1. My Goals of Early Research Experiences: Challenge top students without losing general education students Maintain my own connection to current research Research Across a Spectrum: 1) Within course curriculum 2) On-campus internships 3) Off-campus internships Local Distant Allison Beauregard Northwest Florida State College

2. Research in the Classroom Course focused on water quality research project throughout semester Includes 3 field trips to local estuary “Floating classroom” End of semester student presentations Student gains based on pre/post tests More accepting of technology Increased confidence in science ability Significant knowledge gains of course content compared to control group

3. On Campus Research Internships Focused on local water quality and Red Tide outbreaks Students contribute to on-going research project Occurs during semester – students work ~5 hrs/week Collaborate with local 4YC – tiered mentoring 27 interns over 8 years! (phew!)

4. Off Campus Research Internships Local Off Campus Internships Environmental Internship course Students paired with local mentor to conduct “own” research project Students work ~ 5hrs/week for one semester Monthly class meetings on job ready skill-building

5. Off Campus Research Internships Distant Off Campus Internships Broader impacts part of NSF research grant Focused on hydrothermal vent research Intensive, 10 week, summer internship Students conduct “own” research project

6. Challenges Assessment - internship experience due to small sample size and outcomes that are hard to quantify Conveying importance of experiences to non-science administration (high cost and low student numbers) Advice & Lessons Learned Talk to your students about their experiences – they have a lot to say if you think to ask Everyone has contacts – use them! Be creative with ways to showcase your students’ success – host student seminars; invite college administrators on field trips; etc.

7. Acknowledgements Dr. Matthew Schwartz, University of West Florida Dr. Julie Huber, Marine Biological Laboratory NSF Advanced Technological Education DUE-0902898 (Beauregard) DUE-0902897 (Schwartz) NSF Biological Oceanography OCE-0929167