Source: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO submitted to NRP
EDUCATING THROUGH FIELD-BASED RESEARCH AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT TO INCREASE RETENTION OF STUDENTS PURSUING COLLEGE DEGREES IN AGRICULTURE.
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0222529
Grant No.
2010-38422-21217
Cumulative Award Amt.
$290,000.00
Proposal No.
2010-02027
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2010
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2014
Grant Year
2010
Program Code
[NJ]- Hispanic Serving Institutions Education Grants Program
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO
1 UTSA CIRCLE
SAN ANTONIO,TX 78249
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The program at UT San Antonio, with the US Forest Service, aims to develop interests in natural resources, research abilities, and leadership qualities of underrepresented students. Eight seminars and seven workshops will be offered with the potential of reaching over five-hundred students. The program will lead to a 10% increase in students earning degrees in natural resources, and K-12 students who are 67% more likely to know about careers in natural resources.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
90360993020100%
Knowledge Area
903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery;

Subject Of Investigation
6099 - People and communities, general/other;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;
Goals / Objectives
The objectives of the program are A) Build post-secondary student learning to promote interest by underrepresented minorities in earning a degree in conservation and natural resources. The program will financially support nine students, but the outreach will target 500 K-12 and post-secondary students. Specific performance based objectives for the Fellows are that they will be able to: 1) write a resume 2) complete a graduate school application 3) perform time-management skills 4) apply for internships and jobs in conservation and natural resources 5) lead a round table discussion on current research in natural resources 6) perform a leadership assessment of other Fellow's leadership style 7) present a research poster at a national meeting and 8) prepare and deliver a lesson for K-5 students. 9) Graduate Fellows will be able to write and submit a manuscript and grant proposal, conduct a mock media interview, prepare a press release and formally introduce one of the guest speakers. B) Explain careers and issues in natural resources and conservation to K-5 students. Specific performance based objectives for the K-5 students are that they will be able to: 1) identify jobs in conservation and natural resources 2) identify trees from the area 3) name the ecological regions of Texas and the trees from those areas 4) define a forest and the US Forest Service 5) measure the age of a tree 6) identify wood products in their classroom 7) contrast nonrenewable and renewable resources 8) describe photosynthesis and 9) explain the history of Arbor Day. C) Build community based mentorships through collaboration of community entities. Specific performance based objectives are: 1) the community entities will design activities that cultivate connections between students and their communities and region. D) Promotion of the Program Model by 1) providing technology-assisted information regarding program and 2) presentation of Program Model to other institutions by program participants. The Program is unique from other programs described in the literature in that it provides a strong program for Human Capacity Development and creates collaboration with many entities with vested interest in conservation and natural resources, and student development. The project has two innovative approaches: 1) we will create the EYE (Educating Youth in the Environment) Initiative. The Initiative will 'adopt' a fifth grade class in the Northside Independent School District (65% - Hispanic) and will present a series of lessons in conservation and natural resources. Program Fellows will participate in a K-5 Communication Workshop and each Program Fellow will present two lessons in conservation and natural resources at the elementary school over the two years of the Program. 2) All post-secondary Fellows will be required to participate in a 4 week field course. The Fellows will register for seven semester credits (Field Biology and Desert Biology). Topics covered are plant, vertebrate, and invertebrate identification, estimation of plant/animal population, fire ecology, community ecology, dendrochronology, measuring of abiotic characteristics, data analysis and presentation.
Project Methods
The objectives will be accomplished by activities aimed at developing academic, career, and leadership success among the Fellows; and by classroom exercises for the K-5 students. This a unique approach because not only are we teaching the science behind natural resources and conservation, but we are providing a strong program for Human Capacity Development by investing in leadership development for the Fellows, and creating collaboration with many entities with vested interest in conservation and natural resources. First, we will teach the science behind natural resources and conservation through a 4 week field course and summer research 'bootcamp' activities. Each Fellow will have a specific research project, which will be developed so that the students can learn to analyze data, prepare a poster, and present their findings at several local and national research meetings. Fellows will also take a technical writing workshop and a grant writing workshop. Secondly, in order to foster leadership and professional development, the Fellows will participate in an Academic and Professional Development Workshop, Leadership Workshop, and Media Training. In order to enhance the success of the Fellows in continuing their education and finding employment, they will learn how to prepare applications for graduate programs and employment. In order to foster collaboration with entities with vested interests in conservation and natural resources, and to develop a support system for the Fellows, we will have 'Role Model Seminars' conducted by individuals who work in various sectors, including academia; and local, state, and federal government. Finally, in order to create a 'pipeline' of students interested in natural resources and conservation, the post-secondary Fellows will present a series of lesson plans pertaining to topics and careers in natural resources and conservation to a K-5 classroom. Fellows will be prepared for this activity by participating in a K-5 Communication Workshop.

Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience was graduate and undergraduate students. Forty-percent of those who participated in the program were Hispanic and one was Native American. Fifty-five percent were females. The efforts included research experiences and attendance scientific conferences. Partner organizations include private donors, US Forest Service Southern Research Station, Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory, Valles Caldera National Preserve, the City of Boerne, Texas, the Cibolo Preserve, City Public Service, and the Girl Scouts of America, Southwest Texas. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The following were conducted: summer research experiences at USDA facilities, attendance at scientific conferences, role - model seminars, and a community outreach event with the Girl Scouts of America. Students are collaborating with the US Forest Service on seven research projects. Fellows were trained in teaching to K-12 students. The Program Director, Graduate Fellows, and participating faculty counseled Fellows 1) how to succeed in college and graduate school, 2) applying to graduate school, 3) conducting research, and 4) careers in the USDA. Several of the Graduate Fellows tutored undergraduate Fellows in their research. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The web page is being used to disseminate program activities. Eleven of the Fellows presented their research findings at three research meetings, for a total of eighteen publications. http://www.utsa.edu/sciences/departments/envsci/index.html What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The function of the TREE (Teaching and Research in Environmental Ecology) Program is to recruit, retain, and financially support underrepresented undergraduates and graduate students. Workshops, training programs, and mentorship from US Forest Services scientists have been used to foster and develop the student's interest in careers in conservation and natural resources. Each Fellow (undergraduate and graduate student) was assigned a research topic in which they conducted, analyzed, and presented their findings. Nine graduate level Fellows were supported with seven Fellows conducting their thesis research at USDA facilities with the advice of USDA scientists. Fourteen undergraduate students participating in a field research experience at USDA facilities in North Carolina or New Mexico, and at a Texas Parks and Wildlife Management Area. US Forest Service scientists presented research symposiums and mentored students at the University. A doctoral candidate from Texas A & M University mentored students in soil sampling and analyses. We developed curriculum for a fourth grade classroom and delivered course content seven times to a group of 25 students.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Edge, A., C. Sundol, J. K. Bush, C. Greenberg, and F. Martinez. 2013. Small mammal species diversity in response to disturbance from silvicultural treatments in the southern Appalachians. University of San Antonio, College of Sciences Research Conference, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Chavez, J., J. K. Bush, V. V. Jackson, M. Juarez, and A. Russie. Effect of fire severity and hillslopes gradient on herbaceous cover and diversity. University of San Antonio, College of Sciences Research Conference, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Haney, J., F. Martinez, and J. K. Bush. 2013. The effects of insect herbivory on Quercus buckleyi regeneration. University of San Antonio, College of Sciences Research Conference, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Jordan, J., C. Sundol, J. K. Bush, F. Martinez, and C. Greenberg. 2013. Species diversity of herpetofauna in response to silvicultural treatments in the southern Appalachians. University of San Antonio, College of Sciences Research Conference, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Juarez, M., N. Booth, P. Chapman, J. K. Bush, and J. K. Haschenburger. 2013. Seed Movement with Soil Erosion in southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forests. University of Texas at San Antonio, 5th Annual College of Science Research Symposium, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Juarez, M., F. Llarena, A. Sposato, E. Jackson, Janis K. Bush, and J. K. Haschenburger. 2013. Analysis of the Seed Bank in a Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forest. University of Texas at San Antonio, 5th Annual College of Science Research Symposium, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Russie, A., F. Llarena, A. Sposato, P. Chapman, J. K. Bush, and J.K. Haschenburger . 2013. Succession of nitrifying bacteria in ponderosa pine forest soils after wildfire and its effect on nitrification rates. University of Texas at San Antonio, 5th Annual College of Science Research Symposium, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Angel, S., T. Seiboldt, C. Sundol, J. K. Bush, F. Martinez, and C. Greenberg. 2013. Effects of growing season prescribed burns on the movement of Peromyscus leucopus. University of Texas San Antonio, College of Sciences Research Conference, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Boeck, A., C. Perkes, J. K. Bush, and J. K. Haschenburger. 