Source: ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
BUILDING GLOBAL COMPETENCE AND COLLABORATIONS THROUGH STUDENT EXPERIMENTAL LEARNING AND FACULTY EXCHANGE IN CHINA
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1000760
Grant No.
2013-38821-21250
Cumulative Award Amt.
$250,000.00
Proposal No.
2013-04000
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2013
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2018
Grant Year
2013
Program Code
[EP]- Teaching Project
Recipient Organization
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
4900 MERIDIAN STREET
NORMAL,AL 35762
Performing Department
Biological and Environ. Sci.
Non Technical Summary
Citing the strategic importance of the U.S.-China relationship, in November 2009, President Barack Obama announced the "100,000 Strong" initiative, a national effort designed to dramatically increase the number and diversity of the composition of American students studying in China. The initiativeseeks to develop specific opportunities and funding sources for underrepresented students to study in China.It isessential toensure that Americans have the cultural understanding and language skills that underpin effective diplomacy and foreign policy, which will also enhance our students' ability to succeed academically and professionally in the global economy, particularly in agricultual related fields.Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University [AAMU] and Tuskegee University [TU] are jointlydevelopingthe capacity for international programs in China. We want to publicize the multidisciplinary nature of agriculture and its potential international career opportunities in a global economy and environment and to attract more underrepresented minority students to agricultural and environmental sciences at AAMU and TU.We anticipate that infusing international perspectives or dimensions into existing courses and curricula will change students' perceptions of current traditional agriculture's image. AAMU and TU recognize that the risk or lack of serious international engagement include losing competitiveness of Alabama's agriculture business in the global market and marginalization of its graduates and their consequent failure in that national or global markets.Our overall goal is to implement an international collaborative partnership with China and provide opportunities to AAMU and TU faculty and students for cultural, social, educational, and research interactions with students and faculty at institutions in China. The program aims to strengthen AAMU and TU capacities to develop globally competent students and faculty. The specific objectives include to: 1) build educational, research, and extension partnerships with China institutions in some of agriculture's challenge areas to enhance faculty and student global competence and professional and career opportunities; 2) develop a summer enrichment international scholar exchange, experiential learning, education, research, and extension programs to promote awareness among faculty and students about the international opportunities in food, agriculture and related sciences; and 3) use this and other overseas partnerships to build stronger pipelines for minority student recruitment into our programs. This proposed program is imminently needed due to: 1) the significant under-representation of minorities in the professional occupations of food and agricultural sciences; 2) recruitment being a top priority for AAMU and TU's Colleges of Agriculture; 3) the limited international education and study abroad internship programs at HBCUs; and 4) the opportunity to overcome the negative historical image of agriculture among African-Americans and other minorities by marketing the diverse career opportunities in agriculture to parents, students, teachers, and counselors; thus broadening and strengthening the nations scientific and professional workforce in its various disciplines. This proposed project will support the efforts and goals of building human capacity and diversity through increased involvement of minority students who will be well prepared, culturally balanced and are society-ready in the food and agricultural professions. The increased participation of minorities in agriculture and related professions enhances our nation's human capacity base in natural resources, food and agriculture.
Animal Health Component
60%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
30%
Applied
60%
Developmental
10%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1020199107030%
1360850107020%
1230699106030%
1320430106020%
Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 136 - Conservation of Biological Diversity; 132 - Weather and Climate; 123 - Management and Sustainability of Forest Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0850 - Wildlife habitats; 0430 - Climate; 0199 - Soil and land, general; 0699 - Trees, forests, and forest products, general;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
We propose to initiate an international program based in China in agriculture and environmental sciences at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University [AAMU] and Tuskegee University [TU], two of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Our overall goal is to implement an international collaborative partnership with China and provide opportunities to AAMU and TU faculty and students for cultural, social, educational, and research interactions with students and faculty at institutions in China. The program aims to strengthen AAMU and TU capacities to develop globally competent students and faculty. The specific objectives include to: 1) build educational, research, and extension partnerships with China institutions in some of agriculture's challenge areas to enhance faculty and student global competence and professional and career opportunities; 2) develop a summer enrichment international scholar exchange, experiential learning, education, research, and extension programs to promote awareness among faculty and students about the international opportunities in food, agriculture and related sciences; and 3) use this and other overseas partnerships to build stronger pipelines for minority student recruitment into our programs.
