Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The Rural Scholars program aims to benefit both rural communities and students. Students, knowns as Rural Scholars, conduct research on the leading issues and grand challenges facing rural communities in Oklahoma and beyond, receiving firsthand research and service experience. For 10 weeks in the summer, pairs of Rural Scholars will live in the rural community and provide boots-on-the-ground experience for enacting positive change. They will work with community leaders to carry out research projects and provide assistance, support, and solutions for community issues. These research projects span both the natural and social sciences, offering a truly interdisciplinary experience. To prepare for their 10-week experience and research projects,Rural Scholars are trained in community-based research approaches and gather background information on their assigned community.Rural Scholars are mentored by researchers, community leaders, and local Extension educators during their experience. After their 10-week experience, Rural Scholars present their research findings at the annual Rural Renewal Symposium. Rural Scholars are recruited from institutions across the state with a focus on undergraduate institutions with limited research opportunities.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Our long-term goal is to equip rural communities with the necessary support to increase their resiliency and capacity for renewal. The overall goal of this project is to increase the number and diversity of students skilled in rural renewal through research and extension experiences embedded in rural communities. Our objectives are as follows:Promote collaborative ties between students' institutions and create a basis for future cooperative studies.Expand the number and diversity of future professionals in both research and extension by recruiting at least 50% of participants from minority-serving or primarily undergraduate institutionsEmbed students into rural communities through an 11-week research and extension experienceProduce 37 Rural Scholars who can apply natural and social science principles to rural renewal through place-based research in rural Oklahoma
Project Methods
This interdisciplinary REEU combines agriculture science, natural resources, engineering, health, and social sciences. Students will engage in Place-based research and extension projects in rural communities after a week-long training on campus. Students will be mentored by researchers and rural community members alike. Our Rural Scholars program currently operates in three counties - Harmon, Tillman, and Greer. We anticipate expanding to other counties during the REEU program. After the summer experience, Scholars will present their research at the Rural Renewal Symposium. While RRI recently created a successful Rural Scholars program, the proposed project is a necessary next step, allowing us to recruit Scholars from outside of OSU and reach additional communitiesWe will recruit from the State's 44 colleges (21-minority serving) by distributing information to relevant departments, Academic Advisors, student programs such as Student Support Servicesand Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (OK-LSAMP), and other venues. To target underrepresented students, we will present information to groups such as URM student support centers, Native student centers, Hispanic student centers, and MANRRS.We will select Scholars through an application process using a scored point system including academics, community involvement, and other criteria. The PDs will forward applications to FMs based on the Applicant's research interest. FMs will interview candidates to discuss how their interests align with the mentor's. Should a Scholar choose to leave; the PDs will open the spot to other applicants.Cohorts will begin with a one-week Orientation at OSU where they will receive training on community capitals, research methods, data analysis, lab etiquette, and personal conduct expectations. Past Scholars will also share their experiences, including what to expect in the communities and best practices. Community mentors will also receive training on effective and culturally relevant mentoring.Students' projects will vary. Potential research projects include:Improving treatment for diabetes and understanding of disease in rural communitiesIdentify factors contributing to the loss of rural veterinariansFostering shared identity through the understanding of the rural narrativeReducing out migration through youth-adult partnershipsSupport and Empowerment for Black FarmersUplift youth in Oklahoma's Historical All-Black TownMonitoring groundwater quality in private rural wellsAfter the one-week training portion, pairs of students will live in rural communities for 10 weeks of the summer. During the program, we will host virtual weekly brown-bag sessions to create a culture of accountability. Mentors will have formal discussions with Scholars at least weekly and more often as necessary. They will travel to the communities at least twice. These mentors will work together to ensure the Scholars successfully complete the program and conduct significant research. Scholars will also conduct 80 hours of community service each. Potential projects include working at the summer 4H camps, and the community food pantry, developing and executing day camps for youth, painting and reviving dumpsters, park beautification, and developing fact sheets, and social media posts.During the program, students will also be closely integrated into their host county's local Extension efforts. Not only will they have the opportunity to help the Extension Educator with projects and local initiatives, but they may also create youth programming such as day camps on their own. Students will leave with an integrated understanding of the land-grant mission.