College Speaking Tour
Between 2009 and 2010, the Science and Engineering Alliance Inc., (SEA) in collaboration with National Ecological Observatory Network Inc. (NEON) and Ecological Society of America (ESA), with a financial support from National Science Foundation (NSF), sponsored College Speaking Tours (CSTs) at 16 Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) across the U.S.
Primary Objective:
To measure institutional capabilities and to enhance understanding of NEON science focus areas among members in the participating institutions.
The NEON science focus areas are:
- biodiversity
- biogeochemistry
- climate changes
- ecohydrology
- infectious diseases
- land use and changes
The goals of the College Speaking Tours were to:
- Build the foundations for broadening the participation of underrepresented minority institutions and their community of researchers and students in NEON science and education.
- Identify the research and development capacity of the MSIs to conduct and participate in future NEON ecological, engineering, cyber-infrastructural, and social science research and education opportunities.
- Reduce the risks for future NEON education initiatives through targeted needs assessment of educational and research activities.
For More information about the college speaking tour: College Speaking Tour Report: “Cultivating Participation of Underrepresented Institutions and Students in NEON Science and Education”
