Preparing Students from a 21 st Century Demographic for the Geoscience Workforce Diane Doser and Aaron Velasco, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) ED12A-03

Challenges UTEP is commuter campus (40% part-time) 83% undergrads from El Paso County 76% Hispanic ~50% first in their family to attend college Relevance of geoscience to community

Some solutions? Annual student research colloquium Pathways program (high school to graduate school) Curriculum design

Student Research Colloquium Celebrating our 25 th year in 2011! Modeled after professional meeting, student run Students at all levels involved Students produce abstract volume, organize field trip, etc. Industry support covers major costs, professionals serve as judges

Poster presentation Oral presentation

Positive Outcomes Prepares students! Alumni surveys rate colloquium a highlight of their UTEP experience Maintains strong industry connections Recruiting tool (both by Department and industry) Feedback used for program assessment

Pathways to the Geosciences Two pronged approach: Two week summer field experience (paid) for high school students and teachers, learning is hands on and field based Undergraduate mentoring (as group and one-on-one) and paid research experience Support from NSF and Shell

Classroom demonstrations - seismology Field activities – sediment sampling in Rio Grande

Outcomes High school students and teachers learn about career opportunities in the geosciences (few students study earth science topics after 8 th grade) Undergraduates write resumes, learn how to conduct research, write progress reports, attend meetings, make presentations

Curriculum Development – Senior Seminar in Environmental Science Career exploration (resumes, visits) Communication of science to the public (service learning activity) Semester project to write environmental assessment – professionals assist with organization and writing, judge oral presentation

Earth Science Week Wind power Biofuels, hydro power

Outcomes Interaction with professionals helps students see relevance of course work Service learning challenges students to communicate science to everyone Development of oral and written communication skills

Future Improvements More collaboration with local 2 year college and early college high schools Funding – industry sponsors, college office of undegraduate research Need for business skills