The Program

Building on the interdisciplinary Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) program at the H.J. Andrews Forest and its information management program, this Summer Institute will (1) train and promote discovery in young scientists who will make basic contributions to ecosystem science, computer science, and mathematics through team-based research and education; (2) promote the pursuit and success of a diverse group of students seeking higher education and research experience in Eco-Informatics, and (3) provide graduates to work in interdisciplinary settings on natural resources management and policy.

Stipend
Students who are admitted to the Eco-Informatics Summer Institute will receive a total stipend of $5,000 spread out over the length of the program. In addition to this stipend, housing and transportation services between Portland international airport and/or Corvallis and the H.J. Andrews Forest will be provided on the first and last day of the program. Lodging includes furnished housing at the H.J. Andrews Forest and OSU campus dorms.

Activities, Events, and Requirements
You are expected to work a 40-hr work week on your research project and participate in the activities below. All projects will include field work which is performed in a setting in which there is potential for regular and recurring exposure to moderate discomfort and unpleasantness, e.g., high temperatures. Field work will require regular and recurring physical exertion such as long periods of standing and walking in normal and challenging terrain. Other student-organized outings are possible, such as hiking in the high cascades and white water rafting on the McKenzie River.

1. Orientation Week
All participants are required to attend Eco-Informatics introductory lectures and field demonstrations during the first week. Each morning of the orientation week will consist of several linked presentations and discussions by faculty participants highlighting ongoing Eco-Informatics research projects. Afternoon field visits to current research projects at the Andrews Forest will launch the research partnerships among participating faculty, graduate students, and Summer Institute students. At each selected site, researchers and faculty will discuss the “Eco-informatics research life cycle” of each project, including motivating resource management issues, question formulation, experimental design/data collection, data archiving, analysis, modeling, hypothesis testing, and implications.

2. Andrews Orientation
Participants are required to attend this orientation of standard practices at the HJ Andrews Experimental forest.

3. Weekly Student-Mentor Meetings
Participants must meet (in person or by phone) with their graduate student mentors on at least a weekly basis.

4. Professional Development Seminars
Participants are required to attend these seminars designed to foster the professional and personal skills needed for life in academia.

5. Project Documentation
Participants are required to present their projects through an oral presentation during the final week of the program. In addition, students will submit a 10-page written summary of their project methods, analysis, and preliminary results.

6. Closing Reception
Mentors and graduate students are all are welcome.

7. Assessment and Follow Up
During the final week of the program, participants are requested to complete an oral exit survey about the program. In addition, after the program, there will be a survey about participants' career trajectory.

Learn about this year's projects!

Learn about the former projects!