North Dakota Science Teachers Association - Home ...€¦ · Web viewECOWEB scholars will participate in a citizen science project during each of their four years at U Mary. Citizen

About the ProgramAre you interested in a career as a fish and game biologist, game warden, park ranger, naturalist, or environmental scientist?  Then the ECOWEB program could be for you!  The

ECOWEB program within the University of Mary’s Biology Department provides scholarships and

educational opportunities to low-income students interested in wildlife conservation biology or

environmental science who might otherwise not be able to attend college or continue to degree

completion. This program is supported by a generous S-STEM grant from the National Science

Foundation (NSF). Through the ECOWEB program, students will receive scholarships of $8000-

$10,000 per year for four years, and will be involved in a number of activities and opportunities

designed to assist them in succeeding in college and to stimulate their interest in and enthusiasm for

science. One of the NSF’s primary focuses is to increase the number of students majoring in STEM

(science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, particularly students from groups that are

currently underrepresented, such as minorities and low-income students. One goal of the ECOWEB

program is to increase the number of biology graduates from populations traditionally

underrepresented in STEM.

How to QualifyTo qualify for an ECOWEB scholarship, a candidate must:

be a U.S. citizen, national, legal permanent resident or refugee alien

be a full-time student with a declared biology major with either a wildlife conservation biology

concentration or environmental science minor

demonstrate financial need based on the FAFSA

have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0* and math ACT score of 25* (although these are optimal

criteria, the Selection Committee will consider candidates scoring below these thresholds if the

candidates demonstrate strengths in other areas of consideration)

submit an application to the University of Mary at ecoweb.umary.edu

submit 2 letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a high school science or math

teacher

participate in an interview with the Selection Committee

Activities & Educational Opportunities

Program Advisors:Program advisors are experts in

wildlife/conservation biology and

environmental science.

Faculty and peer mentoring:Each student in the program will be

matched with a faculty mentor and a

peer mentor with whom they will work

throughout their college career.

ECOWEB cohort:The ECOWEB scholars will move through the

program as a cohort, a community of scholars

with shared interests and goals. Shared

activities include taking common courses,

collaborating on citizen science projects, and

participating together in the ECOWEB

seminar. ECOWEB freshmen will participate in

their own section of the First Year Experience

course, which will be led by program advisors

Dr. Jim Maskey and Dr. Michael Lares.

ECOWEB seminar:This is a monthly seminar required of the

ECOWEB scholars and open to all biology majors

that will provide students the opportunity to meet

wildlife conservation and environmental science

professionals and allow students to explore career

options, discuss current environmental issues,

explore academic questions, and build

relationships with the biology faculty, their peers,

and academic leaders.Citizen Science Projects:ECOWEB scholars will participate in a citizen

science project during each of their four years at

U Mary. Citizen science projects help connect

classroom ideas to real-world experience and

provide hands-on learning experiences, as well

as demonstrating the importance of servant

leadership to the students. Many of these

opportunities involve collaboration with the

Dakota Zoo, and include involvement in

FrogWatch, Animal Edventures, and

Conservation Day among others. Participation in

citizen science projects is open to all biology

majors.

Graduate school visits:Each cohort will participate in a one-week visit to a graduate school (either the University of North

Dakota or University of Minnesota–Duluth) during which students will experience what graduate

school is all about by participating in the daily schedule of a graduate student (e.g. attending

classes, going out in the field, conducting lab research etc.).

Professional conferences:All ECOWEB scholars will attend a professional

biology conference, such as the Midwest Fish

and Wildlife meeting, the Ecological Society of

America meeting, or ND Academy of Sciences

meeting. Students who have participated in

research will have the opportunity to present

their projects at these meetings.

Research and internship opportunities:Optional activities available to ECOWEB scholars

include working on a research project with a U

Student Success Center, Student Support Services, Career Services:The services of these support areas will be available to all ECOWEB scholars.

For faculty contact information, or to apply, please visit ecoweb.umary.edu. Thank you!

Research and internship opportunities:Optional activities available to ECOWEB scholars

include working on a research project with a U