Research Experience for Undergraduates:

Biology of the Greater Salt Lake Ecosystem

 

Assessment 4:

Final Program Assessment

 

Case Number: This field is REQUIRED! Your case number is the last four digits of your social security number.

 

Section 1: Your REU Expectations

At the beginning of the summer you were asked about your expectations of this NSF-REU program.  Now it is important for us to know whether or not your expectations about the program were met.

Again remember that individual information will not be available for faculty or mentors.

Your selections can range from 1 to 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) where 1 means you strongly disagree with the statement concerning your experiences as a participant in the REU program and 6 means you strongly agree with the statement concerning your experiences as a participant in the REU program.

 
1 = strongly disagree | 6 = strongly agree
1. I had the opportunity for close interaction with faculty
1 2 3 4 5 6
2. I developed a sense of how our research contributes to scientific knowledge
1 2 3 4 5 6
3. I understand the overall research project and how my work will contribute to its success
1 2 3 4 5 6
4. I became familiar with the relevant scientific literature for my research project.
1 2 3 4 5 6
5. I was able to get "results" during the summer project
1 2 3 4 5 6
6. I felt as though I was a part of the intellectual effort and not just an assistant
1 2 3 4 5 6
7. I met regularly with my research mentor and/or other faculty for progress and problem solving discussions
1 2 3 4 5 6
8. I understand the practical applications of my research
1 2 3 4 5 6
9. I developed a mentor relationship with faculty on whom I can call for guidance in the future
1 2 3 4 5 6
10. I had the opportunity to learn more about other faculty and student projects in addition to my own
1 2 3 4 5 6
11. The experience I had will help in my decision about future career plans
1 2 3 4 5 6
12. I learned how to design an experiment
1 2 3 4 5 6
13. I had the opportunity for intellectual discussions about the ethics of research and practice.
1 2 3 4 5 6
14. I developed skills on how to present a scientific presentation
1 2 3 4 5 6
15. I had the opportunity to co-author and publish a scientific paper
1 2 3 4 5 6
16. I learned more about the publishing process in biology
1 2 3 4 5 6
17. I did real biology rather than following a text book or lab manual
1 2 3 4 5 6
18. I developed relationships and enjoying camaraderie with other students
1 2 3 4 5 6
19. I made many contacts and connections that I expect will pay off in the future
1 2 3 4 5 6

 

Section II: Your REU Experience

Consider the following statements as they might apply to your REU experience this summer or your general thinking about research. Using the six point scale, where 1 means disagree strongly and 6 means agree strongly, choose the number that best reflects your response to the statement.

1. My research project stimulated my curiosity and enthusiasm about research in biology
1 2 3 4 5 6
2. My particular role in the overall research of the lab was interesting, meaningful and worthwhile
1 2 3 4 5 6
3. I was pleased with the quality of my interaction with my faculty mentor
1 2 3 4 5 6

If you were not pleased with the quality of your interaction with your faculty mentor, what things could have improved this interaction?

 

4. I have a sense of accomplishment with my activities for the research project
1 2 3 4 5 6
5. I am clear on where the research that I have contributed to is headed and what it is trying to accomplish
1 2 3 4 5 6
6. I was very interested in my research project
1 2 3 4 5 6

Specifically what about your research project made you feel this way?  If you were disinterested what do you think was the reason?

 

7. The work I completed was more tedious than I expected
1 2 3 4 5 6
8. My research project was a realistic match with my background and my abilities
1 2 3 4 5 6
9. The pace of the research and expectations for results that faculty established were realistic
1 2 3 4 5 6
10. I am pleased with the research progress I have made
1 2 3 4 5 6

Specifically what things could have been improved?

 

11. I was treated like one of the team and my research seemed valued
1 2 3 4 5 6
12. Faculty offered encouragement and feedback on my work
1 2 3 4 5 6
13. I am enthusiastic about continuing a graduate degree in biology
1 2 3 4 5 6
14. I gained valuable experience in methodology, technique, and instrumentation
1 2 3 4 5 6
15. I had some experiences that made me wonder whether or not I am cut out for a career in biology
1 2 3 4 5 6
16. I learned a great deal about the scientific theory and research literature that applies to my project
1 2 3 4 5 6
17. I feel as though I was well prepared for my final presentation
1 2 3 4 5 6

If you do not feel you were prepared, please tell us why.

 

18. Thinking of my final presentation, I could answer most questions that were asked
1 2 3 4 5 6
19. I received the appropriate amount of guidance from faculty and mentors
1 2 3 4 5 6
20. I felt comfortable approaching faculty with questions about my research
1 2 3 4 5 6
21.  The field trips provided me with a familiarity of the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem 1 2 3 4 5 6
22.  The field trips provided a good opportunity to get to know other REU participants 1 2 3 4 5 6
23. I would be interested in continuing to work on my project
1 2 3 4 5 6
25. Based on my REU experience, I would encourage friends to apply to this REU next year
1 2 3 4 5 6

Please tell us why you would or would not recommend this program to your friends in Biology.

 

Thank you for completing all of the assessments this summer. Your responses will help us to improve future programs. If you have any other comments, please feel free to write them in the box below. Again, thank you for your participation.