The PRIME Program Promoting Research Investigations in the Marine Environment Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University Shannon Point Marine Center, Western Washington University Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawaii A Summer Internship Program Based at Marine Laboratories for Community College Students 2008 – students from 26 community colleges 47 scientist mentors Jan Hodder Jude Apple Coral Gehrke OCE

PRIME was designed to give community college students the opportunity to develop research through hands-on experience working with marine scientists. Eight weeks Stipend Housing at marine lab Structured research with mentor Participation in marine lab activities PRIME program activities PRIME student conducting research in the lab PRIME student conducting research in the field

HOW PRIME WORKS – LESSONS LEARNED BEFORE STUDENTS ARRIVE 1. Recruitment and preparation of scientists, expectations and discussion of project ideas - Emphasize the need to experience the “process of science”, not just a tech position 2. Advertisement of PRIME opportunity via personal contacts and list serves that target 2YC faculty 3. Recruitment of students - importance of faculty at community colleges PRIME student participating in oyster restoration projectPRIME student measuring eelgrass cover with mentor

HOW PRIME WORKS – LESSONS LEARNED BEFORE STUDENTS ARRIVE cont. 4. Student applications - Preliminary review and ranking by COSEE staff 5. Review of applications and selection by scientists 6. Provide information to students before arrival Andrew Hill (PRIME 2011) and NSF REU student Ghost shrimp parasite investigation Coty Krebs (PRIME 2011) Disturbance on marine bird nesting colonies

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AND ACTIVITIES 1. Conduct an independent research project with a research mentor 2. Contribute to weekly research blogs ( 3. Structured activities that support student success – e.g. science presentation skills, 4YC transfer, REU programs 4. Give a final presentation on research project and final reflection on experience Example from the 2014 PRIME blog. Check it out at coseeppprime.blogspot.comcoseeppprime.blogspot.com Sarah DeLand (PRIME 2011) Extent and duration of Bellingham Bay hypoxia Forrest Callaghan (PRIME 2012) Effects of elevated pCO 2 on phytoplankton

LESSONS LEARNED: ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESS Maintain a structured program within the internship experience Provide suitable guidance for their independent research and hold them accountable to deliverables such as weekly blogging. Establish a strong sense of cohort identity Keep PRIME interns engaged with one another and their shared experiences, through weekly blogging and online research symposia. Encourage participation of “non-traditional” students Bringing young students into the 4YC pipeline is important, but is not the only motivation. The geoscience “watershed” includes mature & second-career students who benefit greatly Kaylynne Marquez (PRIME 2013) Investigating the role of fronts in near shore recruitment Oregon PRIME interns (2011)

LESSONS LEARNED: ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESS When possible create overlap with other mentored research programs Establishing a critical mass of students having a shared experience is extremely valuable Support and follow-up after completion of the internship Maintain connections with students as the transition into 4 year setting, or help recruit others from home institutions, provide support for professional meetings Invest in a program coordinator for a successfully run program Time and effort required is substantial and extends well beyond the internship period alone. Sea-oh McConville presenting her PRIME research project at the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation conference Sarah DeLand presenting at the Pacific Estuarine Research Federation conference (2012)