The Eastern Sierra Internship Program was the first ESICE undergraduate research and monitoring program. The program's approaches to science education and service-learning based on research that suggests students who apply classroom knowledge to real world projects acquire an enriched learning experience.
 In 2004 the University of California White Mountain Research Station agreed to lead the program based on the approach to service-learning programs that gives undergraduates an opportunity to work with resource management agency specialists and university scientists. The interns collect valuable data throughout the summer for the resource agencies and university mentors in a supportive environment with a unique educational component. Success hinges on the student’s acceptance of responsibility for the program’s outcomes.
ESICE research consultants provide a wide range of support for natural resource monitoring. Projects focus on monitoring and research on Burrowing Owls, Kangaroo Mouse, Mexican Spotted Owl, Red-Legged Frog, Marsh Mouse, and Tiger Salamanders.
ESICE staff also provide support the the strategic development of research teams that focus on communication skills and team building. Currently, ESICE is collaborating with Mark Cable, Ph.D. of the Desert Research Institute on the development and testing of canine teams in detecting desert tortoises. Using a metacognitive approach, the human team members are exploring how to more effectively train the incoming dog teams and optimize search strategies under stressful conditions.
ESICE staff are also supporting the development of the research component of the Sierra Nevada Adaptive Management Project. In collaboration with University of California, Davis Cooperative Extension, ESICE is co-facilitating the development of the research protocol that will monitor the US Forest Service implementation of forest management practices to reduce fire loads on two research sites in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Most importantly, ESICE staff are supporting the development of public participation research that will test engagement of the public in this process. ESICE is also facilitating the development of foundation and corporate support that will complement the federal and state support of this research.
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ESICE copyright 2001 - 2010.