Information for students
The Oregon State University College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS) is proud to host an Undergraduate Research Experience called ARC-Learn (Authentic Research through Collaborative Learning). This program has two cohorts running from October 2021 to June 2023 (Cohort 1) and October 2022 to June 2024 (Cohort 2). The goal of the program is to train the next generation of creative and diverse scientists to solve critical environmental challenges in Polar Regions.
Students in the program will:
- Engage with a diverse team of students and mentors working together to learn about Polar science and contribute to solving complex environmental challenges in the Arctic.
- Participate in cohort gatherings over six terms (including summer) with additional team working sessions to complete research projects.
- Meet and engage with internationally recognized experts as you develop data literacy and practical technical skills in data visualization and interpretation.
- Earn the “Research Fellow” transcript notation and internship and/or research credits, required for many STEM majors.
- Present and publish work in science forums, with the opportunity to participate in science conferences and practice communicating science with the public.
- Receive a small stipend to offset costs of time off work, dependent care or educational expenses.
Eligible students will have completed some required lower division courses and have or plan to declare a major within CEOAS (Climate Science, Environmental Sciences, Geography and Geospatial Science, Geology, Ocean Science). Majors in other colleges with a specific interest in natural, physical, or social aspects of Polar Regions will be considered.
… and meet at least one of the below criteria:
- Identify as part of a group or groups underrepresented in Polar Science including students of color, Indigenous students, Native Alaskans, women, first generation college, LGBTQ+, etc.
- Transfer students already enrolled at OSU.
- Have dependents and/or alternative enrollment patterns due to family or work demands. This program is designed so that students can maintain their family and work obligations. Field work and conference travel are not required to successfully complete the program.
Before applying, please note:
- ARC-Learn Cohort 2 runs October 2022-June 2024. Participants would need to commit to engagement throughout this time frame.
- Students and mentors meet every other Wednesday, from 4:00-6:00 PM (on campus with hybrid option)
- Continuous course enrollment is not required.
- The program includes a stipend of $800 for the 1st year and $1200 for the 2nd year.
If you have any questions, email Ryan Brown and put “ARC-Learn” in the subject line.
The application period has now closed for the 2022-2024 program.
Return to the ARC-Learn page.
Information for mentors
Faculty mentor benefits
- Demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and student success.
- Earn the title of Inclusive Mentorship Fellow and be acknowledged on the ARC-Learn project page.
- Mentor a new generation of Polar Scientists.
- Receive evidence-based inclusive mentor training based on Effective STEMM Mentoring Online Guide (NASEM, 2020) and Mentoring the next generation: Using undergraduate research to broaden engagement and impact in STEM.
- Hone inclusive and reflective mentoring practice that supports collaborative and problem-based learning and research.
- Receive structured, facilitated support from a peer-learning group to reinforce evidence-based practice and develop responsive strategies to specific challenges of ARC-Learn enrolled students.
- Engage in optional opportunities to publish with students and in the disciplinary education research literature.
Interested in becoming a mentor?
Contact Laurie Juranek or Ryan Brown.
Return to the ARC-Learn page.