Progress 01/01/19 to 12/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Over the course of the project we trained 33 undergraduate participants in 4 cohorts (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023; 2020 canceled due to COVID19 pandemic). 25 participants were from outside our home institution and 8 from KSU. 19 were male, and 14 were female. 30% of the participants were from under-represented groups. Participants came from many agriculture and biology-focused STEM majors such as biology, biochemistry, plant science, environmental science, entomology, agronomy, plant pathology, soil science, and animal science, plus education and computer science. The participants from outside of Kansas State University (KSU) came from 15 Universities across 12 states. Changes/Problems:The COVID19 pandemic presented major challenges. We canceled the 2020 program. With NIFA Program Manager approval we ran a virtual program in 2021, which went well. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As noted above, participants gained training in technical science, data analysis, science communication, independent work, and teamwork. Graduate students and postdocs received professional development in mentoring. An average of 1.4 graduate students per lab gained mentoring experience. Not all faculty mentors have postdocs, but several faculty reported that 1-2 postdocs in their teams also gained mentoring experience. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Students presented their research findings in a campus-wide REU poster event. Posters were published online through the KSU library: https://krex.k-state.edu/handle/2097/40101. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We surveyed students on their experiences. The results demonstrate we were successful in our training goals. How much did you gain in the following areas as a result of your research/extension experience Scale: 1 = No gain, 2 = A little gain, 3 = Moderate gain, 4 = Good gain, 5 = Great gain Figuring out next steps in a research project - 3.8 Formulating a research question that can be answered with data - 3.8 Understanding the relevance of research to my coursework - 4.1 Confidence in my ability to contribute to science - 4.4 Comfort in discussing scientific concepts with others - 4.1 Comfort in working collaboratively with others - 3.9 Ability to work independently - 4.4 Explaining my project to people outside my field - 3.9 Preparing a scientific poster - 4.2 Conducting observations in the lab, greenhouse, or field - 4.1 Analyzing data for patterns - 3 During your summer experience how much did you... Scale: 1 = None, 2 = A little, 3 = Some, 4 = A fair amount, 5 = A great deal Engage in real-world science?............4.6 Feel responsible for the project?..........4.5 , Feel like a scientist?............................4.8 Feel like part of the scientific community?..........4.2 "Compared to your intentions before participating in this REEU, how likely are you now to?" Scale: 1 = Not more likely, 2 = A little more likely, 3 = Somewhat more likely, 4 = Much more likely, 5 = Extremely more likely Enroll in a PhD program in agricultural and related sciences?......3.2 Enroll in a MS program in agricultural and related sciences?.........3.9 Work in a science lab?.....4.1 Of the 24 participants from our 2019-2022 cohorts, 10 of our REEU alumni are already in graduate programs (5 in programs here at KSU) and 2 reported that they plan to apply to graduate school after a gap year. Several students are still completing their undergraduate degree and indicate they may pursue graduate school. Our REEU alumni reported that our program was a positive influence on career and/or educational choices after leaving the program. Our mentors remain in contact with their mentees and have served as references. (2023 cohort data will be collected as part of post-program metrics)
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
KSU Plant Health REEU Symposium Posters, 2019-2023. https://krex.k-state.edu/handle/2097/40101
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Progress 01/01/22 to 12/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:We trained 12 undergraduates (5 female/7male; 5 from underrepresented groups)during our summer 2022 program. One student was from our home institution (KSU). The rest were from 9 universities across the United States. The program dates were June 1 - July 28 2022. Two graduating seniors have applied to graduate programs here at KSU for fall 2023. We do not yet know the intentions of the others. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As noted in the Target Audience section we trained 12 undergraduates (5 female/7male; 5 from underrepresented groups)during our summer 2022 program. One student was from our home institution (KSU). The rest were from 9 universities across the United States. 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?We are currently planning for our summer 2023 cohort.