked in Africa on a NSF-REU internship in 2009 and is working in South Dakota this summer with the National Forest Service. He will return to classes at the University of New Mexico in the fall. PRODUCTS: Ten research studies by minority students (scholarship recipients) and faculty have been completed and presented at conferences. Minority scholarship students Jess Trujillo and Adlaw Shash received a second place award at the five-state Regional TriBeta Biology Conference in Durango, CO. The greenhouse has been gutted, refurbished and used for research with Herrickia horrida, a rare plant from southern Colorado. New lab equipment has been purchased and incorporated into our laboratory program. Smart Classrooms have been installed in science classrooms and three faculty members have received training on use of the Smart Classroom technologies and the new lab equipment. An external evaluation report was funded and completed. OUTCOMES: Outcomes: Two students, Jess Trujillo and Jesse Johnson, were selected for a NSF-REU summer research internship in Ghana, Africa. Their research involves agriculture and natural resources and deals with native fish, bivalves, and aquaculture. Two students were selected for USDA Forest Service summer internships in 2008 and 2009. One American Indian student was selected for a NSF-NAPIRE internship in Costa Rica in summer 2008. Two students were participants in a summer 2009 minority Bridges Program at Colorado State University - Pueblo. Minority enrollment increased from 43% to 46%. Education has improved with the installation of Smart Classrooms that use modern educational technologies. Six students were awarded scholarships to attend TSJC and one student, Jess Trujillo, was selected to receive the $50,000.00 transfer scholarship. He has been admitted to the University of New Mexico and will major in Conservation Biology. Another student, Adlaw Shash, has received a full-ride scholarship from the Daniels Fund to attend Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: A grant recruiter was hired and visited area high schools and disseminated information about the grant and grant funded scholarships. Information was posted on the TSJC web-site and articles ran in the local newspaper about the grant, the scholarships, and the achievements of our minority students. Berlinda Baca-Sanchez, USDA Forest Service, visited our campus and presented information about Forest Service internships and employment. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The TSJC Arts and Sciences Department is currently looking at ways to incorporate new science curriculum that integrates solar and wind sectors of the emerging green job industry. In addition, due to the diverse and expansive geology in the region, TSJC has had requests to develop a soil science program. It is anticipated the momentum that was initiated with the USDA Associate of Science Transfer Program will continue to be a great building block for either of these programs.
Impacts
The project has had a very positive impact. All six scholarships students have achieved academic success. We had six minority /first generation students attend on scholarships. Three received their AS transfer degree in biology and will transfer to four year universities and the other three are expected back in the fall of 2009. The accomplishments of these students serve as models for other minority students. Faculty believe that classroom and laboratory instruction have improved with the installation of Smart Classroom technologies and the new lab equipment. Minority enrollment has increased from 43% to 46%.
Publications
- Trujillo, Jess, Adlaw (Bear) Shash, and Ron Rankin. 2009. Estrogenic impact of wastewater treatment plant effluent on male fathead minnows. Regional TriBeta Biology Conference, Durango, CO
- Sanchez, Karen, Linda Shrout and Ron Rankin. 2009. Raton Basin K-T Paleoclimate reconstructed using fossil leaf margin analysis, Regional TriBeta Biology Conference, Durango, CO
- Trujillo, Jess and Ron Rankin. 2008. Habitat fragmentation and disturbance contribute to decline of Herrickia horrida in Colorado. Proceedings of the AISES National Conference, Anaheim, CA
- Johnson, Jesse 1, Jonathan Reitz2 and Ron Rankin1 (1Trinidad State Junior College and 2Colorado Division of Wildlife) 2008. Whitetail deer in Southeastern Colorado evaluated for meningeal worms. Proceedings of the AISES National Conference, Anaheim, CA
- Maldonado, Cori, Linda Shrout, Marie Stiles, and Ron Rankin. 2008. Inoculation and colonization of Herrickia horrida with the vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza Glomus intraradices. National TriBeta Biennial Conference, Highland Heights, KY
- Johnson, Jesse and Ron Rankin. 2008. Health threats to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from domestic sheep, llamas and goats. Proceedings of the TriBeta Regional Biology Conference, Western District I, Pueblo, CO
- Maldonado, Cori and Ron Rankin. 2008. Osha root extract is a mitogen for proliferation of murine lymphocytes. Proceedings of the TriBeta Regional Biology Conference, Western District I, Pueblo, CO
- Ortiz, Shannon and Ron Rankin. 2008. Biochemistry of osha root extract. Proceedings of the TriBeta Regional Biology Conference, Western District I, Pueblo, CO
- Johnson, Jesse and Ron Rankin. 2007. Improved method for extracting lungworm larvae from Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep feces. Proceedings of the AISES National Conference, Phoenix, AZ
- Maldonado, Cori and Ron Rankin. 2007. Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal association found with Herrickia horrida. Proceedings of the AISES National Conference, Phoenix, AZ
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Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/09
Outputs
