Multicultural Initiative in the Marine Sciences: Undergraduate Participation (MIMSUP)
The National Science Foundation-funded MIMSUP program is designed to introduce members of groups under-represented in science and engineering to academic and professional careers in marine science. Targeted groups include Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, African Americans, Latino/Hispanics and Pacific Islanders.
Eight selected students spend two quarters (January 9 - June 15) at the Shannon Point Marine Center taking introductory and specialized courses in the marine sciences (31 quarter credit hours), attending seminars and workshops, exploring career opportunities, and engaging in supervised research. They also attend a regional or national scientific meeting. After the program, students return to their home institutions to complete their undergraduate programs.
Financial Support
Funding from the National Science Foundation provides full financial support to all students selected to participate in the program. This includes tuition and fees for two quarters, housing in the SPMC dormitory, one round trip between the student's residence and SPMC, and a work-study allowance of $3025 total to help defray food costs for the duration of the program (participants are responsible for purchasing and preparing their own food. There is a well-equipped kitchen facility for that purpose).
Work Study Program
Students in the program can participate in an outreach program teaching marine science in the local public schools. The students prepare lessons and team teach them in weekly visits to Anacortes K-6 classrooms. An elementary education specialist works with the MIMSUP students helping them prepare lessons and teaching them how to work with grade school students. Through the outreach effort, MIMSUP participants gain valuable teaching experience while providing excellent learning opportunities for K-6 students.
Program Facilities
The Shannon Point Marine Center is located in Anacortes, Washington approximately 45 miles from the main campus of Western Washington University (in Bellingham, WA). Facilities on the 87-acre field site include a 12,000 sq. ft. laboratory equipped for marine research and supplied with high-quality running seawater. There is also a newly constructed Academic Program Building with a dedicated computer laboratory and classroom. A fleet of six research vessels provides access to the rich and diverse marine and estuarine habitats of Puget Sound. Dormitory facilities house up to 24 visitors, with kitchen facilities available for food preparation and an on-site laundry facility. Located on the mainland, SPMC offers access to marine and coastal environments typical of the Pacific Northwest, as well as the alpine environments of the Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Peninsula. The facility is 90 miles north of Seattle, Washington, and an equal distance south of Vancouver, B.C.
Program Outcomes
MIMSUP has significantly enhanced the ability of student participants to succeed academically and to focus on and achieve career goals. The students who have participated in the program since 1991 represent a highly diverse group: 42% are Latino/Hispanic; 27% are African-American; 17% are Pacific Islander; 11% are Native American; and 3% are Native Alaskan. A high percentage of the MIMSUP alumni, after completing their baccalaureate degrees, have gone on to graduate and professional degree programs. Many alumni are now working in marine or related environmental professions. MIMSUP has been recognized as a national model for mentoring, receiving a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Math, and Engineering Mentoring.
How to Apply
Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions and in a degree program leading to a bachelor's degree. To apply, interested students should submit 1) an on-line application form available at http://www.wwu.edu/~mimsup, 2) a current undergraduate transcript (unofficial copy acceptable) and 3) a letter of recommendation from a faculty member familiar with the student's academic record
Application materials should be directed to: Dr. Brian L. Bingham, Shannon Point Marine Center, 1900 Shannon Point Road, Anacortes, WA 98221-4042. Telephone: (360) 650-7400. Applications will be considered as they are received. Final application deadline is November 10, 2006. WWU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
