The CSU-CHILL REU: The Interdisciplinary challenge

The CSU-CHILL Research Experience for Undergraduates program at Colorado State University has been around for a while, operating under the fundamental goal of providing Research Experiences in Atmospheric Technology and Science. During that period, while the science challenges have evolved, the technological advancements have been moving at breakneck speed. Therefore we have the constant challenge of providing cutting edge research experiences to undergraduate students, where the students may not have had exposure beyond their own discipline. The CSU-CHILL REU provides students experience in current research topics. Students publish in leading conferences every year, and produce high quality research.

This paper will provide examples of how the interface between technology and science has evolved over years, where some cross training has become easy, while some other challenges still remain.

This REU focuses on small groups, so that we can establish one-on-one connections between mentors and students, and instead of just involving students in cutting edge research, we have them actively create it. Students are not merely assigned a small part of a larger project, but often lead their own project. We consider mentors to be supporting their student’s research, and not the other way around. This has led to some very interesting research projects that have contributed to science, and to society at large.

In this presentation we will discuss some of the specific challenges that we have encountered when running an interdisciplinary REU program, as well as some of the secondary support activities that we do that extend far beyond the student's participation in the REU.