Grant Objectives: The four major objectives of the TSJC Associate of Science Transfer Program were: (1) update biology and chemistry laboratories and greenhouse with state of the art scientific equipment; (2) update biology and chemistry classrooms with technology based delivery methods; (3) train science instructors to effectively and efficiently utilize the laboratory and technology based equipment; and (4) increase enrollment of those groups (Hispanic, minority and first generation students) historically underrepresented the TSJC Associate of Science Transfer Program through scholarship incentives. Objective (1) The greenhouse has been gutted, refurbished and used for research with Herrickia horrida, a rare plant from southern Colorado. Our labs have been outfitted with new lab equipment and supplies. We have had ten research studies presented by minority students at research conferences. This minority student research would not have been possible without the scholarships, the new equipment or the refurbished greenhouse. The time-line for this objective has been completed. Objective (2) Three classrooms have been equipped with new educational technology equipment and internet connection and are now considered "Smart Classrooms." The time-line for this objective has been completed. Objective (3) Three instructors have received training on the use of the new educational technologies and the new laboratory equipment. According to our external evaluation, this is our weakest area. Training has occurred, but our instructors think more training is needed. The time-line for this objective has been completed. Objective (4) After two years, all involved at Trinidad State Junior College agree that the grant has had very positive impact. We had six minority /first generation students attend on scholarships. All were successful. Three received their AS transfer degree in biology and the other three are expected back in the fall of 2009. Minority enrollment has increased from 43% to 46%. Minority enrollment, retention and academic achievement in the TSJC Associate of Science Transfer Program the have increased because of the grant. The time-line for this objective has been completed except monitoring the $50,000.00 transfer scholarship. The transfer scholarship recipient is now in Africa working on a NSF-REU internship and is set to start classes at the University of New Mexico in the fall of 2009. PRODUCTS: Ten research studies by minority students (scholarship recipients) and faculty have been completed and presented at conferences. Minority scholarship students Jess Trujillo and Adlaw Shash received a second place award at the five-state Regional TriBeta Biology Conference in Durango, CO. The greenhouse has been gutted, refurbished and used for research with Herrickia horrida, a rare plant from southern Colorado. New lab equipment has been purchased and incorporated into our laboratory program. Smart Classrooms have been installed in science classrooms and three faculty members have received training on use of the Smart Classroom technologies and the new lab equipment. An external evaluation report was funded and completed. OUTCOMES: Two students, Jess Trujillo and Jesse Johnson, were selected for a NSF-REU summer research internship in Ghana, Africa. Their research involves agriculture and natural resources and deals with native fish, bivalves, and aquaculture. Two students were selected for USDA Forest Service summer internships in 2008 and 2009. One American Indian student was selected for a NSF-NAPIRE internship in Costa Rica in summer 2008. Two students were participants in a summer 2009 minority Bridges Program at Colorado State University - Pueblo. Minority enrollment increased from 43% to 46%. Education has improved with the installation of Smart Classrooms that use modern educational technologies. Six students were awarded scholarships to attend TSJC and one student, Jess Trujillo, was selected to receive the $50,000.00 transfer scholarship. He has been admitted to the University of New Mexico and will major in Conservation Biology. Another student, Adlaw Shash, has received a full-ride scholarship from the Daniels Fund to attend Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: A grant recruiter was hired and visited area high schools and disseminated information about the grant and grant funded scholarships. Information was posted on the TSJC web-site and articles ran in the local newspaper about the grant, the scholarships, and the achievements of our minority students. Berlinda Baca-Sanchez, USDA Forest Service, visited our campus and presented information about Forest Service internships and employment. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The dissemination of the $50,000.00 transfer scholarship to recipient, Jess Trujillo, will be managed by the TSJC Educational Foundation while he is at the University of New Mexico. Payments will be made to UNM each semester after census day and a stipend check will be issued to the student each semester after a satisfactory performance at each census date. TSJC will submit progress reports in conjunction with the no-cost extension requirements. Academic achievement and progress of the student will be followed by regular contact with Dr. Howard Snell, Conservation Biology Professor/Advisor with UNM.
Impacts
The project has had a very positive impact. All six scholarships students have achieved academic success. We had six minority/first generation students attend on scholarships. Three received their AS transfer degree in biology and will transfer to four year universities and the other three are expected back in the fall of 2009. The accomplishments of these students serve as models for other minority students. Faculty believe that classroom and laboratory instruction have improved with the installation of Smart Classroom technologies and the new lab equipment. Minority enrollment has increased from 43% to 46%.
