Achievement

Collaboration among IGERT students continues to evolve. During years one and two, the weekly meetings provided networking opportunities between students. In comparison, more dynamic collaboration has been observed in year three. Trainees, affiliates, and alumni have actively created learning experiences enhancing the entire team’s understanding of the grid’s functioning as it relates to their individual research projects. Several students initiated activities for the entire group: Erin Keys coordinated the trip to the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative; Hunter Estes headed up a learning tour to the Bureau of Economic Geology; and Wesley Cole organized a Journal Publication Workshop. The aforementioned examples exemplify the IGERT program as an all-inclusive assemblage regardless of a student’s identification as a trainee, affiliate, or alumni. IGERT affiliates and alumni share their research and publication experiences with IGERT trainees, providing a full-circle mentoring experience.