This award provides funds to the Department of Environmental, Population and Organismic Biology at the University of Colorado at Bolder to continue their successful Research Experience for Undergraduates SITE in ecology, behavior and evolution. The program provides undergraduates contemplating a career in the biological sciences with: 1) an introduction to current research in the areas of soil ecology, plant and insect ecology and evolution, plant physiology and behavioral ecology; 2) the opportunity to conduct original research in a supportive, interactive environment; 3) instruction in the planning, execution, and interpretation of research in the areas of ecology, evolution and behavior. All participating students will attend a course that will introduce them to the fields of ecology, evolution and behavior, aid in planning and executing an original research project, give them an introduction to statistical analysis, and provide information on applying to graduate school. They will also present the results of their research in a short seminar at the end of the summer. Students will work with faculty members on their projects, and will also be able to interact with other students and post-docs in their laboratories.
