1. Student Advisory Committee at the University of Arizona
Adriana Riggs
Martha Mosqueda
April 17, 2010
UA/NASA Space Grant Symposium

2. Advisors
The Student Advisory Committee is comprised of six second year interns.
Nominated by mentors and selected by Space Grant Managers because of demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities and a strong commitment to the internship program.
Why is there a need for a student advisory committee? They have mentors and the intern managers, but they are busy. They were in their shoes last year, and had about the same experiences. We bridge the gaps of the internship.

3. Objectives
Our goals are for the interns to have outstanding internships where they:
build professional relationships
learn about and practice ethics
learn to write scientifically
build confidence
establish a community among the interns
ensure an engaging internship
Build professional relationships: ex: with their mentors, their department, and space grant interns.
Build confidence: in their presentation skills and research
establish a community among the interns: make friends during the internship, not wait until the symposium to meet everyone. Sometimes interns are shy.

4. Intern-Advisor Matching
Interns are divided into groups and matched to an advisor based on the similarity of areas of study.
Kyle Withers (Advisor) Physics and Math
Andrew Fiedler Physics and Astronomy
Amy Gladwin Physics and Math
Zachary Jarrett Mathematics
Phillip McFarland Mining and Metallurgy
Gregory Phelps Physics and Mathematics
Kamber Schwarz Astronomy and Physics
Michael Stefferson Chemistry and Physics
6 groups: 43 interns and 6 advisors: 7 or 8 interns to an advisor

5. Events Meeting with the interns Luncheons with professional speakers
Abstract and Presentation
Workshops
Gatherings
Doodle Poll was used to
Schedule the events:
Meeting w/ interns: individually and communicating via or phone. Help them tie their interests and projects to NASA. Give them encouragement. Follow their progress during
Luncheons: Where they learn about different and innovative topics about current research, some of which are NASA funded grants
Gatherings: icebreakers to meet others, release tension, activities to get to know others, etc
Icebreaker Dinner

6. Doodle Poll http://www.doodle.com
It’s free, and they also have a paid version.

7. Practice Presentations
Workshops: go over abstract and presentations format, tips, ideas, editing, and comments. Also do practice presentations.
Feedback notes: idea originally from Dr. Hongu.

8. Outreaching Through Facebook
Facebook page: we have photos, events, links, and announcements.

9. Observations Communicating with interns
Preferred communication through , but initial introduction is key!
Attendance of events:
Luncheons with professional speakers (20%)
Abstract and Presentation Workshops (20%)
Ice breakers/gatherings ( 50%)
Preferred communication through with monthly brief check-ins of progress. Advisors have to be persistent, otherwise interns will not ask questions or address concerns.
Attendance: its tough to get people to attend events because they are so busy…

10. Ongoing End of the year questionnaire for interns
Advisor evaluation forms
Alumni Facebook groups
Questionnaire of internship experience: simple: hedonic scale, yes/no, etc…where we get straightforward answers.
Advisor evaluation form
Alumni facebook groups: for each year to keep in contact of progress
Like
a lot
Like a little
Not sure
Dislike a little
Dislike a lot

11. Suggestions for Future Advisors
Record attendance of events
Full-time advisor
Coordinator
Photographer
Help and suggestions from past advisors
Event tally participation: keep track of how many and who comes to the events.
Help and suggestions from past advisors: have a meeting at the beginning of the internship so the can pass on their suggestions, observations, and overall experiences

12. Future Hopes Increase attendance at events.
Build a stronger foundation for future Student Advisory Committees.
Interns will:
Grow as a person and as a professional
Employ their research experience and gained skills to initiate a successful career

13. Acknowledgments
Susan A. Brew, M.A. Program Manager, Arizona/NASA Space Grant Consortium
Barron J. Orr, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Geospatial Extension Specialist, Associate Director, UA/NASA Space Grant Program
Nobuko Kay Hongu, Ph.D., M.Ed., R.D., Assistant Professor and Nutrition Extension Specialist, UA Nutritional Sciences Department
Richard Greenberg, Ph.D., Professor for Planetary Science, UA Lunar Planetary Department
2009/2010 UA/NASA Space Grant Interns, Mentors, and
The Arizona Space Grant Consortium
Thank you!