The Spectrum of Student Research in the Geosciences: MtSAC

Becca Walker and Mark BorytaEarth Sciences and Astronomy

Mount San Antonio Collegemboryta@mtsac.edu

Who is Mt. SAC?• MtSAC:

• Suburban Los Angeles County• 35,000+ students on a single campus• 16 feeder High Schools• Hispanic Serving Institution• Many first-generation college students

• Earth Sciences and Astronomy:• 5.5 full-time Geologists, 3.5 Astronomers• Strong commitment to Field Experiences• Extensive facilities amenable to research projects

• Standard geology equipment: Rock Saw, Microscopes• Planetarium• Observing Dome/Platform

Range of Student Engagement with Research

• Beyond classroom/lab activities, research is done in “Special Projects” courses (e.g., ASTR 99, GEOL 99), worth up to 2 credits per semester

• “In-House” opportunities with MtSAC faculty as mentors

• Off-campus opportunities through internships at the Jet Propulsion Lab

Research in Astronomy

• Internal projects:• Planetarium Show Programming (not research, but valuable

for ASTR majors)• Discovering Asteroids and Comets• Laboratory Analysis of Low Phase Angle Reflectance

• External projects• Collaboration involving Summer Research/Observing with

UC-San Bernardino• Semester-long Internships at Jet Propulsion Lab (SIRI

program)

Research in the Geosciences

• Low-Budget Geology Program• Started from presentations by other NAGT

members regarding students’ difficulties with working in the field

• Collaborative Research Project: Streambed Analysis • Students look at size and shape variations along the length of a stream• Ideally run as a 3-semester GEOL 99:

• 1st semester students learn field methods (mapping, use of Brunton compass) and propose (and defend!) methods of measurement and data collection

• 2nd semester students mentor 1st semester students, conduct lab analyses, prepare and present work at meetings (SCCUR, GSA, AGU)

• 3rd semester students conduct library research, prepare discussion sections for posters

• Many students ask to be selected for the project!

Recent Changes Present Challenges, Hope

• CA Legislators decided that students may no longer repeat a course in which they have been successful

• Generally, 2YC support for research is lacking• No money for equipment, student expenses/travel, instructor stipend/load• But administrators LOVE what we’re doing for the prestige it brings

• How do we get students out into the field?• May not have vehicles, gear• Budget upturn means a new field vehicle, replacement of old equipment• Department has been building a supply closet (tents, stoves, etc.)

Benefits to Students

• Students who have completed one or more of these projects have

• been accepted for transfer for 4YCs• report increased motivation to continue

pursuing their degree including completing their requisite courses in physics, chemistry, and math

• become more confident and improved their self-esteem

• gained skills in presenting their work and have published abstracts on their resumes