Progress 05/15/16 to 05/14/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience of the Project is the highly diverse undergraduate student body at Northeastern Illinois University, an urban, commuter institution where about half of all students are members of minorities that are underrepresented in agricultural science. The target audience includes Earth Science and Environmental Science majors at Northeastern Illinois University. Changes/Problems:The COVID 19 Pandemic severely impacted the final year of the NEIU MSP program. Potential SELs were cancelled or postponed, recruitment of new students in the final year of the program was negatively impacted, and the ability to connect and support the Scholars in the program was also hampered. It also resulted in the one Scholar (Oceana Chavez), that stopped out of NEIU. An additional problem throughout the Project was having the students select a STEM minor. Many students were resistant to this, due to the extra credit hours and time required to achieve graduation. Despite these challenges, the NEIU MSP has successfully supported a number of students that are currently in graduate training related to agricultural sciences through the lens of Earth Science and Environmental Science. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Throughout the course of the USDA MSP, students were connected through the faculty mentors to support services available on the NEIU campus, including The Student Center for Science Engagement, The Learning Success Center (LSC), The McNair Program (5of the NEIU MSP Scholars were also McNair Scholars), The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. Of the 10 Scholars that either completed the program or were still enrolled at the end of the reporting period, 9 of them attended at least one Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM conference. either as a presenter or as an attendee. Scholars were encouraged to attend professional development sessions and to create networks with peers and potential graduate advisors and employers. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1) Recruiting and selecting five highly-qualified multicultural Scholars; We recruited 13 scholars:7 Earth Science majors and 6 Environmental Science Majors. Objective 2) Supporting Scholars in a rigorous program leading to B.S. degrees in Earth Science or Environmental Science, with a minor in another STEM field; The Information below summarizes each of the scholars in the Project, including an identifier (e.g. Scholar A, B, C, etc.), that is used throughout this section Scholar A (URM) Major: Environmental Science Minor: Mathematics Project Participation Dates: Fall 2020 - Spring 2021 Status: Enrolled at NEIU Total Scholarship Funds Received: $7,050 Total Credit Hours Supported: 24 Cumulative GPA at end of Project Participation or Graduation: 3.44 Scholar B Major: Environmental Science Minor: N/A Project Participation Dates:Spring 2020 - Spring 2021 Status: Enrolled as an Undergradauate at NEIU Total Scholarship Funds Received: $10,575 Total Credit Hours Supported: 45 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 3.94 Scholar C (URM) Major: Earth Science Minor: N/A Project Participation Dates: Fall 2018 - Spring 2021 Status: Graduated, Spring 2021 Total Scholarship Funds Received: $20,269 Total Credit Hours Supported: 82 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 3.18 Scholar D (URM) Major: Earth Science Minor: N/A Project Participation Dates: Fall 2018 - Spring 2020 Status: Gradauted, Spring 2020 Total Scholarship Funds Received: $14,100 Total Credit Hours Supported: 66 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 3.78 Scholar E (URM) Major: Environmental Science Minor: N/A Project Participation Dates: Fall 2018 - Spring 2020 Status: Graduated, Spring 2020 Total Scholarship Funds Received: $14,100 Total Credit Hours Supported: 53 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 3.42 Scholar F (URM) Major: Earth Science Minor: Biology Project Participation Dates: Spring 2019 - Summer 2019 Status: Graduated, Summer 2019 Total Scholarship Funds Received: $4,880 Total Credit Hours Supported: 18 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 2.86 Scholar G (URM) Major: Environmental Science Minor: Earth Science Project Participation Dates: Spring 2019 Status: Graduated, Spring 2019 Total Scholarship Funds Received: $2,713 Total Credit Hours Supported: 8 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 3.03 Scholar H (URM) Major: Environmental Science Minor: Biology Project Participation Dates: Spring 2017 - Spring 2020 Status: Graduated, Spring 2020 Total Scholarship Funds Received: $24,675 Total Credit Hours Supported: 99 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 3.76 Scholar I Major: Environmental Science Minor: Chemistry Project Participation Dates: Spring 2017 - Fall 2018 Status: Graduated, Fall 2018 Total Scholarship Funds Received: $10,575 Total Credit Hours Supported: 