Interagency resource teams: A model for collaborative approaches to environmental education

The Undergraduate Interagency Resource Teams at the White Mountain Research Station of the University of California were created in 1994 to support re source-agency mandated and academic research objectives by providing qualif ied students who can learn, apply, and improve research and agency monitori ng protocols. Drawing from documented elements of other successful internsh ip programs, we identified four basic components that we believe may enhanc e the potential success of the interns; (1) self-directed learning methodol ogies, (2) multidisciplinary approaches to science, (3) reflection on and d ocumentation of intern learning, and (4) principles of a positive work envi ronment, including teamwork, conflict resolution, and effective communicati on. During a 10-week summer session, the Interagency Resource Teams expose approximately 17 students to the professional worlds of natural resource ag encies and research scientists. In this environment, we have also observed that the internship program not only exposes students to resource managemen t careers but may also help bridge the gap between resource agency speciali sts and academic researchers.