Project Methods
Planning visit (October 2013) : As a follow up to the previous planning visits, we will make an initial start-up trip to China within 45 days of funding to establish the necessary protocols for implement this project, develop a work plan, finalize cooperative agreements, and constitute the interdisciplinary teams that will design program modules. We will review and familiarize our partners in China with the grant agreement. Additionally, we will develop a technical and logistic plan with our partners in China and address future faculty sabbatical opportunities, review the necessary arrangements (accommodation, meals, transportation, facilities, and tours) for hosting students and faculty during the program. The work plan will detail: a) tasks to be accomplished, b) units or persons responsible for the task, c) activity schedule with dates for the completion of each task, d) ensure that the various elements, such as proper venue arrangements; and facilities/rental arrangements for necessary equipment identified, e) expected results or outcomes, and f) budget projections for each task/activity to be performed. Student recruitment: We will develop a webpage and brochures that will provide program information. The webpage will be linked to AAMU and TU's campus websites. Brochures will be distributed and posted across both campuses. Faculty members involved with the program will play a major role in advertising and identifying potential student and faculty participants. A graduate student will be hired (part time) to assist and serve as the student project coordinator. S/he will be responsible for establishing a database of potential participants. The investigators and graduate assistant will visit rising junior and senior classes and convene meetings to advertise the program and recruit students. A complete application will consist of an application form; a personal statement summarizing previous research and education experience, future education and career goals, expectations from the program, and topics of interest in food and agriculture; transcripts; and two letters of recommendation. Students' selection: The applications will be reviewed in March of each year by a committee composed of participating faculty and investigators. Applicants will be evaluated using the following criteria: academic performance and course work, letters of recommendations, evidence of an interest, and applicable international training in agriculture and related sciences. In addition, the committee will seek evidence of a strong work ethic and commitment to research, education, and outreach. The initial review will narrow the pool to about 10 qualified candidates per institution each year. The committee will then rank students on several other criteria. From the 10 candidates, three students per institution will be selected. Minority students majoring in agriculture, environmental science, and natural resource sciences who have no previous abroad opportunity for research or education will have first priority. The students selected will manifest a genuine interest in exploring a global experience, desire to participate in an ongoing research, education, and outreach training project, and enthusiasm about meeting the challenges of international study and travel programs. We expect that most of our participants will be from groups (minority and females) traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. Students' experiential learning and internship program: Thisprogram will focus on providing opportunities forstudents to interact with faculty and students in China. The program will be composed of activities such as Chinese language training, Chinese social and cultural trainings, research and educational training in agricultural and environmental sciences. Students will be required to register for a 3-6 credit hour study abroad course, and in collaboration with the mentoring faculty, develop an area of emphasis or specialization that best suits and enhances their experiences and desires. The experiential learning aspect of each project will be designed in such a way as to utilize innovative methods of delivering instructions such as via webcasting and teleconferencing among Chinese, AAMU, and TU participants to enhance the quality and effectiveness. Activities that AAMU and TU faculty will be involved in include, but are not limited to, mentoring students (providing them guidance, direction for critical thinking and analysis of internship's challenging issues) and working with Chinese counterparts.While in China, students and faculty will have the opportunity to attend lectures in introductory Chinese, visit research laboratories and field sites, and interact with Chinese students and faculty for social and cultural related activities. Students will be prepared for the cultural and linguistic environment of China and the host university. All students will be adequately informed about the existing conditions in China through printed materials, web pages, and personal briefings about the institutions, cities, and the country in general. Additionally, during the fact finding trips in the first year, visiting faculty members will have the opportunity to personally address issues related to future student and faculty visits. Protocols will be developed and implemented to help students quickly adjust to the host institution's country. All activities conducted by students will be under the close supervision of the faculty members of AAMU/TU and the host institution. Each student will be required to prepare a daily journal of their activities and experience, a final report to summarize their experiences, a report of their research project, and present their research and overall learning experiences at the end of the program before departing China. Students will also assess the effectiveness of the program and suggest potential recommendations for future improvement and better management of the program. Upon return to the U.S., students will lead in a series of presentations and seminars organized jointly by the project PD and Co-PDs. Students will use this opportunity to educate their fellow students, colleagues and the general public about the multidisciplinary and global aspect of agriculture, while sharing their own China experience. To make sure that the program is run professionally and to protect students' privacy and AAMU and TU against liability, we will develop a handbook which will include some basic Chinese language, safety guideline, travel advices, medical insurance needs, contact information, maps, and a code of conduct and liability release documents which will be signed by each participant. Faculty research exchange and scholar programs: The faculty from AAMU, TU, and China will identify areas of research and experiential learning which will be mutually beneficial and which will also enhance the student learning outcomes defined by the leadership team. We will jointly and actively seek research funds from both countries to support future activities. We will explore the use of the internet to co-host some lectures of selected courses and give research seminars at collaborating institutions. While in China, there will be a research seminar presented by faculty of both countries. These activities will enable us to learn new ideas, share experiences with our counterparts and students and provide opportunities for joint scientific publications and student training. We envision that participation in these events will lead to internationalization and cultural diversification of our graduates' preparations for participatory citizenship in a complex, diverse, and globally-interconnected world.

Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18

Outputs
Target Audience:Faculty and students of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and Tuskegee University; faculty and students of Nanjing Forestry University and other universities in China. General public and international communities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? During the summer of 2018, 9undergraduate students fromAAMU participated the program and received training and professional development. In addition, four faculty from AAMU participated the program, which strengthened their skills for teaching and research and established the foundation for future collaborations with their Chinese partners. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The students completed the program in China and worked on research reports, cultural reports, PowerPoint presentations, and scientific posters during the fall 2018 semester. Some students presented their work to the audience at NFU prior to leaving for Beijing. Others presented at AAMU STEM Day programs. The documents developed by the students will be used to develop a proceeding consist of the students' cultural reports and their scientific research papers. The information will also be available at the AAMU program website. The PI/CoPI have presented the information about the program and itsaccomplishment at various regional and national professional conferences. Annual information sessions have been hold on the campus. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is the final year of this funded program. We will 1) develop new proposals to support the continuation of the program, 2)recruit new students for future programs, 3) develop schedules and communicate with China partners for future programs, and 4) present the results at regional, national, and international conferences.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The program was designed to strengthen AAMU's ability to develop globally competent students and faculty through collaborative partnerships with higher education institutions and research organizations in China. The program focuses on the fields of agricultural and environmental sciences. This program also aims to enhance courses with international contexts to prepare students for international opportunities in agricultural and environmental sciences, as well as to add new dimensions to scientific research and teaching capabilities This multi-institutional and multi-agency joint project has created opportunities for many faculty and students, particularly those from minority serving institutions with limited access to research oriented international programs. The 2018 fiscal year program was on the no-cost extension, we continued the program by involve two universities in China: Nanjing Forestry University and Beijing Forestry University. Nine undergraduate students and four faculty from AAMU participated in the program. The orientation for 2018 program was conducted during the spring semester of 2018. The program engaged students and faculty in a variety of workshops including Chinese language, culture, and history classes taught by faculty and students who hadbeen in the program, as well as scientific writing, statistics, and how to create PowerPoint presentations and posters by AAMU faculty and graduate students. The team traveled to China on June 6, 2018. This year, the AAMU team was invited to participate the 15th Shanghai International Suzhou Creek Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament, an event jointly hosted by the Social Sports Guidance Centerof the State Sports General Administration of China, the Chinese Dragon Boat Association, the Shanghai Sports Bureau and the Peoples Government of Shanghai Putuo District. The tournament took place along the beautiful Zhong Yuan Liang Wan Cheng Suzhou Creek valley situated in Putuo District of Shanghai on June 9 and 10, 2018. It is an integral part of life for the Shanghai people to boat on the gentle currents of the Suzhou Creek amongst green trees,birdsongs,andfragrant flowers. Dragon Boat racing has become a very well-known sport worldwide but it demonstrate its full vitality and glamour especially in Shanghai. The event also features Chinese traditional customs of the Dragon Boat Festival. The completion was intense and fun. AAMU Bulldog team was placed the third for the competition among the university teams from different parts of the world. The team then visited Beijing Forestry University from June 12 to June 20, where the team participated a workshop series which included diverse topics such as:China's ecosystems and vegetation, China's wetlands and their conservation, China's Nature Reserves, Conservation efforts for shorebirds in Bohai Bay, and Conservation of the endangered Crested Ibis. The AAMU team also had a round-table discussion with students and faculty of Beijing Forest University to share ideas about ecological issues in the USA and China. The team also enjoyed tours at China National Zoological Museum, and Beijing Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. The team then traveled to Nanjing Forestry University on June 20, 2018 and had workshops and training there till July 1, 2018. At Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), the team participated another lecture series which included topics such as Forestry in China, Development of China's Wood Industry, Research on Poplar in China, Bamboo as a Resource and Its Utilization in China, Research on Ginkgo in China, Forest Economics and Policy in China, and China's Wood Furniture Industry. AAMU students and faculty visited research labs and interacted with NFU students and faculty.The team took an educational trip in Jiangsu Province during the time at Nanjing Forestry University. They visited Yixing, where they learned bamboo ecology, and experienced the applications of bamboo in daily life products, and the usage of bamboo as a biomass. They visited an experimental bamboo forest and a bamboo processing plant; while at these sites, they were able to interact with researchers and workers. The team visited Shiyang in northern Jiangsu Province, which helped students and faculty to understand poplar plantations ecology, applications of forest research in poplar plantations and their impact on local economies and ecosystems, and other conservation programs in the region. During this trip, they visited several poplar tree plantations and wood industry plants in Shiyang County. In the early 1980s, the faculty from NFU helped to introduce a hybrid poplar (genus Populus, hybridized in part from eastern cottonwood originating in Mississippi) to Shiyang. Once one of the poorest counties in China, because of its high human population density, shortage of natural resources, and frequent flooding, Shiyang's economy has been transformed, and the poplar tree hybrid and the related agroforestry industry have played a major role in its economic growth. The team also visited the Dafeng National Milu Reserve at Yancheng, which was established in 1983 to start a breeding program for the Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus), known as mílù in Chinese, which is extinct in the wild in China. In addition, the team observed the endangered red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis), also in a breeding program at the reserve. The team also had the opportunities to tour the Xiashu Experimental Farm and Baima Forest to experience the forestry practices in China. The team had the opportunities to visit some major cultural and historical sites in China and witnessed the effects of dramatic economic development during the last 30 years. In Shanghai, the team took a boat tour of the Bund on the Huangpu River and viewed the City from the top floor of the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower. Between Beijing and Shanghai, the team had the opportunities to travel on a high-speed train at over 125 miles per hour. At Beijing, the team climbed the Great Wall, walked through the halls of the Forbidden City, maneuvered through a crowded Tiananmen Square, and tasted real Peking duck meal that was astonishingly delicious. All students are currently registered ina course NRE493 "International Exchange and Study Abroad" during the fall 2018 to complete their report and PowerPoint Presentatons.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Tian, S., J. Xu, J. Li, Z. Zhang, and Y. Wang. 2018. Research advances of Galliformes since 1990 and future prospects. Avian Research 9:32. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40657-018-0124-7.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Margenau, E., Y. Wang, C. J. Schweitzer and B. K. Stringer. 2018. Responses of early-successional songbirds to a two-stage shelterwood harvest for oak forest regeneration. Avian Research: https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s40657-018-0120-y
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Carpenter, J. P. and Y. Wang. 2018. Diurnal space use and nocturnal roost site selection by male Cerulean Warblers during the breeding season. Journal of Field Ornithology. Volume 89, Issue 1: 47-63.


Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/18

Outputs
Target Audience:Faculty and students of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and Tuskegee University; faculty and students of Nanjing Forestry University and other universities in China. General public and international communities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the summer of 2018, 9 undergraduate students from AAMU participated the program and received training andprofessional development. In addition, four faculty from AAMU participated the program, which strengthened their skills forteaching and research and established the foundation for future collaborations with their Chinese partners. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The students completed the program in China and worked on research reports, cultural reports, PowerPoint presentations,and scientific posters during the fall 2018 semester. Some students presented their work to the audience at NFU prior toleaving for Beijing. Others presented at AAMU STEM Day programs. The documents developed by the students will be usedto develop a proceeding consist of the students' cultural reports and their scientific research papers. The information will alsobe available at the AAMU program website. The PI/CoPI have presented the information about the program andits accomplishment at various regional and national professional conferences. Annual information sessions have been hold onthe campus. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is the final year of this funded program. We will 1) develop new proposals to support the continuation of the program,2) recruit new students for future programs, 3) develop schedules and communicate with China partners for future programs,and 4) present the results at regional, national, and international conferences.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The program was designed to strengthen AAMU's ability to develop globally competent students and faculty through collaborative partnerships with higher education institutions and research organizations in China. The program focuses on the fields of agricultural and environmental sciences. This program also aims to enhance courses with international contexts toprepare students for international opportunities in agricultural and environmental sciences, as well as to add new dimensions to scientific research and teaching capabilities. This multi-institutional and multi-agency joint project has created opportunities for many faculty and students, particularly those from minority serving institutions with limited access to research oriented international programs. The 2018 fiscal year program was on the no-cost extension, we continued the program by involve two universities in China: Nanjing Forestry University and Beijing Forestry University. Nine undergraduate students and four faculty from AAMU participated in the program. The orientation for 2018 program was conducted during the spring semester of 2018. The program engaged students and faculty in a variety of workshops including Chinese language, culture, and history classes taught by faculty and students who had been in the program, as well as scientific writing, statistics, and how to create PowerPoint presentations and posters by AAMU faculty and graduate students. The team traveled to China on June 6, 2018. This year, the AAMU team was invited to participate the 15th Shanghai International Suzhou Creek Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament, an event jointly hosted by the Social Sports GuidanceCenter of the State Sports General Administration of China, the Chinese Dragon Boat Association, the Shanghai Sports Bureau and the Peoples Government of Shanghai Putuo District. The tournament took place along the beautiful Zhong Yuan Liang Wan Cheng Suzhou Creek valley situated in Putuo District of Shanghai on June 9 and 10, 2018. It is an integral part of life for the Shanghai people to boat on the gentle currents of the Suzhou Creek among green trees, bird songs, and fragrant flowers. Dragon Boat racing has become a very well-known sport worldwide but it demonstrate its full vitality and glamour especially in Shanghai. The event also features Chinese traditional customs of the Dragon Boat Festival. The completion was intense and fun. AAMU Bulldog team was placed the third for the competition among the university teams from different parts of the world. The team then visited Beijing Forestry University from June 12 to June 20, where the team participated a workshop series which included diverse topics such as: China's ecosystems and vegetation, China's wetlands and their conservation, China's Nature Reserves, Conservation efforts for shorebirds in Bohai Bay, and Conservation of the endangered Crested Ibis. The AAMU team also had a round-table discussion with students and faculty of Beijing Forest University to share ideas about ecological issues in the USA and China. The team also enjoyed tours at China National Zoological Museum, and Beijing Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. The team then traveled to Nanjing Forestry University on June 20, 2018 and had workshops and training there till July 1, 2018. At Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), the team participated another lecture series which included topics such as Forestry in China, Development of China's Wood Industry, Research on Poplar in China, Bamboo as a Resource and Its Utilization in China, Research on Ginkgo in China, Forest Economics and Policy in China, and China's Wood Furniture Industry. AAMU students and faculty visited research labs and interacted with NFU students and faculty. The team took aneducational trip in Jiangsu Province during the time at Nanjing Forestry University. They visited Yixing, where they learned bamboo ecology, and experienced the applications of bamboo in daily life products, and the usage of bamboo as a biomass. They visited an experimental bamboo forest and a bamboo processing plant; while at these sites, they were able to interact with researchers and workers. The team visited Shiyang in northern Jiangsu Province, which helped students and faculty to understand poplar plantations ecology, applications of forest research in poplar plantations and their impact on local economies and ecosystems, and other conservation programs in the region. During this trip, they visited several poplar tree plantations and wood industry plants in Shiyang County. In the early 1980s, the faculty from NFU helped to introduce a hybrid poplar (genus Populus, hybridized in part from eastern cottonwood originating in Mississippi) to Shiyang. Once one of the poorest counties in China, because of its high human population density, shortage of natural resources, and frequent flooding,Shiyang's economy has been transformed, and the poplar tree hybrid and the related agroforestry industry have played a major role in its economic growth. The team also visited the Dafeng National Milu Reserve at Yancheng, which was established in 1983 to start a breeding program for the Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus), known as mílù in Chinese, which is extinct in the wild in China. In addition, the team observed the endangered red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis), also in a breeding program at the reserve. The team also had the opportunities to tour the Xiashu Experimental Farm and Baima Forest to experience the forestry practices in China. The team had the opportunities to visit some major cultural and historical sites in China and witnessed the effects of dramatic economic development during the last 30 years. In Shanghai, the team took a boat tour of the Bund on the Huangpu River and viewed the City from the top floor of the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower. Between Beijing and Shanghai, the teamhad the opportunities to travel on a high-speed train at over 125 miles per hour. At Beijing, the team climbed the Great Wall, walked through the halls of the Forbidden City, maneuvered through a crowded Tiananmen Square, and tasted real Peking duck meal that was astonishingly delicious. All students are currently registered in a course NRE493 "International Exchange and Study Abroad" during the fall 2018 to complete their report and PowerPoint presentation.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Tian, S., J. Xu, J. Li, Z. Zhang, and Y. Wang. 2018. Research advances of Galliformes since 1990 and future prospects. Avian Research 9:32. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40657-018-0124-7.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Margenau, E., Y. Wang, C. J. Schweitzer and B. K. Stringer. 2018. Responses of early-successional songbirds to a two stage shelterwood harvest for oak forest regeneration. Avian Research: https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s40657-018-0120-y
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Carpenter, J. P. and Y. Wang. 2018. Diurnal space use and nocturnal roost site selection by male Cerulean Warblers during the breeding season. Journal of Field Ornithology. Volume 89, Issue 1: 47-63.


Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Faculty and students of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and Tuskegee University; faculty and students of Nanjing Forestry University and other universities in China. General public and international communities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the summer of 2017, 11 undergraduate students from two institutions and 3 AAMU graduate students participated the program and received training and professional development. In addition, four faculty from two different institutions participated the program, which strengthened their skills for teaching and research and established the foundation for future collaborations with their Chinese partners. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The students completed the program in China and workedon research reports, cultural reports, PowerPoint presentations, and scientific posters during the fall 2017 semester. Some students presented their work to the audience at NFU prior to leaving for Beijing. Others presented at AAMU STEM Day programs. The documents developed by the students will be used to develop a proceeding consist of the students' cultural reports and their scientific research papers. The information will also be available at the AAMU program website. The PI/CoPI have presented the information about the program and its accomplishment at various regional and national professional conferences. Annual information sessions have been hold on the campus. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Works to be completed during the next period include to 1) continue to recruit new students for future programs, 2) develop schedules and communicate with China partners for future programs, 3) present the results at regional, national, and international conferences, and 4) develop new proposals to support the continuation of the program.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The program was designed to strengthen AAMU's ability to develop globally competent students and faculty through collaborative partnerships with higher education institutions and research organizations in China. The program focuses on the fields of agricultural and environmental sciences. This program also aims to enhance courses with international contexts to prepare students for international opportunities in agricultural and environmental sciences, as well as to add new dimensions to scientific research and teaching capabilities This multi-institutional and multi-agency joint project has created opportunities for many faculty and students, particularly those from minority serving institutions with limited access to research oriented international programs. 2017 fiscal year program is on the no-cost extension, we modified the program and involved another university in China: Beijing Forestry University. We had a three day orientation program at AAMU, students and faculty engaged in a variety of workshops including Chinese language, culture, and history classes taught by faculty and students who have been on the program, as well as scientific writing, statistics, and how to create PowerPoint presentations and posters by AAMU faculty and graduate students. We then traveled to Beijing Forestry University on May 25, 2017 and had training there till June 3, 2017. The workshops at BFU included topics such as "Evolution of river management in Yantze river", "Forests in China", "China's Nature Reserve", "Conservation of the endangered Crested Ibis", "China's wetlands and their conservation", and "Bird migration in the east Asian-Australasian Flyway". Students and faculty also enjoyed Chinese cultural related training through various activities with local students and public and visits cultural and historical sites such as Great Wall, Forbidden City, Dragon Boat Festival, Olympic Park, etc. The team then traveled to Nanjing Forestry University on June 4th, and received additional training on topics such as "Introduction to Forestry in China", "Development of China's Wood Industry", "Research on Poplar in China", "Bamboo as a Resource and its Utilization in China", "Research on Ginkgo in China", and "Forest Economics and Policy in China", "An Overview of the China's Wood Furniture Industry". Students and faculty also toured various research and experimental sites such as Xiashu Experimental Farm, Bamboo Processing and Bamboo Products, Ginkgo Plantation and Utilization, Milu (David Deer ) Natural Protection Area, Red-crowned crane Natural Protection Area, Furniture and Wood Industry. All students are required to register a course NRE493 "International Exchange and Study Abroad" during the fall 2017 and completed a research and a cultural report during the fall semester of 2017.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Chen, Y., S. Zhang, D. Huang, B. Li, J. Liu, W. Liu, J. Ma, F. Wang, Y. Wang, S. Wu, Y. Wui, J. Yan, C. Guo, W. Xin, H. Wang. 2017; The development of Chinas Yangtze River Economic Belt: How to make it in a green way? Science Bulletin http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2017.04.009
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Yao, H. G. Davison, N. Wang, C. Ding and Y. Wang. 2017. Post-breeding habitat association and occurrence of the Snow Partridge (Lerwa lerwa) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, west central China. Avian Research 8: DOI 10.1186/s40657-017-0066-5.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Wang, Y., and G. M. Zheng. 2017. Editorial: Avian Research: a valuable addition to the portfolio of ornithological journals. Avian Research 8: DOI: 10.1186/s40657-017-0062-9
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Aatalffy, J. 2017. A multifaceted approach to understanding the evolutionary biogeography of the White-browed Laughingthrush. Master Thesis. Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Alabama. 109pp


Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Faculty and students of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and Tuskegee University; faculty and students of Nanjing Forestry University and other universities in China. General public and international communities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In the summer of 2016, tenundergraduate students from twodifferent institutions, one graduate student of AAMU, and sixfaculty/staff from two different institutions participated in the Chinaprogram. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The students completed the program in China, including research reports, cultural reports, PowerPoint presentations, and scientific posters. Students presented their research to a full audience at NFU prior to leaving for Beijing. The documents were used to develope a proceeding consist of the students' cultural reports and their scientific research papers. Students and mentors worked together to complete these documents. The information is also available at the AAMUwebsite. Some students also presented at regional and national conferences and meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Works to be completed during the next period include to 1) continue to recruit new students for futureprogram, 2) develop schedules and communicate with China partners for futureprogram, 3) present the results at regional, national, and international conferences, and 4) develop a new proposal.