51 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 4.00 Scholar J (URM) Major: Earth Science Minor: N/A Project Participation Dates:Spring 2017 - Fall 2017 Status: Graduated, Fall 2017 Total Scholarship Funds Received: $2,438 Total Credit Hours Supported: 8 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 3.26 Scholar K (URM) Major: Environmental Studies Minor: N/A Project Participation Dates: Spring 2017 - Fall 2017 Status: Opted for a non-STEM major in Fall 2017, left the program Total Scholarship Funds Received: $2,167 Total Credit Hours Supported: 8 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 2.73 Scholar L (URM) Major: Environmental Science Minor: N/A Project Participation Dates: Spring 2020 Status:Transferred to another institution in Summer 2020 Total Scholarship Funds Received: $3,525 Total Credit Hours Supported:16 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 2.84 Scholar M (URM) Major: Earth Science Minor: N/A Project Participation Dates: Spring 2020 - Fall 2020 Status: Stopped out of 2020 during COVID19 pandemic Total Scholarship Funds Received: $7.050 Total Credit Hours Supported: 8 Cumulative GPA at the end of Project Participation or Graduation: 2.51 Objective 3) Engaging the Scholars in Special Experiential Learning (SEL) opportunities at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory (NSERL); Using the indentifiers under objective 2, the information below summarizes the Special Experiential Learning experiences of the Scholars.5 of the scholars completed SELs at the USDA-ARS NSERL. External opportunites were reviewed by the Project faculty and deemed to be appropriate to the mission and goals of the NEIU MSP Program. Scholar A SEL Location: Michigan State University, Summer Research Opportunities Program Year of SEL: 2021 Funding Source: External Scholar B SEL Location: USDA Forest Service, Michigan Year of SEL: 2020 Funding Source: NEIU USDA MSP Scholar C SEL Location: USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory Year of SEL: 2019 Funding Source: NEIU USDA MSP Scholar D SEL Location: Michigan State University, Summer Research Opportunities Program Year of SEL: 2019 Funding Source: External Scholar E SEL Location: Northwestern University, Summer Research Opportunities Program Year of SEL: 2019 Funding Source: External Scholar F SEL Location: USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory Year of SEL: 2019 Funding Source: NEIU USDA MSP Scholar G SEL Location: USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory Year of SEL: 2018 Funding Source: NEIU USDA MSP Scholar H SEL Location: USDA-funded WE-CAN program through land-grant University of Illinois Year of SEL: 2018 Funding Source: External Scholar I SEL Location: USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory Year of SEL: 2018 Funding Source: NEIU USDA MSP Scholar J SEL Location: USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory Year of SEL: 2017 Funding Source: External (Earlier USDA Grant awarded to NEIU) Scholar M - Cancelled due to COVID19 Pandemic SEL Location: USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory Year of SEL: 2020 Funding Source: NEIU USDA MSP Objective 4) Assisting Scholars in advancing to graduate school or positions in USDA-related careers. Continuning with the identifiers used above, the information below summarizes how the Scholars have advanced in their careers post-graduation from NEIU. Of the 8 students that have graduated, 7 of them have gone onto graduate school. Scholar C Current Status: Ph.D. Student in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Michigan State University Scholar D Current Status: Ph.D. Student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University Scholar E Current Status: Ph.D. Student in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Michigan State University Scholar F Current Status: M.S. Student in Business Analytics, University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley Scholar G Current Status: Field Systems Operator, Mandli Communicatiions Scholar H Current Status: M.S. Student in Crop Sciences, Univeristy of Illinos at Urbana Champaign Scholar I Current Status: Dual M.P.A - M.S.E.S Student in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University Scholar J Current Status: M.S. Student in the Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado at Boulder Scholars were supported in their post-baccaluareate endeavors by their faculty mentors, and through connections to the NEIU Student Center for Science Engagement, which provides all STEM students services including professional development workshops and webinars on topics such as applying for internships, preparing for graduate school and careers; guidance on SELs; support to attend and present research at scientific conferences; assistance with graduate school exploration and application; introduction to professional opportunities and guest speakers discussing exciting career possibilities.