2013. Effects of changes in deposition and erosion, due to climate change, on the seed bank as a function of burial depth. University of Texas San Antonio, College of Sciences Research Conference, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Boeck, A., J. Haney, J. K. Bush, and J. K. Haschenburger. 2013. Effect of changes in deposition and erosion, due to climate change, on the shallow seed bank and future vegetative community. University of Texas San Antonio, College of Sciences Research Conference, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cozort, J., J. K. Bush, J. K., Haschenburger, and J. Knoepp. 2013. Effects of acidic deposition and liming on litter decomposition dynamics in a calcium deficient southern Appalachian forest. University of Texas at San Antonio, 5th Annual College of Science Research Symposium, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Seiboldt, T., J. K. Bush, F. Martinez, C. H. Greenberg, and C. E. Moorman. 2013. Short-term response of herpetofauna following prescribed burning in the southern Appalachians. University of San Antonio, College of Sciences Research Conference, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Sundol, C., J. K. Bush, F. Martinez, C. H. Greenberg, C. E. Moorman, and J. K. Jacka. 2013. Comparison of herpetofaunal communities in areas disturbed by oak regeneration silvicultural treatments. University of San Antonio, College of Sciences Research Conference, October 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Bush, J. K. 2014 Building a successful student experiential learning program. 2014. Bozeman, Montana. North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Annual Meeting.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Boeck, A. and J. K. Bush. 2014. Effect of changes in hydrochory, due to climate change, on the shallow seed bank and future vegetative community. University of Montana, Society for Conservation Biology, North American Congress for Conservation Biology.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Seiboldt, T., F. Martinez, J. K. Bush, and C. Greenberg. 2014. Short-term response of herpetofaunal following prescribed fire in the southern Appalachians. University of Montana, Society for Conservation Biology, North American Congress for Conservation Biology.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Sundol, C., J. K. Bush, C. Moorman, J. Jacka, and C. Greenberg 2014. Comparison of herpetofaunal communities in areas disturbed by oak regeneration silvicultural treatments. University of Montana, Society for Conservation Biology, North American Congress for Conservation Biology.


Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience was graduate and undergraduate students. Six of those who participated in the program were Hispanic and one was Native American. Forty-two percent were females. The efforts included research experiences and attendance scientific conferences. Partner organizations include private donors, US Forest Service Southern Research Station, Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory, Valles Caldera National Preserve, the City of Boerne, Texas, the Cibolo Preserve, City Public Service, and the Girl Scouts of America, Southwest Texas. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The following were conducted: summer research experiences at USDA facilities, attendance at scientific conferences, role - model seminars, and a community outreach event with the Girl Scouts of America. Students are collaborating with the US Forest Service on six research projects. The Program Director, Graduate Fellows, and participating faculty counseled Fellows 1) how to succeed in college and graduate school, 2) applying to graduate school, 3) conducting research, and 4) careers in the USDA. Several of the Graduate Fellows tutored undergraduate Fellows in their research. Nineteen Fellows participated in research experiences and seventeen worked directly with USDA scientist during the summer. Eight publications (poster and oral presentations) were conducted by participants, during the time period of the report. Websites dedicated to the student research projects were published see http://www.utsa.edu/sciences/departments/envsci/index.html). The Program was reviewed by the Program evaluator. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The web page is being used to disseminate program activities. Five of the Fellows presented their research findings at four research meetings, for a total of eight publications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Fellows will be presenting their research results from the summer of 2013 at several research conferences during the last year. In the summer of 2014, we will complete research experiences for the Fellows.