Introducing.... undergraduate mentoring

“Undergraduate Mentoring” (the blog) will explore my role and experience in Vertically integrated projects (VIP) - an NSF funded initiative within the Montañez Research Group. I oversee the undergraduate scientist that work on the cave monitoring and stalagmite reconstruction project. This initiative provides project-based and classroom-based learning for undergraduate students. As part of this initiative, I teach a class on research basics and lead each undergraduate student in hands-on hypothesis based research. 

Each undergraduate in the program develops the followings research and analytical skills:

• How to read and critique scientific papers.
• How to develop hypotheses based on current scientific community understanding.
• How to create citations tables for research questions.
• How to write abstracts.
• How to present scientific research.
• How to analyze data with R and MATLAB. 
• Depending on the project chosen, an undergraduate student would use the following lab techniques: alkalinity measurements, stable oxygen and carbon IRMS methods, stable oxygen and hydrogen spectroscopy methods, U-series column chemistry and mass spectrometry methods, Sr-isotope column chemistry and mass spectrometry methods, trace element methods in carbonate using LA-ICPMS or in water using ICPMS. 
• Field sampling methods related to climate, water chemistry, and karst hydrology. 

Blog posts will be focused on teaching materials and experiences I have had through this program. I am excited to further discover this process and discuss it with you! If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear them.