Mark Brodl

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Study/Research Abroad Opportunities for Science
Students
Mark Brodl GW Brackenridge Distinguished
Professor Department of Biology Trinity
University San Antonio, TX
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Research in the sciences as a part of the
undergraduate science curriculum
The most effective forum for developing
scientific reasoning skills (the soccer analogy)
Embedded in the curriculum in most science
programs - Teaching laboratories- Research
requirement
Critical experiences for entrance into graduate
and professional programs as well as the workforce
The Council on Undergraduate Research
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The challenges of research opportunities abroad
Language barriers
Undergraduate research on the international
landscape
Established programs
Transfer of credit (teaching laboratory
requirements)
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So why is it worth pursuing research abroad?
Recent revolutions in science
Globalization
Decentering/recentering
Gaining a nuanced understanding of how culture
impacts science
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Observations from student experience
Learning about myself
Understanding how other parts of the world
sees things
Becoming part of a community
Gaining confidence in my education
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Observations from faculty experience
What we take for granted in US science research
Creativity
Questions asked
Connectivity
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Upon return to Trinity
Research is a requirement for natural science
majors - capstone
Students register for departmental seminar
series
Students present their work at TU and regional
or national scientific meetings
Peer mentoring
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Approaches for providing opportunities
Sabbatical leaves
Professional societies