Publications
- Trujillo, Jess, Adlaw (Bear) Shash, and Ron Rankin. 2009. Estrogenic impact of wastewater treatment plant effluent on male fathead minnows. Regional TriBeta Biology Conference, Durango, CO
- Sanchez, Karen, Linda Shrout and Ron Rankin. 2009. Raton Basin K-T Paleoclimate reconstructed using fossil leaf margin analysis, Regional TriBeta Biology Conference, Durango, CO
- Trujillo, Jess and Ron Rankin. 2008. Habitat fragmentation and disturbance contribute to decline of Herrickia horrida in Colorado. Proceedings of the AISES National Conference, Anaheim, CA
- Johnson, Jesse 1, Jonathan Reitz2 and Ron Rankin1 (1Trinidad State Junior College and 2Colorado Division of Wildlife) 2008. Whitetail deer in Southeastern Colorado evaluated for meningeal worms. Proceedings of the AISES National Conference, Anaheim, CA
- Maldonado, Cori, Linda Shrout, Marie Stiles, and Ron Rankin. 2008. Inoculation and colonization of Herrickia horrida with the vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza Glomus intraradices. National TriBeta Biennial Conference, Highland Heights, KY
- Johnson, Jesse and Ron Rankin. 2008. Health threats to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from domestic sheep, llamas and goats. Proceedings of the TriBeta Regional Biology Conference, Western District I, Pueblo, CO
- Maldonado, Cori and Ron Rankin. 2008. Osha root extract is a mitogen for proliferation of murine lymphocytes. Proceedings of the TriBeta Regional Biology Conference, Western District I, Pueblo, CO
- Ortiz, Shannon and Ron Rankin. 2008. Biochemistry of osha root extract. Proceedings of the TriBeta Regional Biology Conference, Western District I, Pueblo, CO
- Johnson, Jesse and Ron Rankin. 2007. Improved method for extracting lungworm larvae from Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep feces. Proceedings of the AISES National Conference, Phoenix, AZ
- Maldonado, Cori and Ron Rankin. 2007. Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal association found with Herrickia horrida. Proceedings of the AISES National Conference, Phoenix, AZ
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Progress 07/01/07 to 06/30/08
Outputs
After one year, all involved at Trinidad State Junior College agree that the grant has had very positive impact. We now have six successful minority students attending on scholarships and we have also had five research studies presented by minority students at reserch conferences. Minority enrollment, retention and academic achievemnt have increased. PRODUCTS: Five research studies by minority students and faculty have been completed and presented at conferences. The greenhouse has been gutted and refurbished. New lab equipment has been purchased and incorporated into our laboratory program. Smart Classrooms have been installed in science classrooms and three faculty have received trainng on use of the Smart Clasroom technolgies and the new lab equipment. OUTCOMES: Two students were selected for a USDA Forest Service summer internships. One American Indian student was selected for a NSF-NAPIRE internship in Costa Rica. Minority enrollment increased from 43% to 45%. Education has improved with the installation of Smart Classrooms that use modern educational technologies. Six students have been awarded scholarships to attend TSJC. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: A grant recruiter was hired and visited area high schools and disseminated information about the grant and grant funded scholarships. Information was posted on the TWJC web-site and articles ran in the local newspaper. Berlinda Baca-Sanchez, USDA Forest Service, visited our campus and presented information about Forest service internships and employment. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The refurbished greenhouse will be used for research with a local rare plant, Herrickia horrida. One of the six students selected for a scholarship will be selected for a $50,000.00 transfer scholarship. Additional lab equipment and supplies will be purchased.
Impacts
The project has had a very positive impact. All six scholarships students have achieved academic success. Faculty believe that classroom and labatory instruction have improved with the installation of Smart Classroom technologies and the ne lab equipment. Minority enrollment has increased from 43% to 45%.
Publications
- Johnson, Jesse and Ron Rankin. 2008. Health threats to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from domestic sheep, llamas and goats. Proceedings of the TriBeta Regional Biology Conference, Western District I, Pueblo, CO
- Maldonado, Cori and Ron Rankin. 2008. Osha root extract is a mitogen for proliferation of murine lymphocytes. Proceedings of the TriBeta Regional Biology Conference, Western District I, Pueblo, CO
- Ortiz, Shannon and Ron Rankin. 2008. Biochemistry of osha root extract. Proceedings of the TriBeta Regional Biology Conference, Western District I, Pueblo, CO
- Johnson, Jesse and Ron Rankin. 2007. Improved method for extracting lungworm larvae from Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep feces. Proceedings of the AISES National Conference, Phoenix, AZ
- Cori Maldonado and Ron Rankin. 2007. Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal association found with Herrickia horrida. Proceedings of the AISES National Conference, Phoenix, AZ
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