Program Name:
Student Research Grant Program
Administering Agency:
Utah Seismic Safety Commission and Utah Division of Emergency Services
Contact:
Bob Carey, Earthquake Program Manager
Address:
1110 State Office Building, Salt Lake City, UT 84114
Telephone:
801-538-3784
Fax:
801-538-3772
E-mail:
bcarey@utah.gov
Program Summary
The Utah Seismic Safety Commission (USSC) is an advisory commission
established by the Utah State Legislature to help reduce risks to the state
and its citizens from earthquakes. In the Commission’s strategy plan are
five key objectives, one of which is to increase earthquake awareness and
education.
The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) approached the Commission with the idea of
a Student Research Grant Program for secondary schools. The Commission
discussed the merits of the program, possible funding sources, and
administration. The Commission provided seed money for the program, and the
Earthquake Preparedness Program with the Utah Division of Emergency Services
contributed significant funding.
The objectives of the program are to provide opportunities for student
research related to seismic safety in a variety of disciplines including,
but not limited to, geosciences, land-use planning, community preparedness,
architecture, engineering, and government relations to promote interest in
earthquake-related careers and indirectly promote earthquake awareness in
our community.
Research proposals are reviewed by the Commission’s Awareness and Education
Committee and other interested Commissioners. The Utah Division of
Emergency Services administrates the funding on a reimbursement basis. The
program has provided over $7,700 to students for research in the disciplines
of geoscience, engineering, and emergency management. Funded student
projects have included: 1) class field trips to the 1959 Hebgen Lake,
Montana earthquake area and construction of PowerPoint presentation for the
school’s website for use by other students; 2) preparation of a preparedness
plan and monitoring of engineering and construction during retrofit of an
historical high school; and 3) development of an emergency preparedness
plan, medical-supply inventory, list of student/teacher survival needs, and
educational plan including preparing an information video, PowerPoint
presentation, and information flier. The program has completed its third
year.
Program Operational
Since September 2002
Major Purposes
The objective of the program is to provide opportunities for student
research related to seismic safety in a variety of disciplines to promote
interest in earthquake-related careers and indirectly promote earthquake
awareness in our community. Most schools do not have funding to support
this kind of extracurricular academic activity.
Specific Activities
and Operations
Each fall notices are sent to all secondary public and private schools in
the state announcing a request for proposals for student research grants.
Applications are reviewed by the Awareness and Education Standing Committee
and recommendations are made to the Commission. The Division of Emergency
Services administrates the funding for the program. A final report on all
the projects is made to the Commission, occasionally having the school
making a presentation to the Commission.
New Approaches and Methods
National
programs may be available to schools; however, the USSC program’s
requirements for funding are much less stringent than those of national
programs. Most grants are for $1000 and have not exceeded $3200.
Program Funding
Start-up Costs:
$ 5000
Source:
Utah Seismic Safety Commission
Annual
Budget: $
2000 - $5000
Source:
Utah Seismic Safety Commission
Program Staffing
1 FTE
Program Origin
The program
has been fully implemented. It originated in Utah and we are not aware of
similar programs in other states.
Achievement of Stated
Purposes
Each year
we have received more inquiries about the program, so the interest is
there. The downside of the program is that this is an extracurricular
activity. Most teachers are not willing to take on the extra work.
Obstacles Other States
Might Encounter
The program
just completed its third year, and there have not been any changes. Any
state wanting to do this program should review reimbursement procedures for
their agency. We had to move the program to the Utah Division of Emergency
Services so that reimbursements could be made.
