SEEDS » Component Programs » Chapters » Chapter Directory » University of Kansas
"KU SEEDS" » Lawrence, Kansas
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The purpose of our chapter is to enhance the experiences of ecology students from underrepresented populations at the University of Kansas. We will do this by providing these students with interesting scientific activities (e.g. field trips), research opportunities, and professional mentoring and network training. Our hope will be to increase the number of students from underrepresented populations that enter ecological fields and/or that attend graduate school for ecology training through our efforts. |
Plans for 2009-2010
- Ourlocal chapter will conduct five major activities:
First, we will hold monthly meetings where students will meet to discuss a variety of topics such as applying to graduate school, searching the ecological literature, balancing life and science, and understanding the ethics of science. These monthly meetings will also provide the opportunity for SEEDS students to interact and support each other. - Second, we will host an invited ecological speaker that will be chosen by the students and whose visit will be coordinated by them.
- Third, we will conduct field trips to local sites of interest (e.g. fossil hunting, tallgrass prairie, wetlands) that are abundant in Kansas.
- Fourth, we will organize a program that will allow SEEDS students to visit local middle schools in Lawrence and Topeka, KS to discuss career options in the ecological sciences. During these visits, SEEDS students will also conduct scientific experiments and will engage the class in a variety of ecological concepts. This will be particularly effective for allowing middle school students from underrepresented populations to visualize themselves as being leaders in ecological professions. Thus, SEEDS students will serve as mentors for younger students, in addition to receiving mentoring through this program.
- Finally, we will host a spring banquet, where I will recognize outgoing seniors, along with exemplary academic, professional, and personal achievements made by students at all levels. Along with these local activities, I will also accompany one student to the ESA meeting each year, which will be funded through my CAREER award (preference will be given to juniors interested in attending graduate school).
Activities of 2008-2009
- New chapter as of June 2009
Faculty Advisors
- Joy Ward
