Item No. 1 of 1

INVESTIGATOR: Thompson, G. D.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
888 N EUCLID AVE
TUCSON, ARIZONA 85719-4824

MASTER`S FELLOWSHIPS IN THE ECONOMICS OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Hispanic and Native American students have been poorly represented in M.S. student ranks: 3 of 60 entering students in the last five years, and only 1 of 22 in the last two years. Domestic females have been better represented in the last five years but in the most recent two years, only two domestic female students have entered the program out of seven total domestic students. Completion rates for all these underrepresented students are 100 percent; we have had no attrition. Therefore, although the numbers of underrepresented students are low, retention has been excellent. But there is now ample opportunity to actively recruit underrepresented groups, enhance access to graduate study in the department, and build on our previous success in training and placing underrepresented graduate students. The Targeted Expertise Shortage Area is Agricultural Management and Economics. Within this TESA, the specific focus is on resource economics and the economics of alternative energy. Excellent candidates will be recruited through a variety of formal and informal channels and personal contacts. Several alumni from the underrepresented groups have already suggested innovative ways of recruiting prospective students. We believe our previous success with training and placing underrepresented students will provide a modest but important track record to inform prospective students of the opportunities on graduating with a master's degree. Two years of formal academic study, including writing a master's thesis, will be augmented by summer activities which may include one or more of the following: collaboration on multidisciplinary research, active participation in delivery of extension programs off campus, and engagement as a teaching assistant and adjunct lecturer in summer school courses. These summer activities will enhance the opportunities Fellows have to develop research, communication, and leadership skills.

OBJECTIVES: The overall goal of the proposal is for Fellows to gain confidence in their own abilities as applied economists with a master's degree in order to think independently, gain confidence in their own abilities, and assume leadership roles. Among other economics and quantitative skills, Fellows will learn how to (i) write an effective grant proposal, (ii) organize and deliver an extension presentation that will engage participants, and (iii) organize and deliver innovative short courses. The program will train 4 master's students. The major measurable benefits of the training program will be to place successfully Fellows in management and leadership positions in tribal organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and private sector companies. In order to place successfully, Fellows will necessarily have mastered analytical and communications skills as well as have developed the ability to identify problems, formulate solutions, communicate with stakeholders, and manage resources and personnel. A successful NNF grant will result in all 4 Fellows obtaining jobs in the aforementioned sectors with a focus on developing economically viable alternative energy sources. The Targeted Expertise Shortage Area is Agricultural Management and Economics, specifically in resource economics and economics of alternative energy. The economics of alternative energy in Arizona includes biofuels, solar, and wind energy. All Fellows will be expected to obtain jobs directly related to these targeted expertise shortage areas.