Program description

The summer NSF-REU Site program at the University of Southern Maine is an opportunity for nine undergraduate students to learn cutting-edge precision digital survey techniques as applied to geologic mapping in coastal Maine while working on a research project for presentation at a professional meeting. This program introduces students to the regional deformation associated with Late Paleozoic Norumbega strike-slip shearing in the Northern Appalachians, sea kayaking as a way to access island exposures, traditional field methods and digital survey instrumentation for precision outcrop surface mapping of geologic structures. Digital survey data and available aerial imagery will be compiled for database construction and spatial analysis in geographic information system (GIS) to provide a basis for geologic interpretation, structural analysis and tectonic modeling. Results are reported in student abstracts and posters at the Northeast Section Geological Society of America (NEGSA) meeting (spring 2008).

Students receive a stipend of $2400, travel reimbursement and support to attend the NEGSA meeting to present their work and 6 credits for their field experience (GEY360/GEO360 - Field Mapping in the Island Environment: Data Collection to GIS). When not camping in the field, dormitory accommodations are provided at the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus.

Eligibility

This program is designed for undergraduate students who have completed their junior year in a geoscience major, geography major with a geology minor, or other applicable degree program. Background coursework in geology and/or geography, prior field experience and established GIS computer skills are highly recommended. Training is provided in all areas.

Application Procedure

Submit: 1) the completed application form; 2) a copy of your college transcript, and; 3) a letter of recommendation from your faculty mentor to: Dr. Mark Swanson, Department of Geosciences, University of Southern Maine, Gorham, ME 04038. For more info email mswanson@usm.maine.edu or call 207-780-5024.

Deadline

Completed applications for these positions must be in hand by Monday, March 26, 2007. Applicants will be notified via e-mail by Monday, April 2, 2007.

NSF/REU Research Experiences for Undergraduates Summer 2007
REU Site Program at USM

Chair/Faculty
Department of Geology/Earth Sciences/Geography
Dear Colleague,

The accompanying one-page flyer describes an exciting undergraduate research opportunity for this coming summer (2007) at the University of Southern Maine, an NSF - REU Site Program in geologic mapping. Participating students under the supervision of a faculty mentor (such as you) will be engaged in 8 weeks of field and computer lab work at USM, and will be required to make an oral presentation to their home department about their summer experience, as well as attend and present their work at the Northeast Section Geological Society of America meeting the following spring.

The role of the faculty mentor will be simple:
1) write a letter of recommendation for the student applicant you wish to sponsor;
2) act as an advisor for the student during the follow-up stage of the program to:

a.

facilitate access to appropriate computer resources;

b.

provide advice and assistance to the student in preparing their oral presentation;

c. help in transfer of field course credits; and
3) comment on the student’s oral presentation to your department in a brief letter of evaluation.

This program is a unique research/adventure opportunity for students to learn state-of-the-art precision digital mapping skills applied to real world geologic problems in the spectacular environment of coastal Maine. Call or email and we will be glad to answer any questions about the program. Talk to us or last

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year’s crew at the March 12-14 2007 NEGSA meeting in Durham, New Hampshire.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark T. Swanson
Geosciences Dr. Matthew Bampton
Geography & Anthropology
Application Form for NSF REU Research Internship Position May 26 – July 21, 2007Precision Digital Geologic Mapping on the Maine Coast
Name: Address: Telephone: Age and Date of Birth: Home Institution: Major:	GPA:	US citizen?:	SS#: Email address: Expected graduation date:
Please check any courses or skills you have relevant to this project:
___Physical Geography ___Cartography ___Physical Geology ___Structural Geology ___Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology ___Surveying ___GIS ___GPS ___Excel or other spreadsheet program ___Brunton Compass ___Swimming Kayaking ___ ___Camping Hiking
Answer the following questions using a separate page. 1. What field and/or outdoor experiences have you had?
2. What special qualifications or skills could you bring to the program?
3. Any special accommodations needed for your participation in the program?
Gender, Race and/or Ethnic Origin (optional)
Male: Female: American Indian or Alaskan Native ___ Hispanic ___ Asian or Pacific Islander White, not of Hispanic Origin ___ Black, not of Hispanic Origin

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Faculty Mentor at Home Institution:
Email address of Faculty Mentor:

Send: 1) this application form;
2) a copy of your transcript and
3) a letter of recommendation from your faculty mentor to:

Dr. Mark Swanson, Department of Geosciences,
University of Southern Maine, Gorham, ME 04038.

For additional info email mswanson@usm.maine.edu or call 207-780-5024.

Deadline: Completed applications must be in hand by Monday, March 26, 2007. Applicants will be notified via e-mail by Monday, April 2, 2007.

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