The PRIME ProgramPromoting Research Investigations in the Marine

Environment

Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon,

Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University

Shannon Point Marine Center, Western Washington University

Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawaii

A Summer Internship Program Based at Marine Laboratories for Community College Students

2008 – 2014 74 students from 26 community colleges

47 scientist mentors

Jan Hodder

Jude Apple

Coral Gehrke

OCE-0731338

www.coseepacificpartnerships.org/

PRIME was designed to give community college students the opportunity to develop research through hands-on experience working with marine scientists.

Eight weeksStipend Housing at marine labStructured research with mentorParticipation in marine lab activitiesPRIME program activities

PRIME student conducting research in the lab

PRIME student conducting research in the field

HOW PRIME WORKS – LESSONS LEARNEDBEFORE STUDENTS ARRIVE

1. Recruitment and preparation of scientists, expectations and discussion of project ideas - Emphasize the need to experience the “process of science”, not just a tech position

2. Advertisement of PRIME opportunity via personal contacts and list serves that target 2YC faculty

3. Recruitment of students - importance of faculty at community colleges

PRIME student participating in oyster restoration projectPRIME student measuring eelgrass cover with mentor

HOW PRIME WORKS – LESSONS LEARNEDBEFORE STUDENTS ARRIVE cont.

4. Student applications - Preliminary review and ranking by COSEE staff

5. Review of applications and selection by scientists

6. Provide information to students before arrival

Andrew Hill (PRIME 2011) and NSF REU student Ghost shrimp parasite investigation

Coty Krebs (PRIME 2011)Disturbance on marine bird nesting colonies

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AND ACTIVITIES

1. Conduct an independent research project with a research mentor

2. Contribute to weekly research blogs (http://coseeppprime.blogspot.com/)

3. Structured activities that support student success – e.g. science presentation skills, 4YC transfer, REU programs

4. Give a final presentation on research project and final reflection on experience

Example from the 2014 PRIME blog.Check it out at coseeppprime.blogspot.com

Sarah DeLand (PRIME 2011)Extent and duration of Bellingham Bay hypoxia

Forrest Callaghan (PRIME 2012)Effects of elevated pCO2 on phytoplankton

LESSONS LEARNED: ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• Maintain a structured program within the internship experienceProvide suitable guidance for their independent research and hold them accountable to deliverables such as weekly blogging.

• Establish a strong sense of cohort identityKeep PRIME interns engaged with one another and their shared experiences, through weekly blogging and online research symposia.

• Encourage participation of “non-traditional” studentsBringing young students into the 4YC pipeline is important, but is not the only motivation. The geoscience “watershed” includes mature & second-career students who benefit greatly

Kaylynne Marquez (PRIME 2013)Investigating the role of fronts in near shore recruitment

Oregon PRIME interns (2011)

LESSONS LEARNED: ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESS• When possible create overlap with other mentored research programs

Establishing a critical mass of students having a shared experience is extremely valuable

• Support and follow-up after completion of the internshipMaintain connections with students as the transition into 4 year setting, or help recruit others from home institutions, provide support for professional meetings

• Invest in a program coordinator for a successfully run programTime and effort required is substantial and extends well beyond the internship period alone

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Sea-oh McConville presenting her PRIME research project at the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation conference

Sarah DeLand presenting at the Pacific Estuarine Research Federation conference (2012)