2008
Internship Symposium
Internships
Since its inception, the Center has
hosted a highly successful experiential learning internship program
for undergraduate and graduate college students. Experiential learning
recognizes the importance of "hands-on" field experience in developing
the skills and experiences that are particularly important in the
study of the natural sciences. It also emphasizes the importance of an
ongoing dialogue and exchange between the student and her or his
mentor. The program not only transfers knowledge, it also actively
engages students in field experimentation, critical thinking and
analysis, synthesis and presentation of ideas, and leadership in
project-level research.
Each Center internship provides a
meaningful learning experience for the student and is managed by a
faculty member. The faculty member (intern advisor) is responsible for
the design of a 10-week summer project including instruction,
supervision, and mentoring of the intern. Requirements of the
experiential learning intern program involve an intensive intern
project; field experience (including site survey and analysis, data
collection and cataloging, and instruction in research techniques and
protocols); analysis and synthesis of research into a 7- 10-page
report with supporting poster graphics; and development and
presentation of a PowerPoint presentation at a Student Symposium. The
Student Symposium is conducted at Lewis and Clark Community College to
conclude the summer internship program and to highlight student
projects. The audience includes NGRREC board members, instructors,
advisors, and others (educators, researchers, and community leaders)
with an interest in great rivers issues.
NGRREC has provided 125 students, from
the institutions of higher learning listed below, with internship opportunities.
Accepted Positions 2008 - 31 Students
Alton High School - 1
Bradley - 1
Lewis and Clark Community College - 4
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale - 2
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - 13
St. Louis University - 1
Truman State University - 2
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - 4
University of Missouri - 1
Wesleyan University - 1
Western Illinois University - 1
