UF-UCC Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
Program overview
The objective of the program is to provide a rigorous and enriching research and educational experience for motivated undergraduate students, especially minority students, and a high school teacher at an international REU site. Such an opportunity should better prepare the students for graduate education and research in the life sciences and to expand the professional experience of a high school teacher. The cultural exposure to faculty and students at sub-Saharan African university will also provide another layer of experience that is not available at a domestic REU site. Research projects will focus on ecology, conservation and environmental science including bioprospecting (screening for useful plants). The specific goals are to:
- Provide first hand international research experience for American undergraduate students and a high school teacher at UCC, a sub-Sahara Africa university that is actively engaged in research.
- Emphasize the importance of collaboration and cooperation to participants.
- Develop respect, trust and lasting friendships that cross traditional and cultural boundaries imposed by geographic and economic status.
- Improve skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, moral reasoning and interpersonal skills of participants.
- Immerse participants in the Ghanaian society during their stay to give them a better appreciation of the culture.
History
The program started as a two-year pilot REU site program that provided research opportunities for eight undergraduate students during the summer of 2002 and 2003 at the University of Cape Coast. The pilot program emphasized the importance of biodiversity on the health of ecosystems and the human and environmental factors that impact biodiversity. Students carried out intensive research under the supervision of UCC faculty members. In addition, they traveled to nature reserves and national forests to examine the characteristics and components of biological diverse habitats. Each student was assigned to a faculty mentor and a peer mentor who was a senior level UCC students with research experience. UCC students and staff helped the faculty mentors provide rewarding experiences for participants by acting as peer hosts, serving as a resource for the American students, and facilitating their experience on campus and beyond. The students in the pilot programs were from James Madison University and Dillard University.
Cost
NSF provides funds to cover the airfare to and from Ghana, local transportation within Ghana, accommodation, meals and research supplies for students who are selected to participate in the program. Students also receive a stipend upon completion of the program. Participants have to provide evidence of travel insurance and they have to cover personal expenses such as gifts, souvenirs and other miscellaneous costs.
In the summer of 2005, the first full REU site program took place at UCC. Students from six American universities spent the summer in Ghana. The program involved individual mentorship by UCC faculty members, seminars, cultural workshops and field trips. Below are links to reports and photos from each year:
- 2002
- 2003
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
Future applicants to the program are encouraged to browse this website before applying.
