Public Abstract
Von Sigler (PI) and Carol Stepien (Co-PI)
Undergraduate Research and Mentoring in Environmental Biology at the Land-Lake Ecosystem Interface
The URM program at the University of Toledo will extensively mentor underrepresented undergraduate student scientists in preparation for future graduate study in environmental biology. Four cohorts of six students will receive financial support to participate in two calendar years of intensive, independent, integrated research and mentoring. Eleven faculty members will serve as mentors in this URM and engage the students in a wide-range of environmental and ecological disciplines focusing on stresses to the land-lake ecosystem interface including (i) toxic algal blooms and exotic species, (ii) declining fish spawning habitat and emerging VHS viral disease, (iii) wetlands and water quality, and (iv) terrestrial impacts on watershed services. URM students will interact in a joint course and seminar curriculum while earning independent research credits. This URM will provide regular interaction with agency and environmental professionals to develop an understanding of the significance and application of their research work, while augmenting our understanding the role of anthropogenic stressors in water quality crises.