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We surveyed the participants on their experiences. Ten of the twelve participants responded. The results demonstrate we were successful in our training goals. How much did you gain in the following areas as a result of your research/extension experience? Scale: 1 = No gain, 2 = A little gain, 3 = Moderate gain, 4 = Good gain, 5 = Great gain • Analyzing data for patterns ........3.3 • Figuring out next steps in a research project ..... 3.9 • Formulating a research question that can be answered with data.....4.2 • Identifying limitations of research methods and designs.....4.4 • Understanding the relevance of research to my coursework .....4.5 • Confidence in my ability to contribute to science.....4.4 • Comfort in discussing scientific concepts with others.....4.5 • Comfort in working collaboratively with others....4.4 • Ability to work independently.....4.5 • Developing patience with slow pace of research.....4.1 • Understanding what everyday research work is like ....4.8 • Writing scientific reports or papers.....3.22 • Making oral presentations.....4.22 • Explaining my project to people outside my field.....4.7 • Preparing a scientific poster..... 4.6 • Keeping a detailed lab notebook ....3.75 • Conducting observations in the lab, greenhouse, or field.....4.75 • Using statistics to analyze data.....2.75 • Understanding journal articles......3.8 During your summer 2022 experience how much did you... Scale: 1 = None, 2 = A little, 3 = Some, 4 = A fair amount, 5 = A great deal • Engage in real-world science.....4.7 • Feel like a scientist .....4.7 • Try out new ideas or procedures on your own.....3.2 • Feel responsible for the project.....4.4 • Work extra hours because you were excited about the project.....3.7 • Feel like part of the scientific community.....4.1 Please rate the following: Scale: 1 = Poor, 2 = Fair, 3 = Good, 4 = Excellent • My working relationship with my individual project mentor(s).....3.6 • My working relationships with project group members (ex: grad students or technicians in mentor's lab) .....3.7 • The advice my project mentor provided about career or graduate school.....3.6 The overall experience ..... 3.8 "Compared to your intentions before participating in this REEU, how likely are you now to?" Scale: 1 = Not more likely, 2 = A little more likely, 3 = Somewhat more likely, 4 = Much more likely, 5 = Extremely more likely • Enroll in a PhD program in agricultural and related sciences .....2.9 • Enroll in a MS program in agricultural and related sciences .....3.0 • Enroll in a program to earn a different professional degree...1.5 • Work in a science lab... 4.1 "How satisfied were you with the following aspects of the research program?" Scale: 1 = Very dissatisfied, 2 = Somewhat dissatisfied, 3 = Somewhat satisfied, 4 = Very satisfied • Support and guidance from your individual project mentor(s).....3.8 • Support and guidance from other individual project group members.....3.7 • Financial support .....3.6
Publications
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Progress 01/01/21 to 12/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:We trained four undergraduates in our summer 2021 virtual program. Two have applied for and been accepted into our own graduate program. One is applying for programs. We have not heard back from the fourth. Changes/Problems:We canceled our 2020 program due to the pandemic. For 2021 we received authorization from the program manager to run a virtual program. For 2022 we are planning for in-person. Due to the 2020-2021 difficulties we plan to request a no-cost extension for one-year to finish our objectives. We had initial conversation with the program manager. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As described in Target Audience, we trained 4undergraduates. In addition, graduate students and postdocs gained professional development by assisting the primary faculty mentors in training the students. Therefore, multiple graduate students and postdocs benefited from the experience. 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?We are currently recruiting and placing students for our summer 2022 cohort. We will request a no-cost extension to run a 4th and final cohort in 2023. We had some initial communication with the program manager. COVID19 was highly disruptive.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We surveyed students on their experiences. The results demonstrate we were successful in our training goals. All students responded, but a few of them skipped an occasional question. How much did you gain in the following areas as a result of your research/extension experience Scale: 1 = No gain, 2 = A little gain, 3 = Moderate gain, 4 = Good gain, 5 = Great gain Analyzing data for patterns........3.75 Figuring out next steps in a research project ..... 4.75 Formulating a research question that can be answered with data.....5 Identifying limitations of research methods and designs.....4 Understanding the relevance of research to my coursework .....4.5 Confidence in my ability to contribute to science.....5 Comfort in discussing scientific concepts with others.....4.5 Comfort in working collaboratively with others....4.5 Ability to work independently.....4.5 Developing patience with slow pace of research.....4.25 Understanding what everyday research work is like....3.5 Writing scientific reports or papers.....3.25 Making oral presentations.....3.75 Explaining my project to people outside my field.....3.5 Preparing a scientific poster..... 3 Keeping a detailed lab notebook....3.67 Conducting observations in the lab, greenhouse, or field.....2.67 Using statistics to analyze data.....4 Understanding journal articles......3.25 During your summer 2021 experience how much did you... Scale: 1 = None, 2 = A little, 3 = Some, 4 = A fair amount, 5 = A great deal Engage in real-world science.....4.25 Feel like a scientist.....4.75 Try out new ideas or procedures on your own.....4.5 Feel responsible for the project.....4.75 Work extra hours because you were excited about the project.....4.25 Feel like part of the scientific community.....4.25 Please rate the following: Scale: 1 = Poor, 2 = Fair, 3 = Good, 4 = Excellent My working relationship with my individual project mentor(s).....4 My working relationships with project group members (ex: grad students or technicians in mentor's lab) .....3.75 The advice my project mentor provided about career or graduate school.....3.75 The overall experience.....4 "Compared to your intentions before participating in this REEU, how likely are you now to?" Scale: 1 = Not more likely, 2 = A little more likely, 3 = Somewhat more likely, 4 = Much more likely, 5 = Extremely more likely Enroll in a PhD program in agricultural and related sciences.....4.25 Enroll in a MS program in agricultural and related sciences.....4.75 Enroll in a program to earn a different professional degree (i.e. law, veterinary medicine, etc).....1 Work in a science lab.....4.75 "How satisfied were you with the following aspects of the research program?" Scale: 1 = Very dissatisfied, 2 = Somewhat dissatisfied, 3 = Somewhat satisfied, 4 = Very satisfied Support and guidance from your individual project mentor(s).....4 Support and guidance from other individual project group members.....3.75 Financial support.....3.75
Publications
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Progress 01/01/20 to 12/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Due to the covid19 pandemic we were unable to run our summer 2020 program. We were in contact with our program manager. The pandemic is ongoing, and we have been in touch with our program manager for possible future plans including no-cost extension scenarios. It is still an uncertain situation but we are confident we will accomplish the goals of the grant. Changes/Problems:As mentioned in prior sections - Due to the covid19 pandemic we were unable to run our summer 2020 program. We were in contact with our program manager. The pandemic is ongoing, and we have been in touch with our program manager for possible future plans including no-cost extension scenarios. It is still an uncertain situation but we are confident we will accomplish the goals of the grant. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Due to the covid19 pandemic we were unable to run our summer 2020 program. We were in contact with our program manager. The pandemic is ongoing, and we have been in touch with our program manager for possible future plans including no-cost extension scenarios. It is still an uncertain situation but we are confident we will accomplish the goals of the grant. 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?We are cautiously optimistic about being able to run our summer 2021 program in person. We have launched our application website and are beginning to receive applications. We will stay in contact with our program manager as we monitor the covid19 situation.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Due to the covid19 pandemic we were unable to run our summer 2020 program. We were in contact with our program manager. The pandemic is ongoing, and we have been in touch with our program manager for possible future plans including no-cost extension scenarios. It is still an uncertain situation but we are confident we will accomplish the goals of the grant.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/19 to 12/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:In summer 2019 we trained eight undergraduate participants in the topic areas below. Our cohort included four students from Kansas State University, two from another institution in Kansas, one from Mississippi, and one from Montana. The cohort consisted of 6 females and 2 males. The cohort included 2 underrepresented minorities. One additional male student outside our official cohort benefited by attending group field trips and other activities. Our training goals included: Empower interns with critical thinking and technical skills to complete their individual projects Empower interns with professional skills of working independently, working in teams, communicating science Teach interns about broader perspectives through group sessions on ethics, international agriculture opportunities, and the global food system Teach interns to think creatively about data, through sessions on Food and Agriculture Cyberinformatics and Tools (FACT) components including computer programming, bioinformatics, predictive modeling, data visualization, and multi-scale systems thinking. