FORT YATES, N.D. – Sitting Bull College recently announced the North Dakota Tribal College Research Experience for Undergraduates program.

Through a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, this program will provide ecological research training to 24 North Dakota tribal college students over the summers in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

“This unique opportunity is the first REU awarded to a tribal college and gives students the opportunity to conduct scientific research on tribal college campuses and in reservation communities,” REU program Director Dr. Jeremy Guinn said. “More importantly, this program allows our students to remain close to their families and participate in summer cultural activities.”

The grant also provides students with a stipend and travel expenses to participate in the 10-week summer program.

REU is a nationally-recognized program matching students with a research mentor for hands-on, real-world training in scientific research, with participants choosing between wildlife research at Sitting Bull College or West Nile Virus research at Turtle Mountain Community College.

“This program will produce well-trained employees for wildlife and environmental agencies, as well as providing students with skills and confidence to seek graduate degrees in science fields,” Guinn said.

For more information visit the college Web site or contact Guinn at jeremyg@sbci.edu.