Publications
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Progress 05/15/19 to 05/14/20
Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting period, we recruited a total of 3scholars. All of the scholars were either Earth Science or Environmental Science majors at Northeastern Illinois University. Two of the scholars were members of traditionally underrepresented groups. For recruiting purposes, we reached out to qualified students in the Environmental Science and Earth Science Programs at NEIU. Changes/Problems:Due to restrictions implemented near the end of the reporting period related to the COVID19 pandemic, we were not able to concretely identify SELs for the upcoming reporting period. It is not clear how these restrictions will impact our activities in the upcoming reporting period. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the reportign period, students were connected through the faculty mentors to support services available on the NEIU campus, including The Student Center for Science Engagement, The Learning Success Center (LSC), The McNair Program,The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. These offices all offer various professional development opportunities for students. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A webpage was created for the program, and there were various internal announcements that highlighted the acheivements of the scholars in the program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1) Continue to recruit qualified students for the program 2) Provide supports for current students to succesfully complete their degrees, prepare for their SELs, and to indentify postbaccalureate opportunities. 3) Coordinate with the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory for future SEL opportunities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) Recruiting and selecting five highly-qualified multicultural Scholars; During the reporting period, we recruited an additional 3 scholars to the program. Each of the scholars submitted an application that was reviewed by the faculty mentors and were accepted into the program. Two of the three scholars were members of traditionallly underrepresented groups in STEM and in the agricultural sciences. 2) Supporting Scholars in a rigorous program leading to B.S. degrees in Earth Science or Environmental Science, with a minor in another STEM field; All of the scholars in the program continued to meet regularly with the faculty mentors to review their progress toward degree, and to plan for future courses and extracurricular activities, such as internships and post-graduation plans. During the reporting period, 3 scholars graduated from NEIU, two in Environmental Science and one in Earth Science 3) Engaging the Scholars in Special Experiential Learning (SEL) opportunities at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory (NSERL); During the reporting period, 4scholars completed their SEL opportunities. Two of these SELs were at the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory. The remaining two were completed through the Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), hosted at universities in the mid-west. One of the student completed their SEL at Michigan State University, and the other at Northwestern University. If scholars approached the faculty mentors with a potential external opportunity, those opportunities were reviewed and evaluated on whether they would fit with the goals of teh NEIU MSP Program. Upon reviewing these two opportunities, it was determined that these fit within the goals of the program and that they were aligned with the student goals and progress. We continued to work with the other scholars to prepare them for their SELs by researching opportunities, providing support and guidance on coursework necessary to prepare, and on their general research and laboratory skiils. We also maintained close communication with our colleagues at the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory to plan for the next round of SELs. 4) Assisting Scholars in advancing to graduate school or positions in USDA-related careers. Scholars were supported in their post-baccaluareate endeavors by their faculty mentors, and through connections to the NEIU Student Center for Science Engagement, which provides all STEM students services including professional development workshops and webinars on topics such as applying for internships, preparing for graduate school and careers; guidance on SELs; support to attend and present research at scientific conferences; assistance with graduate school exploration and application; introduction to professional opportunities and guest speakers discussing exciting career possibilities. During the reporting period, three scholars graduated, and all of them entered graduate programs related to their SELs with the NEIU MSP program. scholars graduated. The graduates of the NEIU MSP enrolled at: A Doctoral Program at Northwestern University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering A Doctoral Program atNorthwestern University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering A Masters Program in Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
A. Saavedra, J.M. Gonzalez, and L. Sanders, 2019, Evaluating Atrazine Sorption by Char-Like Material, Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, 22-25 September, Phoenix, Arizona, 2019
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Progress 05/15/18 to 05/14/19
Outputs
Target Audience:During the reporting period, we recruited a total of 5 scholars. All of the scholars were either Earth Science or Environmental Science majors at Northeastern Illinois University. All of the scholars were members of traditionally underrepresented groups. Changes/Problems:Although we had originally envisioned supporting 5 scholars throughout their time at NEIU, it became apparent early on that students would leave NEIU or the program. Due to this, we shifted our recruiting strategy to identify students anywhere in the progress toward their degrees. Using this approach, we have been able to keep a cohort of scholars that we are able to support in the goals of the USDA MSP. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the reportign period, students were connected through the faculty mentors to support services available on the NEIU campus, including The Student Center for Science Engagement, The Learning Success Center (LSC), The McNair Program (5 of the NEIU MSP Scholars were also McNair Scholars), The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. These offices all offer various professional development opportunities for students. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A webpage was created for the program, and there were various internal announcements that highlighted the acheivements of the scholars in the program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1) Continue to recruit qualified students for the program 2) Provide supports for current students to succesfully complete their degrees, prepare for their SELs, and to indentify post-baccalureate opportunities. 3) Coordinate with the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory for future SEL opportunities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) Recruiting and selecting five highly-qualified multicultural Scholars; During the reporting period, we recruited an additional 5 scholars to the program. Each of the scholars submitted an application that was reviewed by the faculty mentors and were accepted into the program. All 5 of the scholars were members of traditionallly underrepresented groups in STEM and in the agricultural sciences. 2) Supporting Scholars in a rigorous program leading to B.S. degrees in Earth Science or Environmental Science, with a minor in another STEM field; All of the scholars in the program continued to meet regularly with the faculty mentors to review their progress toward degree, and to plan for future courses and extracurricular activities, such as internships and post-graduation plans. During the reporting period, 2 scholars graduated from NEIU, both with degrees in Environmental Science. 3) Engaging the Scholars in Special Experiential Learning (SEL) opportunities at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory (NSERL); During the reporting period, 3 scholars completed their SEL opportunities. Two of these SELs were at the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory, and the third was at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign through the USDA fudned WE-CAN Prorgam. One of these SELs resulted in a student led presentation at the 2018 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting (see products). We continued to work with the other scholars to prepare them for their SELs by researching opportunities, providing support and guidance on coursework necessary to prepare, and on their general research and laboratory skiils. We also maintained close communication with our colleagues at the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory to plan for the next round of SELs. 4) Assisting Scholars in advancing to graduate school or positions in USDA-related careers. Scholars were supported in their post-baccaluareate endeavors by their faculty mentors, and through connections to the NEIU Student Center for Science Engagement, which provides all STEM students services including professional development workshops and webinars on topics such as applying for internships, preparing for graduate school and careers; guidance on SELs; support to attend and present research at scientific conferences; assistance with graduate school exploration and application; introduction to professional opportunities and guest speakers discussing exciting career possibilities. During the reporting period, two scholars graduated. One of them was accepted to theIndiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, in a dual MPA-MSES program. The other began employment as a Laboratory Analyst and Water Treatment Operator with Belize Water Services Ltd.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
L.Murphy, J.M. Gonzalez, L.Sanders, J.Hemzacek, and K. Voglesonger 2018, Estimating Atrazine Removal and Degradation by Activated Carbon Cloth, American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, Washington D.C., 10 -1 4 December 2018.
