Workshops, Seminars, Field Trips may include the following:

Fellows will participate in a series of workshops designed to provide professional development and training that will equip students with the tools necessary for scientific research. Examples of workshops are listed below:

Experimental Design and Data Analysis - Brief overview followed by group activities (flipped-classroom approach) where student will make observations, generate hypotheses, develop appropriate experimental designs, and analyze sample datasets. 

An Introduction to Scholarly Literature and Library Search Techniques - The instructional goals of this hands-on workshop will be to teach students how to search for scientific literature and to critically evaluate the quality of published research. 

Research and Funding Opportunities for Undergraduates in Science - An interactive training session on how to search, target, and maximize the students chances of securing research opportunities and research funding at the undergraduate level. 

Scientific Communication: A Guide to Preparing Posters and Oral Presentations - A hands-on workshop which will provide examples, templates, and exercises that will allow students to start preparing materials for the Research Symposium.

Responsible Conducts of Research: a tutorial on awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research. 

Seminars

Fellows will attend a series of seminars which will be offered throughout the summer program to complement student research experiences. Participants will be exposed to research being conducted outside their specific focus area and will obtain information on potential opportunities and careers in science. Examples of seminars are listed below:

From REU to Profession: Pathway to Careers in STEM - a casual lecture detailing how an experience in the REU program led to a career in research and the diverse STEM Professions. 

So you're thinking about graduate school? - a hands-on, interactive seminar offering advice on how to search, identify, and successfully apply to graduate programs in the STEM fields. 

Sustainable Practices in the Southeaster Coastal Plain - a lecture providing examples of sustainability initiatives in the southeast region and future initiatives that include careers in sustainable development and infrastructure. This lecture will be followed by a regional field trip (Sustainability in Action the Southeastern Coastal Plain) stopping at a solar array, a sustainable housing development in Savannah, and a sustainable agriculture site. 

Guest Seminars - Invited guest speaker from Georgia Southern or institutions in the region will be invited to present a lecture detailing aspects of their research program and graduate opportunities in their laboratory.

Extracurricular Activities

Fellows will participate in a series of field trips and excursions designed to provide participating students with additional exposure to the diverse ecosystems of the Atlantic Coastal Plain region. These excursions may include visits to research stations and institutes in the region, such as:

• NSF Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER on Sapelo Island

• Skidaway Institute of Oceanography

• Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve

• Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

• Paddle trips with the Ogeechee Riverkeeper

Professional Development

In addition to workshops, seminars, and field trips, participants will be able to attend professional development activities in collaboration with the existing REU Programs in Chemistry at Georgia Southern University (CollaborativE Multidisciplinary Investigations Through Undergraduate Research Experiences; CEMITURE) and in Marine Sciences at Savannah State University (Bridge to Research in Marine Sciences). Professional development activities may include:

• Scientific Writing and Communications (e.g., developing oral and poster presentations)

• Career Services Workshops

• Every Day Ethics and Values Seminar (i.e., ethics and leadership in the scientific community and the global society)

Video-Research Journal

Fellows will participate in the development of a video-research journal or video blogs to capture their transition through the program phases and highlight their summer research activities. Videos will be posted in the program's website and social media outlets.