This award will support the participation of nine undergraduate students in the 12 week REU Sites program at Harvard Forest. Since 1985 the Harvard Forest has conducted an exciting Summer Research program in Ecology dedicated to providing undergraduate students with independent research experience and to promoting career development in ecology. This very effective program consists of advertisement and recruitment; selection of diverse and productive students; advance preparation; individual mentorship within research groups comprised of faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows; weekly seminars and discussion groups on science, careers, graduate studies, and ethics; field trips and recreational opportunities; an annual student symposium; program questionnaire and discussion; and follow- up including publication, professional presentation, and thesis development. The Harvard Forest is the base for an NSF-Long term Ecological Research Program, DOE-National Institutes of Global Change Program, and related studies involving 75 researchers. The central research theme is the comparison of natural disturbance with recent direct (e.g. land-use) and indirect (e.g. Chemical and climatic) human impacts, in terms of forest structure and function. The Harvard Forest is exceptionally well-equipped with field, laboratory, and housing facilities for an REU Sites program. Students are supervised in their independent study by a mentor and the program is coordinated by Harvard Forest staff, including the Director, Administrator, Forest Manager, Museum Coordinator, Computer Manager, and Data Manager. Participants are recruited with a strong emphasis on geographic coverage and participation of women, minorities, and small colleges. This award will foster the continued education and training of individuals who will be part of the next generation of basic researchers in the forest ecology. It will also help to produce citizens informed about various aspect s of environmental sciences and management and decision making in environmental issues.
