reu – Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community

Dr. Marty Matlock and Dr. Jennie Popp – University of Arkansas

Sub-Project Overview

A summer research program for undergraduate students has been developed with the focus of carbon footprint mitigation from agriculture. The goal of this USDA REU is to support 10 students each summer for a 10 week period throughout the duration of this project. The REU supported by this project is offered parallel to the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU), and students are recruited from the same pool as the NSF REU programs. The REU students are selected through an application process informed by an established recruitment network. We are actively recruiting from under-represented minorities, including: Native Americans, African Americans and Hispanics.

REU Students spend the first week in a skills development workshop where they learn to develop and test hypotheses, analyze data and write reports and manuscripts. They then spend eight weeks working with their faculty mentors, followed by a one week report of results in poster and presentation format.

The expected outcomes of the REU include; inspiring students to continue their education through graduate school, and fostering an interest and competency in agricultural research.

Sub-Project Objectives

To expose undergraduate students to the scientific research process through the steps of developing testable hypotheses, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication in the form of oral presentations and written manuscripts.