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The program was designed to strengthen AAMU's ability to develop globally competent students and faculty through collaborative partnerships with higher education institutions and research organizations in China. The program focuses on the fields of agricultural and environmental sciences. This program also aims to enhance courses with international contexts to prepare students for international opportunities in agricultural and environmental sciences, as well as to add new dimensions to scientific research and teaching capabilities This multi-institutional and multi-agency joint project has created opportunities for many faculty and students, particularly those from minority serving institutions with limited access to research oriented international programs. During 2016 program, we had athree day orientation program at AAMU, students and faculty engaged in a variety of courses including Chinese language, culture, and history classes taught by NFU faculty, as well as scientific writing, statistics, and how to create PowerPoint presentations and posters by AAMU faculty and graduate students. All students were paired with a primary mentor in the U.S. prior to travel. Mentors included faculty and staff from both AAMU and TU. Upon arrival at NFU, students were paired with a second mentor from NFU, with similar research interests. Students met with mentors to devise and conduct a research project. As before, this year's research projectsincluded a diversity of subjects such as "Evaluation of genetic diversity through phenotypic traits analysis in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata)", "Cloning and expression analysis of dirigent-like gene from Populus", "A comparison of biomass estimation by airborne LiDAR and hyperspectral data in a subtropical forest", "Isolation and characterization of endophytes from pines needles", "Agroforestry management and assessment methods base on ecosystem service", "Seasonal variations of black carbon in urban atmosphere and their associated source sectors", "Mechanisms involved in biochar induced priming effects on soil organic carbon decomposition in Poplar plantations", "Climate change in the Poyang Lake and its impacts on the water resources", "Isolation and characterization of intestinal parasites from rare birds", "Diversity monitoring of breeding birds in Jurong city of Jiangsu Province", and"Effect and mechanisms of dissolved organic matter on the phototransformation of typical macrolide antibiotics". Students learnedto design a research project, collect data, operate research equipment, analyze data, and communicate their research results to their peers.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Wang, Y., and L. Gardner. 2016. Increasing Minority Presence in Natural Resource Research through Mentoring and Training. PI meeting of the NSF CREST and HBCU-UP programs. February 24-26, 2016. Washington, DC.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Wang, Y. and L. Gardner. 2016. Proceedings of 2015 Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Graduates in China. Published by Center for Forestry Ecosystem Assessment at Alabama A&M University. 213 pp.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Dahn, H. A., K. R. Messenger, Y. R. Liang, P. Xie, and Y. Wang. 2016. A new species of the genus Megophrys Gunther, 1864 (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae) from Mount Wuyi, China, based on morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular data. World Congress of Herpetology, Hangzhou, China. 15 to 21 August 2016. Poster presentation.


Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Faculty and students of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and Tuskegee University; faculty and students of Nanjing Forestry University and other universities in China. General public and international communities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In the summer of 2015, six undergraduate students from four different institutions across the U.S. (including AAMU), four AAMU graduate students, and four faculty/staff from two different institutions participated in the REUG program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The studentscompletedthe program in China, includingresearch reports,cultural reports,PowerPoint presentations, andscientific posters. Students presented their research to a full audience at NFU prior to leaving for Beijing. The documents wereused to developea proceeding consist of the students' cultural reports and their scientific research papers. Students and mentors worked together to complete these documents. The information is also available at the AAMU REUG website. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Works to be completed during the next period include to 1) continue to recruit new students for 2016 program, 2) develop schedules and communicate with China partners for 2016 program, 3) present the results at regional, national, and international conferences, and 4) develop a new proposal.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The program was designed to strengthen AAMU's ability to develop globally competent students and faculty through collaborative partnerships with higher education institutions and research organizations in China. The program focuses on the fields of agricultural and environmental sciences. This program also aims to enhance courses with international contexts to prepare students for international opportunities in agricultural and environmental sciences, as well as to add new dimensions to scientific research and teaching capabilities This multi-institutional and multi-agency joint project has created opportunities for many faculty and students, particularly those from minority serving institutions with limited access to research oriented international programs. After a three day orientation program at AAMU, students and faculty engaged in a variety of courses including Chinese language, culture, and history classes taught by NFU faculty, as well as scientific writing, statistics, and how to create PowerPoint presentations and posters by AAMU faculty and graduate students. All students were paired with a primary mentor in the U.S. prior to travel. Mentors included faculty and staff from both AAMU, Columbia Community College, and TU. Upon arrival at NFU, students were paired with a second mentor from NFU, with similar research interests. Students met with mentors to devise and conduct a research project. Research topics included a diversity of subjects such as "Songbird Species in China: Evaluation of DNA Extraction Kits, Primers, and Feather Age", "Occurrence of Typical Antibiotics in Huai River and Hongze Lake, Eastern China," "Bat Forage and Insect Communities in Three Habitat Types in Nanjing, China," and "The Adsorption Behavior of Black Carbon in Urban Forest and Traffic District Soils Toward Heavy Metal Ions (Cu, Zn)," "Establishment of a Riparian Buffer Strip for Alleviating Lake Eutrophication," among others. Students learned how to design a research project, collect data, operate research equipment, analyze data, and communicate their research results to their peers.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Zhang, F., K. R. Messenger, and Y. Wang. 2015. Relationship between nest defense behaviours and reproductive benefits in Chinese alligators. Amphibia-Reptilia 36(2): 141-147.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Zhang, F., J. Zhao, Y. Zhang, K. R. Messenger, and Y. Wang. 2015. Antipredator behavioral responses of native and exotic tadpoles to novel predator. Asian Herpetological Research 6(1):51-58.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Li, J., Z. Zhang, Y. Wang, C. Gao, J. Xu, B. Xi, J. Zhu., and Z. Du. 2015. The sex ratio of orange-flanked bush-robins from a winter population in central China. Natural History: DOI:10.1080/00222933.2015.1105318.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Li, J., Z. Zhang, L. Lv, Y. Wang. 2015. Roles of phenotypic and genetic characteristics in the social mating pattern of Silver-Throated Tits (Aegithalos glaucogularis). Journal of Ornithology 156: 687-697.


Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Students Faculty General public International communities Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Our China project provided students with the opportunity to work in labs in a foreign institution. Prior to student access to labs and fields in and around Nanjing Forestry University, we had to provide training to students, faculty, and staff. A preChina three day intensive orientation was organized, with a introduction and overview of the entire program (Dr. Elica M. Moss, Dr. Yong Wang, and Lisa Gardner), an Introduction to Searching the Primary Literature (Dr. William Stone), a session on Ethical Conduct in Science (Elica M. Moss), a panel discussion on What to Expect (with previous China travelers from AAMU), the Basics of Designing their Own Webpage (Dr. Sha Li), and technology/electronics in China (graduate students and previous program participants). This year, we decided to amend the program in that the majority of the workshops would be held in China and would be ongoing throughout the summer. Our goal was to ensure that the students were continuously learning and staying engaged, and they these sessions would provide some continuity among the group. Thus, when the students arrived at NFU, in addition to taking courses on Chinese culture, history, and language, several others pertaining to their research were included. These workshops consisted of Effectively Implementing the Scientific Method? Conducting Research - Tips and dos/don't for conducting field and lab research? Introduction to Scientific Writing: The Introduction / Lit Review? Introduction to Scientific Writing - The Methods? Introduction to Biometry / Statistics? Creating an Effective PowerPoint Presentation? Statistics How to examine your data? Creating an Effective Poster Using PowerPoint? and Writing up your Results and Discussion". Additionally, the entire group met once a week to discuss any issues with the program and to also discuss papers such as Trace metal contamination in urban soils of China so that the students could gain critical thinking experience through the dissection and discussion of peerreviewed, published scientific papers. As classes continued, the students headed into the labs and the field to assess their projects and begin their data collection. Students and faculty learned to problemsolve in novel situations where resources may or may not be limited, and accessing resources requiring different channels than we are accustomed to in the US. With recommendations from all who participated during the first year, we were determined to make sure that this year as well as next year is even more successful, and better organized. Faculty that experience collaborations with Chinese researchers in their labs must deal with issues unique to China, and thus must work towards finding creative solutions to unforeseen problems. This program is part of a larger collaborative effort that has been built upon for several years now. During the previous years, faculty and students visited NFU and toured the country, but conducted no research. We have been working on faculty and student exchanges between the universities, and this second year of the REU China program was a successful result of our prior years of work. This program consisted of actual handson lab and field research was conducted in partnership with NFU faculty researchers. This year, two undergraduate students and two faculty from NFU are spending the 2014-2015 academic school year at AAMU? faculty are teaching the first Chinese language and culture courses to be offered at AAMU, and the students are the first of an exchange program we hope will grow through the implementation of the newly approved (but not yet formalized) AAMU Confucius Institute. One of the primary objectives is to increase the number of American students who will pursue a graduate degree in the STEM fields, especially AfricanAmericans, and engage them in research, teaching, and management of renewable natural resources. Our success in this area has been substantial, through integrating both graduate and undergraduate students in all aspects of the REU education and research. After graduation and receipt of their BS degree, we expect that the majority of them will pursue an advanced graduate degree. These students have good knowledge about the research field that they will pursue, but also the importance of international collaboration for education and research. Faculty that work in foreign countries, learn to approach scientific questions from angles different from what they are accustomed to. This can contribute to their overall scientific success, through future international collaborations and exchanges. We predict that many of our students will be playing leading role in research, management, and teaching fields and in state and federal agencies, private consulting, and industry in the near future. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The AAMU China program has established and nurtured international contacts with citizens in China to enrich Alabama education, commerce, and global awareness through this exchange program and other programs developed based on this one. The people of the world are interdependent and our future is secured through collaborations nurtured by free, open, and respectful communication. Students and faculty participants eagerly engaged in practicing citizen diplomacy and helped to build persontoperson relationships, which will help enhance U.S. foreign policy 'one handshake at a time'. The program provided facetoface meetings of the citizens from both China and USA, and the international experience is essential for those who hope to lead the communities and both nations. The students from this cycle have only had the opportunity to present their research and also their cultural experiences to the faculty and students at Nanjing Forestry University. We expect them to go back to their Universities and present to their classes, possible University STEM day activities, and local, regional, and national professional meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will continue our effor to enhance our program in 2015. We are planning 2015 program and develop recruiting strategies. We are also recruting faculty mentors from our campus and from Tuskegee University.