1. The Spectrum of Student Research in the Geosciences: MtSAC Becca Walker and Mark Boryta Earth Sciences and Astronomy Mount San Antonio College mboryta@mtsac.edu

2. Who is Mt. SAC? MtSAC: Suburban Los Angeles County 35,000+ students on a single campus 16 feeder High Schools Hispanic Serving Institution Many first-generation college students Earth Sciences and Astronomy: 5.5 full-time Geologists, 3.5 Astronomers Strong commitment to Field Experiences Extensive facilities amenable to research projects Standard geology equipment: Rock Saw, Microscopes Planetarium Observing Dome/Platform

3. Range of Student Engagement with Research Beyond classroom/lab activities, research is done in “Special Projects” courses (e.g., ASTR 99, GEOL 99), worth up to 2 credits per semester “In-House” opportunities with MtSAC faculty as mentors Off-campus opportunities through internships at the Jet Propulsion Lab

4. Research in Astronomy Internal projects: Planetarium Show Programming (not research, but valuable for ASTR majors) Discovering Asteroids and Comets Laboratory Analysis of Low Phase Angle Reflectance External projects Collaboration involving Summer Research/Observing with UC-San Bernardino Semester-long Internships at Jet Propulsion Lab (SIRI program)

5. Research in the Geosciences Low-Budget Geology Program Started from presentations by other NAGT members regarding students’ difficulties with working in the field Collaborative Research Project: Streambed Analysis Students look at size and shape variations along the length of a stream Ideally run as a 3-semester GEOL 99: 1 st semester students learn field methods (mapping, use of Brunton compass) and propose (and defend!) methods of measurement and data collection 2 nd semester students mentor 1 st semester students, conduct lab analyses, prepare and present work at meetings (SCCUR, GSA, AGU) 3 rd semester students conduct library research, prepare discussion sections for posters Many students ask to be selected for the project!

6. Recent Changes Present Challenges, Hope CA Legislators decided that students may no longer repeat a course in which they have been successful Generally, 2YC support for research is lacking No money for equipment, student expenses/travel, instructor stipend/load But administrators LOVE what we’re doing for the prestige it brings How do we get students out into the field? May not have vehicles, gear Budget upturn means a new field vehicle, replacement of old equipment Department has been building a supply closet (tents, stoves, etc.)

7. Benefits to Students Students who have completed one or more of these projects have been accepted for transfer for 4YCs report increased motivation to continue pursuing their degree including completing their requisite courses in physics, chemistry, and math become more confident and improved their self-esteem gained skills in presenting their work and have published abstracts on their resumes