9732279 The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is an inspirational place for young scientists to work, and its REU program offers an unrivaled opportunity to expose students to the challenge of original research in fields of biology that they rarely have the opportunity to fully explore at their home institutions. The AMNH program draws in the research and mentoring expertise of the AMNH's outstanding scientific staff, and provides students with a coherent, hands-on introduction to research in the broad areas of systematics and evolutionary biology. In entering into the Museum community, students are offered an extraordinary opportunity to broaden their experience of biological disciplines and participate in the highest caliber research at a premier research institution. AMNH offers comprehensive, interactive educational experience that centers around projects carefully designed to introduce undergraduates to the excitement, challenge, and relevance of systematics and contemporary evolutionary biology. In addition to the core component of hands-on research, students participate in round-table discussions where they discuss their research progress and problems, "show and tell" their latest findings, and thrash-out ideas in an informal and supportive setting. A Species Lecture Series introduces students to eminent museum faculty whose lectures address current debates in systematics and evolutionary theory. At the end of each summer program, students participate in a Student Seminar where they give formal slide-illustrated presentations to a supportive, yet critical, audience of mentors and peers. On leaving the AMNH, students are tracked and, in many cases, supported through their remaining undergraduate, graduate, and even postdoctoral careers.
