Achievement

In order to better prepare SmartGeo trainees for the unique challenges in the SmartGeo program, all trainees, associates, and faculty participated in a 2-day off-site retreat that involved programs in teamwork, leadership, policy, and technical reviews of the trainee research. Through an external evaluation by Peak Research, LLC, trainees indicated the retreat made SmartGeo professors more accessible and 87% felt it improved their understanding of the program. Trainees indicated the retreat helped build community, broke down barriers and exceeded expectations. Ninety percent of the students felt the retreat was a good use of their time and that it would help them succeed in the coming year. The retreat education was continued throughout fall and spring semesters with weekly seminars that included external expert speakers discussing teamwork, policy, leadership, and technical topics. Each semester research teams also give technical presentations and write team progress reports.