HR: 0800h
AN: ED31A-0082    [Abstracts]
TI: Russian-American Experience in Science Education and Volcanological Research
AU: * Eichelberger, J C
EM: jeichelberger@usgs.gov
AF: US Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Mail Stop 904, Reston, VA 20192, United States
AU: Gordeev, E I
AF: Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Piip 9, Petropavlovsk-Kamcha, 683006, Russian Federation
AU: Vesna, E B
AF: Vitus Bering Kamchatka State University, Piip 9, Petropavlovsk-Kamcha, 683006, Russian Federation
AB: After five years experience in bringing American students to meet and learn with Russian students in Kamchatka and bringing Russian students to meet and learn with American students in Alaska, it is possible to make some generalizations about the problems and benefits this growing program. Some 200 students, including many from other countries besides the United States and Russian Federation, have now had this experience. The context of their collaboration is the International Volcanological Field School, sponsored by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Kamchatka State University, and the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, and also a comparison of Mount St Helens, Bezymianny, and Shiveluch volcanoes under the National Science Foundation's Partnerships in International Research in Education, with important support from the Russian Academy of Sciences, Far East Division. Elements of these two projects are adaptation to unfamiliar, harsh, and remote environments; intensive courses in Russian language, history, geography, and culture; and sharing of research and education experiences among students. The challenges faced by the program are: · Slow and complex visa processes. · Demise of a direct airline connection, necessitating round-the-world travel to go 3000 km. · Adequately communicating to students beforehand the need for physical fitness, mental fortitude in uncomfortable conditions, and patience when bad weather limits mobility. Benefits of the projects have been: · Experiences that students report to be career- and life-changing. · Much more positive perceptions of Russia and Russian people by American students and of America and Americans by Russian students. · Introduction to the "expedition style" volcanology necessary in challenging environments. · Development of long-lasting collaborations and friendships in the context of international science. Students often comment that hearing about what their peers have done or are doing in research at their home institutions was a high point of the experience. We believe that these kinds of experiences for students are essential if high-latitude volcanology is to continue, and that they also contribute to good will and understanding between our respective countries.
DE: 8499 General or miscellaneous
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting