9322302 Weidner This award provides funds to continue a successful REU Site at Furman University for another year. The proposed program will provide a stimulating biological research experience for twelve talented students recruited from Furman University and smaller, less research-oriented colleges in South Carolina. The program is especially aimed at women, minority students, and persons with disabilities; and such individuals will make up the majority of the participants. Approximately half of the students will be rising seniors and half will be rising sophomores. Approximately six research groups will be formed, with the majority of groups consisting of a senior, a sophomore, and a faculty research director. Research areas range from ecology to molecular biology. The The goal of the program his to support productive, publishable research involving undergraduates, with a special focus on promising younger students. The program builds on a strong tradition of undergraduate research in a liberal arts environment at Furman University and a successful NSF/REU program over the past two summers. ***