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The AAMU China participants conducted collaborative research with the help of their AAMU and NFU mentors, and documented their projects through scientific papers, posters, journals, and PowerPoint presentations. Additionally, they produced cultural reports that documented their personal experiences and ideas in and about China, as well as a personal webpage for public dissemination of their research and experiences (www.aamu.edu/reuchina). Participation in 2014 program afforded students the opportunity to enhance their oral and written communication skills. The students gained confidence and skills as researchers. Students interacted and presented their research to faculty at an international university, Nanjing Forestry University, and also to faculty and staff here at Alabama A&M University. They have written both research and cultural papers that will be published in the annual REU proceedings. They developed a webpage using tools and techniques that can be incorporated into the development of other webpages. And they designed posters for use at local, regional, and national scientific meetings and to their university community as well. The students matured as well because of their interaction with a different culture. They became more sensitive to other cultures and lastly had the opportunity to travel to places most of their peers will never have. This was an excellent program, which enhanced the student experience on so many levels. During this summer, through collaborations with Beijing Normal University (BNU) we were able to send AAMU MS candidate Mercedes Bartkovich there for almost two weeks to gain experience with molecular techniques. We also initiated our formal partnership with Tuskegee University with Dr. Ramble Ankumah and Dr. Guohao He, who traveled to China with the program to aid in mentoring Morgan Dean. There was also a visit to Nanjing Agricultural University to establish joint ventures for the coming years. These collaborations have proved beneficial to both students and faculty and show Alabama A&M University's continued presence in China. Additionally, this year's participants were able to complete their research papers, posters, websites and oral presentations in China. We felt that by continuing to be in the same research and academic environment in which they worked in all summer the students would maintain their enthusiasm for their work and therefore be more inclined to complete their assignments. This program, held primarily on Nanjing Forestry University's (NFU) campus, contributes on multiple levels to the STEM science disciplines. (1) The program contributed to the international experiences for both undergraduate REU recipients, as well as for graduate students and faculty/staff. Many of those who traveled to China gained valuable international experiences that have broadened their educational and future career opportunities, many of whom are minorities in their fields and have acquired a degree of competitiveness through participation in an international program such as this. For example, several students applied for travel scholarships to present their China research at professional conferences and also to University STEM activities. (2) The program encourages students interested in a career in scientific research to think outside the box and get creative when problem solving. (3) The research conducted by REU students and faculty members addressed some important issues of the ecosystem functions and ecology. This year's research findings included a water quality study that looked at antibiotics in rivers and lakes in China, which has increased with the rapid development of the world economy. Additionally, due to urbanization, traffic, and mining activities in China, many pollutants contaminate soil in urban areas so there was a study observing the behavior of Black Carbon in Urban Forest and Traffic District Soils toward Heavy Metal Ions (Cu, Zn). Both of these studies contribute to common research problems that other countries are facing. (4) Several manuscripts and scientific reports will be developed and published in the near future based on the findings of the REU research.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Griffith,Christopher Adam? Reid,Dana? Gruber, Neil and Wirtu, Gemechu (2014). Comparing Slicing and Milking to Recover Epididymal Spermatozoa in Domestic Cat. Tuskegee University's 15th annual Biomedical Research Symposium..
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Fowlkes, Antionette? Moss, Elica? Fang, Shengzou and Tian, Ye (2013). Comparison of Nitrification in Poplar and Metasequoia Plantations. CUR Conference of Research Experiences for Undergraduate Student Scholarship. Arlington, VA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: McCray, Nara? Moss, Elica? Fan, Ben.? Xia (2013). Determining Plant Growth Promoting Effect of Potential PGPR (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) Strains. 90th Annual Meeting of the Alabama Academy of Science Meeting.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Messenger, Kevin? Wang, Yong (2013). Determining areas of high biodiversity and habitats of concern for the herpetofauna of China (abstract). Association of Southeastern Biologists Annual Meeting. Charleston, WV
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Naka, Gilda? He,Qiyang and Wang, Fei (2013). Effects of water on Rhizopus oryzae wholecell catalyzed transesterification of soybean oil for biodiesel production. American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Conference. San Francisco, CA? November 14, 2013.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Naka,Gilda? He,Qiyang and Fei Wang (2014). Effects of water on Rhizopus oryzae wholecell catalyzed transesterification of soybean oil for biodiesel roduction. International Biomass Conference and Exposition. Orlando, FL? March 24-26, 2014.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: SPRINGTHORPE, S.K.*? STONE, W.E.? (2014). Foraging Ecology of Bats in Developed and Forested Areas in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) 2014 Annual Meeting. Austin, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Kukla, Joanna? Xu, Lian? Soliman, Khairy (2013). Gene cloning and identification of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway in Camellia chekiangoleosa (poster presentation). The Plant & Animal Genome XXI (PAG XXI) Conference. Town and Country Hotel, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wang, Yong? Senwo, Zachary? Chen, Xiongwen? Moss, Elica? Gardner, Lisa (2013). Sowing the seeds for future globally competent scientists in agricultural and related sciences: research and cultural experience for undergraduate and graduate students in China (oral presentation? abstract). 17th Biennial Research Symposium for the Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. Hyatt Regency Riverfront, Jacksonville, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Drucker, Jacob and Gomez, Juan Pablo (2014). The Ghost of Aggression": Patterns of interspecific territoriality in congeneric neotropical songbirds over a major rainfall gradient. Natural Science Sessions at Hampshire College, Amherst, MA.