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Workshops, training programs, and mentorship from US Forest Services scientists have been used to foster and develop the student's interest in careers in conservation and natural resources. Each Fellow (undergraduate and graduate student) was assigned a research topic in which they conducted, analyzed, and presented their findings. Eight graduate level Fellows were supported with six Fellows conducting their thesis research at USDA facilities with the advice of USDA scientists. Eleven undergraduate students participating in a field research experience at USDA facilities in North Carolina or New Mexico, and at a Texas Parks and Wildlife Management Area. US Forest Service scientists presented research symposiums and mentored students at the University. A doctoral candidate from Texas A & M University mentored students in soil sampling and analyses. Fellows in the program improved their scientific inquiry skills, learned how to conduct research, and prepare presentations. They learned scientific writing; graduate students learned grant writing skills. Fellows learned about careers in natural resources and conservation, and about careers with the United States Forest Service. Students involved in the program were more likely to apply to graduate school and obtain advanced degrees. The program has increased the number of minority and disadvantaged students participating in conservation and natural resource research, obtaining advanced graduate degrees, and obtaining careers in conservation and natural resources.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Jackson, E., J. K. Bush, A. Boeck, and T. Matiella. 2013. Photosynthetic characteristics of Ascplepias curassavica under current and predicted increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Texas Academy of Science Annual Meeting, Schreiner University, Kerrville, Texas. March 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Petluru, M., S. Nemeth, J. Pressley, J. Ruan, G. Sunter, and V. Sponsel. 2012. Transcriptional regulation of gibberellin-related genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. University of Texas at San Antonio, October 2012.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Petluru, M., S. Nemeth, J. Pressley, J. Ruan, G. Sunter, and V. Sponsel. 2012. Transcriptional regulation of gibberellin-related genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. The Annual Meeting of Plant Biologists, Austin, Texas, July 2012.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Martinez, F. and J. K. Bush. 2012. Herbivory effects on Quercus durandii, Quercus fusiformis, and Q. texana. College of Sciences Research Symposium. University of Texas at San Antonio, October 2012.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Prado, D., S. Ackley, H. Xie, and W. Weissling. 2012. Snow depths on Antarctic sea ice in the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas. College of Sciences Research Symposium. University of Texas at San Antonio, October 2012.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Prado, D. 2013. Snow Depths on Antarctic sea ice in the Bellingshausen-Amundsen from NASA IceBridge In Situ measurements: 2009-2011. Gordon Research Conference, March 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Sundol, C., A. Boeck, J. K. Bush, and R. Bass. 2012. Relationships between avian abundance and measures of river impairment in central Texas. College of Sciences Research Symposium. University of Texas at San Antonio, October 2012.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Sundol, C., A. Boeck, J. K. Bush, and R. Bass. 2013. Relationships between avian abundance and measures of river impairment in central Texas. Texas Academy of Science Annual Meeting, Schreiner University, Kerrville, Texas. March 2013.


Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The function of the TREE (Teaching and Research in Environmental Ecology) Program is to recruit, retain and financially support underrepresented undergraduates and graduate students. Workshops, training programs and mentorship from local community entities have been used to foster and develop the student's interest in careers in conservation and natural resources. Each Fellow (undergraduate and graduate student) was assigned a research topic in which they conducted, analyzed, and presented their findings. Each graduate level Fellow taught a laboratory course to gain teaching experience. A mentor was brought in to teach the Fellows how to relate to K-6 students. EVENTS: The following were conducted: a study skills course (enrollment - 75), research skills course (enrollment -75), grant writing seminar (enrollment - 312), role - model seminars (30 participants), leadership seminars (30-50 participants), and 9 workshops (20 - 30 participants per workshop). At least 85% of all participants were Hispanic. We are collaborating with the US Forest Service on three (3) research projects. SERVICES: The Program Director, Co-Director, Administrative Assistant, and participating faculty counseled Fellows 1) how to succeed in college and graduate school, 2) applying to graduate school, 3) conducting research, and 4) careers in the USDA. Several of the Graduate Fellows tutored undergraduate Fellows in their research. PRODUCTS: Seven (7) Fellows participated in the Upper Cibolo Creek Watershed project in Boerne, Texas in which the fellows went out weekly to collect samples that were analyzed in the lab. Twenty-three publications (poster and oral presentations) were conducted by the participants. A website dedicated to the TREE program was established (http://www.utsa.edu/ecology/TREE/index.html). DISSEMINATION