"Hi... It's Whitney from the geo internship. I have some good  news---I'm officially a geological sciences major! I'm really really really excited too. Professor Atwater (the head of the geology  advisors) was incredibly impressed with the work I did with you at  CSUB. I was talking to her about it and she said she was amazed at what I knew. Just thought I would say thanks and I hope to come back  next year with some more knowledge for UCSB!!! I am taking a lot of  field trips this year, so that will be fun too."       -Whitney Hawkins, Student, UC Santa Barbara

"Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to participate in the summer research program. I really enjoyed the program, it exposed to me so much about the geological features of California which helped me in my teaching field, not only in teaching, but also I became fascinated in the field of geology. I'm taking a class in geology at BC...  ...Actually, I did incorporate the content to my class but  I'm still working to see how much interested they are in going to university. Maybe, by next year we may propose a visit to the CSUB to see if that will motivate them."           -Victoria Ndukwu, Teacher,

"As you know the NSF Scholarship was essential to my success at a four year university. As a Senior at Boron High School, I wanted to study geology but did not have the financial support needed to attend a state university. I was planning to attend the local community college and eventually transfer to Humboldt State University. One day while walking into the guidance office I saw the flyer for the NSF scholarship. I applied for the scholarship and the rest is history.  The National Science Foundation brought me to Cal State Bakersfield where I got my first real taste of geology.  I have since transferred to Humboldt State University.  Studying in Northern and Southern California has given me a well rounded view of California Geology and water politics. Currently I am working as a Student Professional Worker at the Humboldt County Environmental Health Department.  Your hydrology class has prepared me for the work I am doing now with ground water remediation related to service stations. I plan on continuing my graduate studies here at H.S.U.."         -Sean Jungers, CSU Humbolt Geology Student

"Adam has really enjoyed your program.  Besides enjoying the content of the session I believe he has enjoyed having an opportunity to learn something without the pressure of grades.  That aspect is truly significant.  I think our young adults are under so much pressure for grades, in order to get into college, that they forget about the joy of investigation and learning for no reason other than they are interested.  Your program has reinforced Adam's desire to attend a good college and has introduced him to an area of science that he would not have had the opportunity to investigate in high school."        -Laurie Paulson, Parent of High School Student

"I sincerely enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside the college professors and high school teacher/students, who have become my friends over this short four week program, in the pursuit of knowledge.  There isn't anything I would rather have done with those four weeks of my summer break, and hopefully I will have a chance to repeat this experience next summer and more to follow."        -Ryan Glauser, CSUB Geology Student

"I truly enjoyed my experience this summer and I feel it has helped me immensely with the Earth Science class that I teach in sixth grade."    
    - Linda Gregor, Teacher, Stockdale Elementary School

"Being part of this project was a terrific experience!!!!  My goal was to motivate young students to approach science with the conviction that it is fun, particularly geology.  I strongly believe I came back home with a huge sense of accomplishment.  I, not only succeeded on motivating some students that kept in touch with me, but their teachers.  Working together, we created an interactive environment among students and adults in which we, the scientist, were not seen as an elite, but colleagues.  Once, this barrier is broken, students are more open to learn… and we to share our knowledge and learn from them as well."          - Manuel R. Palacios-Fest, Terra Nostra - Earth Science Research 

"The summer research program was a wonderful way for high school students to come into contact with people of higher education in the field of geology that so often becomes invisible when placed against the popularity of the other physical sciences. The students gained a sense of how research is conducted, how data collection is made, and how results are analyzed to pick out trends. I was thoroughly impressed with the attitudes displayed and the level of commitment each student expressed in their particular jobs. These facts made the friendship bonds particularly easy to make and kept the atmosphere of the lab pleasant. The program was designed to send out vibrations to all high schools that geology is a science that exists just like the others, and as a result some of the students in the program chose to come to Cal State to pursue such an adventure. The program was a success in spite of the fact that no ostracods were recovered from any of the samples. This teaches a very good lesson when it comes to research; it is not always what we find that is most important but sometimes what we do not find."            - Lael Monrian, CSUB Chemistry Student

"This project was influenced primarily by my involvement with the summer program.  Last summer was a unique educational experience.  This program allowed me to be involved in an active research program, work with students and further my own knowledge of geology.  The opportunity for me to work with experts in their field was valuable experience.  I have incorporated many elements of the program into my own classroom and feel that the program has not only benefited me, but my students as well.    I believe the grant program met and surpassed its goal to motivate students and generate interest in the field of geology.  I hope to continue my involvement in any capacity."        -Katy Auffant, Teacher, Bakersfield City School District

"Thanks again for a great summer experience.  I think your team has turned me into more of a geologist than I was.  Paleoclimatology has become one of my favorite interests."           - Glenn Dunbach, Teacher, Walter Stiern Middle School

"T'was fun participating in the Southern San Joaquin Paleoclimate Core Project, and a great experience.  I met some of the kind professors, made some friends, learned of some knew creatures, and have moved a step closer to become a geologist as I gained some experience.  In addition, I obtained a stipend, a scholarship (even though I failed to earn it when I first applied), a shirt, and I was allowed to continue working on the project in August.  It was a wondrous time, and would be worth participating in again."          -Michael Adamson, CSUB freshman

“…I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of something that was so significant for teachers as well as students.  The presentation looked awesome, seeing how everything we worked on came together...all I can say is WOW, and THANK YOU.  …I think it would be great for the students to see the finished product themselves (presentation).  They would see how the demonstrations, short lectures, field trip, and lab time all came together.  …I would love to be part of the summer research this year, however I also think that the experience should be shared by as many teachers as possible.  Thanks again for the invaluable experience.”          -Camelia Soto, Teacher, Bakersfield City School District

“I really like your idea to take new teachers this summer.  The program was really helpful and you should spread that experience to as many Kern County teachers as possible.  The fact that earth science is scheduled to be taught to all freshmen in the district in 05 or 06 depending on the school site makes your program even more valuable. …I've used the power point presentation in my class on several occasions.  I Think NSTA will be in California next year, if so I would like to submit a presentation.”              -Steve Kiouses, Teacher, Stockdale High School

Back to NSF Grant Page