HR: 1330h
AN: ED12A-0118    [PDF]
TI: BRIE: The Penn State Biogeochemical Research Initiative for Education
AU: * Freeman, K H
EM: kate@essc.psu.edu
AF: Dept of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 United States
AU: Brantley, S L
EM: brantley@essc.psu.edu
AF: Dept of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 United States
AU: Brenchley, J
EM: jeb7@psu.edu
AF: Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 United States
AB: Few scientists are prepared to address the interdisciplinary challenges of biogeochemical research due to disciplinary differences in vocabulary, technique, and scientific paradigm. Thus scientists and engineers trained in traditional disciplines bring a restricted view to the study of environmental systems, which can limit their ability to exploit new techniques and opportunities for scientific advancement. Although the literature is effusive with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary approaches to biogeochemistry, there remains the basic difficulty of cross-training geological and biological scientists. The NSF-IGERT funded Biogeochemical Research Initiative for Education (BRIE) program at Penn State is specifically designed to break down both disciplinary and institutional barriers and it has fostered cross-disciplinary collaboration and training since 1999. Students and faculty are drawn from environmental engineering, geochemistry, soil science, chemistry and microbiology, and the program is regarded on the Penn State campus as a successful example of how interdisciplinary science can best be promoted. There are currently 23 Ph.D. students funded by the program, with an additional 7 affiliated students. At present, a total of 6 students have completed doctoral degrees, and they have done so within normal timeframes. The program is "discipline-plus," whereby students enroll in traditional disciplinary degree programs, and undertake broad training via 12 credits of graduate coursework in other departments. Students are co-advised by faculty from different disciplines, and engage in interdisciplinary research facilitated by research "credit cards." Funding is available for international research experiences, travel to meetings, and other opportunities for professional development. Students help institutionalize interdisciplinary training by designing and conducting a teaching module that shares their expertise with a class in another department or discipline. Community building through social activities and scientific forums is a priority in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition, entering Ph.D. students build cohort identity by taking a course that introduces them to BRIE faculty and research facilities through hands-on laboratory and field-based research activities. The BRIE undergraduate summer internship program has provided interdisciplinary research opportunities for a total of 35 students over the past five summers. This program aims to recruit students to the Ph.D. program, and at present, two Ph.D. students have entered this way. Our efforts have focused on attracting students from under-represented groups. Diversity in this program has been above national norms: and summer students have include 10 (29 %) African-American or Hispanic-American students, and 25 (over 70 %) females. The Ph.D. students and graduates are 50% female, with three students from minority populations.
UR: http://www.essc.psu.edu/BRIE
DE: 0400 Biogeosciences
DE: 1000 GEOCHEMISTRY (New field, replaces Rock Chemistry)
DE: 1615 Biogeochemical processes (4805)
DE: 6605 Education
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting