Timothy Keitt will present: The Stengl-Wyer Undergraduate Biodiversity Scholars Program: An experiment in paying students to participate in field classes.

Abstract

Several years ago, we were awarded Stengl-Wyer Endowment funds to run an experimment in paying undergraduate students to fully participate in field classes. The rationale was that some students might not be able to attend field trips because they are working or have other obligations that would interfere with spending extended periods in the field. Over three years, we provided stipends to awarded students and paired them with graduate student mentors. Survey results suggest that the program had a large impact on student's career trajectory and committment to pursuing research.