Expanding Scientific Investigation Through Entomology – the Texas A&M University REU Site

This REU Site - Expanding Scientific Investigation through Entomology (EXCITE): 1) provides a complete scientific research experience that includes building skills in analytical thinking, quantitative analysis, research ethics, and written and oral communications, 2) improves integration with society to increase abilities to communicate the relevance, appropriate detail, and significance of projects to the public, and 3) increases diversity in the student population studying entomology and conducting related research by recruiting and performing outreach that attracts women and individuals from ethnically underrepresented.  REU students conduct independent research projects with one of eight departmental faculty mentors representative of the Department’s intellectual, cultural, and gender diversity; and each mentor has more than three years experience in mentoring undergraduate research.  Research experiences are supplemented with integrative activities such as campus-wide REU science discussion groups and social activities, and entomology short-course, progress meetings, workshops in developing effective oral and written presentations, and sessions to introduce and/or review features of experimental design and methodologies used in the execution of basic and applied entomological research.  Students gain experience with specific laboratory and research techniques such as biochemical analyses, DNA sequencing and extraction, analysis of gene expression, molecular marker development, physiological and toxicological bioassays, stereomicroscopy, compound microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.  Information about the program is assessed by various means, including use of an REU common assessment tool.