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As described in Target Audience, we trained 8 undergraduates. In addition, graduate students and postdocs gained professional development by assisting the primary faculty mentors in training the students. Therefore, multiple graduate students and postdocs benefited from the experience. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We released a popular press article about our program here: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2019/06/plant-pathology-NIFA-summer-internships.html In addition, the student interns all presented their research posters in a special symposium. Attendees included faculty, staff, and students from the Departments of Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agronomy, and Horticulture and Natural Resources. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Unfortunately due to the COVID19 pandemic situation we are canceling our REEU summer program for 2020. We contacted Dr. Ray A. Ali, the National Program Leader, about this situation a few days ago and he stated, "Upon review, the performance period is from 01.01.2019 thru 12.31.2022. The expectation is that the referenced project will be reasonably conducted within the originally approved scope and objectives. Given current circumstances, and if necessary, a first no-cost extension can be requested." We will either increase our cohorts in summer 2021 and summer 2022 to reach our original goal or request a no-cost extension and run the program again in summer 2023. We appreciate USDA-NIFA's flexibility.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
As described in the Target Audience section we trained 8 students in summer 2019. At this time, we are aware that 2 of them have been accepted into graduate programs for fall 2020. Another has applied, with decision pending. We will continue with our long-term tracking. We did a detailed pre and post survey of the interns. Survey items are listed below: "How much did you gain in the following areas as a result of your research/extension experience in past nine weeks?" Scale: 1 = No gain, 2 = A little gain, 3 = Moderate gain, 4 = Good gain, 5 = Great gain Topic area Median Score Understanding what everyday research work is like 5.0 Understanding the relevance of research to my coursework 4.5 Figuring out the next step in a research project 4.0 Conducting observations in the lab, greenhouse, or field 5.0 Ability to work independently 5.0 Comfort in working collaboratively with others 4.0 Comfort in discussing scientific concepts with others 4.5 Confidence in my ability to contribute to science 5.0 Preparing a scientific poster 5.0 Explaining my project to people outside my field 4.0 Making oral presentations 4.5 Identifying limitations of research methods and designs 4.0 Formulating a research question that can be answered with data 4.0 Analyzing data for patterns 4.0 Understanding journal articles 4.0 Using statistics to analyze data 4.0 Keeping a detailed lab notebook 3.5 Writing scientific reports or papers 3.5 Developing patience with slow pace of research 3.5 "During your research/extension experience, how much did you:" Scale: 1 = None, 2 = A little, 3 = Some, 4 = A fair amount, 5 = A great deal Topic Median Score Feel like a scientist 4.5 Engage in real-world science research 5.0 Feel part of the scientific community 4.0 Work extra hours because you were excited about the project 4.0 Feel responsible for the project 4.5 Try out new ideas or procedures on your own 4.0 "Please rate the following:" Scale: 1 = Poor, 2 = Fair, 3 = Good, 4 = Excellent Topic Median Score The overall research/extension experience 4 The advice my research/extension mentor provided about career or graduate school 4 My working relationship with research/extension group members 4 My working relationship with my research/extension mentor(s) 4 "Compared to your intentions before participating in this REEU, how likely are you now to?" Scale: 1 = Not more likely, 2 = A little more likely, 3 = Somewhat more likely, 4 = Much more likely, 5 = Extremely more likely Topic Median Score Enroll in a M.S. program in agricultural and related sciences 4.5 Work in a science lab 3.5 Enroll in a Ph.D. program in agricultural and related sciences 3.0 "How satisfied were you with the following aspects of the research program?" Scale: 1 = Very dissatisfied, 2 = Somewhat dissatisfied, 3 = Somewhat satisfied, 4 = Very satisfied Group social activities 3.5 Financial support 4.0 Support and guidance from other research group members 4.0 Support and guidance from your research/extension mentor 4.0
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Student participants produced research posters and presented them in an afternoon symposium. They are archived through the K-State Research Exchange hosted by the KSU Library:
https://krex.k-state.edu/dspace/handle/2097/40101
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