Workshop Overview

The goal of this Collaborative Research project is to bring together ACM faculty from a variety of science disciplines to explore the possibility of a field-based Earth and Environmental Science off-campus studies program based at the Geological Observatory of Coldigioco (OGC) in Italy.

Workshop Goals

The main purposes of the workshop are to:

Introduce faculty to the facilities and local resources available at OGC.
Collaborate across campuses and disciplines to develop new field-based projects and research opportunities for ACM faculty and students.
Work together to propose an off-campus studies program for 15-20 students in 2011 and 2012 in order to test the long-term sustainability of an "Earth and the Environment in Italy" semester abroad program for ACM students.

Dates

June 24-29, 2010

Expectations

Before the workshop - complete background reading on the geologic history of the Apennine region (provided by workshop conveners); generate preliminary project ideas
During the workshop - participate in all sessions, complete activity reviews
After the workshop - share information about the opportunities available at OGC on home campuses; work with workshop conveners to add activity descriptions to the SERC website

Costs

Travel to site: ACM/FaCE will pay for up to $1000 in travel expenses to OGC. Participants are encouraged to fly to the Ancona airport (AOI) or to arrive from elsewhere in Italy by train. Round trip train tickets from Rome to Coldigioco are ~$60.

Pick-up from the Ancona airport or a nearby train station will be handled by OGC.

On site: All lodging, meals, and travel while at OGC are covered.

Application and Selection Criteria

All faculty who can contribute to the development of an Earth and Environmental Studies program in Italy are encouraged to apply. Prior knowledge of the geologic and/or environmental history of Italy is not required, but participants should be willing to think broadly about how to best take advantage of the opportunities presented in the region. Priority will be given to faculty from Earth Science and Environmental Studies programs at ACM institutions.

Facilities

Accommodations at OGC include mini-apartments and dorm style rooms, with bedding provided. Computing and internet facilities are available at the Observatory. The group will eat meals together at OGC or at local restaurants. The Observatory is housed in a small village in a rural area, approximately 2 km from the nearest town and 6 km from a larger town with amenities such as a post office, gas station, grocery store, etc.