Training Geoscientists: Three cohorts of a Year-long Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Hydrology Research Experience in a California Coast Range watershed

We present our experience developing an interdisciplinary undergraduate Hydrology Research Experience funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Geopaths Education Program. Our goal is to remove barriers to entry and build a robust geoscience workforce by recruiting and retaining diverse students early in their college career to engage in student-led research.  We used a year-long learning community model, where cohorts of students developed both scientific and professional skills including field data collection, data analysis and interpretation, teamwork, science communication, career planning, resume and cover letter preparation, and internship applications. Students worked in small interdisciplinary groups to develop research proposals and complete research projects based on data collected during an immersive 10-day field experience. The field experience took place at the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory located in California’s Angelo Coast Range Reserve, a site with a rich history of hydrology research where students can connect their projects with previous and ongoing science.

Our program was based at California State University Sacramento and San Diego State University, both of which are minority serving institutions. Students were recruited from various disciplines including geology, geography, biology, engineering, and environmental studies, and the program required no previous experience in hydrology or outdoor fieldwork. Students were supported at both institutions by faculty, graduate students, and peer-mentors from past cohorts. Students developed their professional networks by interacting with researchers and US Forest Service partners at the field site and presenting their findings at several scientific conferences.

Results from an external evaluation show the Hydrology Research Experience had a positive impact on students that we expect to carry over into their future academic and professional careers. Participants reported successes leveraging skills and materials they developed in the program to obtain geoscience internships, jobs, scholarships, and positions in graduate degree programs.  Participants reported statistically significant increases in seeing themselves as a scientist, in their abilities as a scientist, and in their feelings of connection to other students in their field of study. Finally, participants felt strongly that they were welcomed in their chosen field of study and saw themselves pursuing a career in that field.