ACTIVITES: The web page is being used to disseminate program activities. The project model was presented at one national meeting. Six (6) of the Fellows presented their research findings at five (7) research meetings, for a total of 12 publications. PARTICIPANTS: The fellows mentored a 4th grade bilingual class at Lackland City Elementary School for the 2011-2012 academic year. Students were taught about ecology, trees and the US Forest Service. At the end of the academic year the fellows and 4th grade students planted a tree on the elementary school campus. See website:http://www.utsa.edu/ecology/tree/upcoming.html TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience was graduate and undergraduate students. Eight-five percent of those who participated in the program were Hispanic. The efforts included workshops to increase participants' scientific life skills, academic skills, research experiences, and attendance scientific conferences. The program director organized all workshops, worked with students on research projects, and attended scientific conference with students. The co-program director taught the field biology courses, worked with students on research projects, and attended scientific conferences with students. Partner organizations include private donors, Valles Caldera National Preserve, the City of Boerne, Texas, the Cibolo Preserve, and the Northside Independent School District. Collaborators include the United States Forest Service, the University of Texas Provost Office, the Graduate School, the Center for Research and Training in the Sciences, , the College of Sciences Dean's Office, the Department of Geology, the Department of Biology, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Training and professional development include research and career development workshops for undergraduates and graduates. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Fellows in the program improved the scientific inquiry skills, learned how to conduct research, and prepare presentations. They learned study skills which increased their success in college. The learned scientific writing; graduate students learned grant writing skills. Fellows learned about careers in natural resources and conservation, and about careers with the United States Forest Service. Students involved in the program were more likely to apply to graduate school and obtain advanced degrees. The program has increased the number of minority and disadvantaged students participating in conservation and natural resource research, obtaining advanced graduate degrees, and obtaining careers in conservation and natural resources.

Publications

  • Boeck, A. K. and, O. W. Van Auken. 2012 Possible causes for the distribution of Heliotropium tenellum(Boraginaceae) in central Texas cedar glades. HLAE Research Symposium San Antonio, Texas Bush, J. K. and C. A. Negrete. 2012. Educating through field-based research and career development to increase retention of students pursuing college degrees in agriculture. 97th Annual ESA Meeting Portland, Oregon
  • Jewell Cozort Fernando A Martinez - Janis K Bush 2011. An Analysis of Nitrogen Content in Central Texas Quercus Species as a Function of Herbivory UTSA College of Sciences Reseach Conference
  • Cozort, J. L. M., F. A. Martinez, and J. K. Bush. 2012. An analysis of nitrogen content in central Texas Quercus species as a function of herbivory. HLAE Research Symposium. University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
  • Grotte, R. and J. K. Bush. 2011. Brood care and transport behaviors in Solenopsis invicta 2011. UTSA College of Sciences Research Conference 2011.
  • Grotte, R. and J. K. Bush. 2012 Brood care and transport behaviors in Solenopsis invicta 2011. HLAE Research Symposium UTSA San Antonio, Texas Guerrero, J. and J. K. Bush. 2011. A comparison of morning and afternoon water potential in Platanus wrightii and Quercus hypoleucoides in southeastern Arizona. UTSA College of Sciences Research Conference 2011.
  • Prado, D. and Hongjie Xie. 2011. Characterizing Urban Heat Island Phenomenon of four Texas cities using modis LST products Provost Summer Research Symposium August 2011 UTSA College of Sciences Resarch Conference San Antonio, Texas
  • Prado, D., Ackley, S.F., and Xie, H. 2011 Comparison of ENVIsat ASAR WSM Satellite measurements with in situ field measurements during the 2010-2011 Austral Spring and Summer seasons American Geophysical Union San Francisco, Ca
  • Prado, D. and Hongjie Xie. 2012. Comparison of ENVIsat ASAR WSM Satellite Measurements with In Situ field measurements during the 2010-2011 Austral Spring and Summer Seasons. HLAE Research Symposium San Antonio, Texas
  • Sundol, CS, JK Bush and R Bass, 2012University of Texas at San Antonio, (2)City of Boerne.Relationship between avian abundance and measures of riverimpairment in central Texas. ESA Meeting Portland, Oregon
  • Guerrero, J. and Sunter. 2012. In vivo analysis of the Tomato Golden Mosaic virus AL2 promoter HLAE Research Symposium UTSA San Antonio, Texas Guerrero, J. and J. K. Bush. 2011. A comparison of morning and afternoon water potential in Platanus wrightii and Quercus hypoleucoides in southeastern Arizona. UTSA College of Sciences Research Conference 2011.


Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The function of the TREE (Teaching and Research in Environmental Ecology) Program is to recruit, retain and financially support underrepresented undergraduates and graduate students. Workshops, training programs and mentorship from local community entities have been used to foster and develop the student's interest in careers in conservation and natural resources. Each Fellow (undergraduate and graduate student) was assigned a research topic in which they conducted, analyzed, and presented their findings. Each graduate level Fellow taught a laboratory course to gain teaching experience. A mentor was brought in to teach the Fellows how to relate to K-6 students. EVENTS: The following were conducted: a study skills course (enrollment - 75), research skills course (enrollment -75), grant writing seminar (enrollment - 312), role - model seminars (30 participants), leadership seminars (30-50 participants), and 5 workshops (20 participants). At least 85% of all participants were Hispanic. Some Fellows also participated in the Summer Biology Field Trip. We are collaborating with the US Forest Service on two (2) research projects. SERVICES: The Program Director, Co-Director, Administrative Assistant, and participating faculty counseled Fellows 1) how to succeed in college and graduate school, 2) applying to graduate school, 3) conducting research, and 4) careers in the USDA. Several of the Graduate Fellows tutored undergraduate Fellows in their research. PRODUCTS: Seven (7) Fellows participated in the Upper Cibolo Creek Watershed project in Boerne, Texas in which the fellows went out weekly to collect samples that were analyzed in the lab. Twenty-three publications (poster and oral presentations) were conducted by the participants. A website dedicated to the TREE program was established (http://www.utsa.edu/ecology/TREE/index.html). DISSEMINATION ACTIVITES: The web page is being used to disseminate program activities. The project model was presented at one national meeting. Nine (9) of the Fellows presented their research findings at five (5) research meetings, for a total of 23 publications. PARTICIPANTS: The target audience was graduate and undergraduate students. Eight-five percent of those who participated in the program were Hispanic. The efforts included workshops to increase participants' scientific life skills, academic skills, research experiences, and attendance scientific conferences. TARGET AUDIENCES: The program director organized all workshops, worked with students on research projects, and attended scientific conference with students. The co-program director taught the field biology courses, worked with students on research projects, and attended scientific conferences with students. Partner organizations include private donors, Valles Caldera National Preserve, the City of Boerne, Texas, the Cibolo Preserve, and the Northside Independent School District. Collaborators include the United States Forest Service, the University of Texas Provost Office, the Graduate School, the Center for Research and Training in the Sciences, the Center for Water Research, the College of Sciences Dean's Office, the Department of Geology, the Department of Biology, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Training and professional development include research and career development workshops for undergraduates and graduates. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
OUTCOMES: Fellows in the program improved the scientific inquiry skills, learned how to conduct research, and prepare presentations. They learned study skills which increased their success in college. The learned scientific writing; graduate students learned grant writing skills. Fellows learned about careers in natural resources and conservation, and about careers with the United States Forest Service. Students involved in the program were more likely to apply to graduate school and obtain advanced degrees. The program has increased the number of minority and disadvantaged students participating in conservation and natural resource research, obtaining advanced graduate degrees, and obtaining careers in conservation and natural resources.

Publications

  • Boeck, A. K. and, O. W. Van Auken. 2011 Possible causes for the distribution of Heliotropium tenellum(Boraginaceae) in central Texas cedar glades. 114th Annual Meeting of the Texas Academy of Science. Austin, Texas.
  • Bush, J. K. and C. A. Negrete. 2011. Educating through field-based research and career development to increase retention of students pursuing college degrees in agriculture. 57th Annual NACTA (North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference. Edmonton, Canada. 55 (suppl. 1): 41.
