HERP

1
HERP

• Haskell
• Environmental Research
• Program

2
Why?

• To fulfill two TCUP grant objectives.
• Increase the use of technology by students and
  faculty in math and natural sciences.
• Increase the number of students involved in math
  and mathematically rich research and internships.
  (Data collection, analysis and interpretation of
  data involve mathematics.)

3
Focus group

• Haskell TCUP developed an 8-week summer research
  experience for Haskell students.
• Students chose a subject (animal or insect) of
  study in which they could observe (and handle)
  and collect data.
• What could they do with this data?
• Interpretation of data using stats and
  probability, excel, linear algebra, matlab, and
  scientific methods.
• Students created a poster of their research
  project and findings.

4
Lessons Learned

• Do this away from campus. No part time jobs,
  summer school, fast food joints etc. We could
  have accomplished more in a shorter period of
  time without the distractions.
• For a first time experience, the students need a
  lot of structure- require tasks for each week.
  Set a calendar of activities.
• Forming a hypothesis does not come naturally to
  the students.
• Math modules should be applicable to their
  projects.
• More collaboration between instructors.