This award provides support to The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) to continue their Research Experiences for Undergraduates SITE for another two years. The program will provide research experience, training and career perspective for undergraduate students through the use of SREL's unique field sites, laboratory facilities, and the association and active involvement in research with full-time research ecologists. Project participants will examine the influence of by-products of nuclear and fossil fuel energy production on selected biological and chemical properties in southeastern ecosystems. SREL faculty members, all actively engaged in research and publication, will be paired with students having compatible research interests. Student projects, while distinct and independent, are portions of ongoing research programs of SREL. The student experience is enhanced by interaction with a programmatic team comprising individuals with a diversity of ecological backgrounds, interests, and ideas. Applicants from minority schools and regional institutions with limited research programs will continue to be actively encouraged, as in previous years. Participant selection is based upon the quality of an application, letters of recommendation and academic record. Through the research training of more than 420 undergraduate participants over the past 23 years, SREL has created a highly successful program of student/advisor interaction. Scientific publications and career development of former participants attest to the success of the program.