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Progress 05/15/17 to 05/14/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience of the Project is the highly diverse undergraduate student body at Northeastern Illinois University, an urban, commuter institution where about half of all students are members of minorities that are underrepresented in agricultural science. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As our Timeline indicates, we will continue to recruit and select new Scholars and will begin meeting with them to introduce them to the program, their responsibilities, and our expectations. We will continue to advise the current Scholars and coach them through their next academic semesters. We also will help them find and apply for appropriate summer research experiences and begin working with them to explore careers and graduate school opportunities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1) Recruiting and selecting five highly-qualified multicultural Scholars; In accordance with our timeline, we recruited and selected the following Scholars this year: Mariah Green, Rashanda Elijio, Patricia Leon, and Lynnette Murphy. Objective 2) Supporting Scholars in a rigorous program leading to B.S. degrees in Earth Science or Environmental Science, with a minor in another STEM field; Mariah is an Earth Science major, while Rashanda, Patricia, and Lynnette are Environmental Science majors. 3) Engaging the Scholars in Special Experiential Learning (SEL) opportunities at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory (NSERL); Mariah came to the MSP program having already participated in three separate summer research activities: One was at NEIU, sponsored by an HSI Education Grant program. Another was at the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory, and the third was a Stanford Univrsity REU. She has now graduated and is seeking acceptance into a graduate program in geology. Rashanda Elijio participated in a summer research internship at the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory. Patricia participated in the second year of a two-year summer research program at the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, our state Land Grant university. The highly competitive program, called Wildlife Engineers Co-managing Agriculture and Nature (WE CAN), "bridges the gap between biology and engineering to solve contemporary issues arising at the interface of agriculture and wildlife." Lynnette completed a summer research experience at the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory. Based on the work she completed at the NSERL, she and her scientist mentor presented a paper at the American Geophysical Union meeting in Washington, DC. Lynnette graduated in December 2018 and has been accepted into a graduate program at Duke University. Objective 4) Assisting Scholars in advancing to graduate school or positions in USDA-related careers. Our Scholars are not yet ready to apply for grad programs. We have begun their professional preparation by working with them on resumes and personal statements.
Publications
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Progress 05/15/16 to 05/14/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience of the Project is the highly diverse undergraduate student body at Northeastern Illinois University, an urban, commuter institution where about half of all students are members of minorities that are underrepresented in agricultural science. Changes/Problems:One Scholar unexpectedly dropped to part-time academic status as a result of personal issues. We expected the Scholars to enroll full-time. We have advised the student of our expectations and are helping him figure out how to negotiate the pressures on him. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As our Timeline indicates, we will recruit and select two newScholars and will begin meeting with them to introduce them to the program, their responsibilities, and our expectations. We will continue to advise the current Scholars and coach them through their next academic semesters. We also will help them find and apply for appropriate summer research experiences.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1) Recruiting and selecting five highly-qualified multicultural Scholars; In accordance with our timeline, we recruited and selected three Scholars this year: Patricia Leon, Lynnette Murphy, and Daniel Vazquez. Objective 2) Supporting Scholars in a rigorous program leading to B.S. degrees in Earth Science or Environmental Science, with a minor in another STEM field; Patricia is majoring in Environmental Science, with a minor in Biology. Her GPA in the grant-supported period was 3.53 (17 hours completed), maintaining her overall GPA of 3.54. She is currently being supported by the grant for 15 semester hours. Lynnette is majoring in Environmental Science, with a minor in Chemistry. Her GPA in the grant-supported period was 4.00 (15 hours completed), maintaining her overall GPA of 4.00. She is currently being supported by the grant for 16 hours. Daniel is majoring in Environmental Science, with a minor in Biology. His GPA during the grant-supported period was 4.0 (four hours completed), bringing his overall GPA up from 2.27 to 2.73. He is currently being supported by the grant for four hours. Daniel's status was only part time this fall, and we have encouraged him to increase his hours to full-time status for the Spring 2018 semester. Objective 3) Engaging the Scholars in Special Experiential Learning (SEL) opportunities at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory (NSERL); Patricia was accepted to and completed a summer research program at the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, our state Land Grant university. The highly competitive program, called Wildlife Engineers Co-managing Agriculture and Nature (WE CAN), "bridges the gap between biology and engineering to solve contemporary issues arising at the interface of agriculture and wildlife." Lynnette completed a summer research experience at NASA. She plans to complete an agriculture-related SEL in Summer 2018. Daniel is not yet ready for a summer SEL, but plans to complete one in Summer 2019. Objective 4) Assisting Scholars in advancing to graduate school or positions in USDA-related careers. Our Scholars are not yet ready to apply for grad programs. We have begun their professional preparation by working with them on resumes and personal statements.
Publications
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