  • Cantu, A., R. Bass, and J. K. Bush. 2011. Analysis of abiotic factors in the Upper Cibolo Creek watershed in central Texas. Provost Research Symposium. University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
  • Conner, J. and J. K. Bush. 2011. Volatilization of bornyl acetate, camphor, and bornyl acetate from Juniperus ashei. 114th Annual Meeting of the Texas Academy of Science. Austin, Texas.
  • Conner, J. and J. K. Bush. 2011. Volatilization of bornyl acetate, camphor, and bornyl acetate from Juniperus ashei. UTSA Architecture, Business, Engineering and Sciences Student Conferences 2011. San Antonio, Texas.
  • Cozort, J. L. M., F. A. Martinez, and J. K. Bush. 2011. An analysis of nitrogen content in central Texas Quercus species as a function of herbivory. 96th Annual Meeting of the Ecology Society of America. Austin, Texas.
  • Cozort, J. L. M. and J. K. Bush. 2011. Effects of grazing and soil nutrients on the competition between Prosopis glandulosa and Buchloe dactyloides. UTSA College of Science Research Conference, San Antonio, TX.
  • Cozort, J. L. M. and J. K. Bush. 2011. Effects of grazing and soil nutrients on the competition between Prosopis glandulosa (Fabaceae) and Buchloe dactyloides (Poaceae). 114th Annual Meeting of the Texas Academy of Science. Austin, Texas.
  • Cozort, J. L. M., F. A. Martinez, and J. K. Bush. 2011. An analysis of nitrogen content in central Texas Quercus species as a function of herbivory. Provost Research Symposium. University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
  • Fraire-Walker, A., O. W. Van Auken, and J. K. Bush. 2011. An evaluation of the endosperm of Juniperus ashei. Provost Research Symposium. University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
  • Grotte, R. 2011. Spatial differences in worker behaviors within nest of Solenopsis invicta. 96th Annual Meeting of the Ecology Society of America. August 2011, Austin, Texas.
  • Grotte, R. and J. K. Bush. 2011. Brood care and transport behaviors in Solenopsis invicta 2011. 114th Texas Academy of Science Annual Meeting at St. Edwards University, Austin Texas.
  • Grotte, R. and J. K. Bush. 2011 Brood care and transport behaviors in Solenopsis invicta 2011. HLAE Research Symposium Corpus Christi and Kingsville, Texas.
  • Grotte, R. and J. K. Bush. 2011. Brood care and transport behaviors in Solenopsis invicta 2011. UTSA College of Sciences Research Conference 2011.
  • Grotte, R. and J. K. Bush. 2011. Brood care and transport behaviors in Solenopsis invicta 2011. Provost Summer Research Symposium August 2011.
  • Guerrero, J. and Sunter. 2011. In vivo analysis of the Tomato Golden Mosaic virus AL2 promoter HLAE Research Symposium 2011, Corpus Christi and Kingsville, Texas.
  • Guerrero, J. and J. K. Bush. 2011. A comparison of morning and afternoon water potential in Platanus wrightii and Quercus hypoleucoides in southeastern Arizona. UTSA College of Sciences Research Conference 2011.
  • Kim, T. L., R. Bass, A. Cantu, A. K. Boeck, and J. K. Bush. 2011. Examination of biological parameters in the Upper Cibolo Creek in central Texas. Provost Research Symposium. University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
  • Morales, N. and J. K. Bush. 2011. The effects of soil salinity and soil moisture on the growth of Agalinis calycina. HLAE Research Symposium March 2011, Corpus Christi and Kingsville, Texas.
  • Morales, N. and J. K. Bush. 2011. The effects of soil salinity and soil moisture on the growth of Agalinis calycina. Provost Summer Research Symposium August 2011.
  • Prado, D. and Hongjie Xie. 2011. Characterizing Urban Heat Island Phenomenon of four Texas cities using modis LST products HLAE Research Symposium March 2011, Corpus Christi and Kinsgville, Texas.
  • Prado, D. and Hongjie Xie. 2011. Characterizing Urban Heat Island Phenomenon of four Texas cities using modis LST products Provost Summer Research Symposium August.
  • Ward, C. M., A. K. Boeck, and J. K. Bush. 2011. Estimation of plant populations in Coconino National Forest, Arizona. Provost Research Symposium. University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.