Our first cohort of graduate students began three years of work with us this summer, working toward a graduate degree in biology from Miami University (located in Oxford, Ohio). The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) consists of online courses as well as in-person learning at LREC and other Garden sites. Students who complete 21 credits of course work with us and 14 credits in wholly online courses run by Miami can earn an M.A. in Biology or an M.A.T. in Teaching Biological Sciences. We are pleased to be one of only nine science organizations around the country offering this program.

This summer 15 students enrolled in Foundations of Inquiry, spending their week with us designing methods and collecting data to answer questions about things they noticed on site—everything from pollinators to creek chemistry to moss! This fall, we will be working with the students as they explore global biomes through investigations at the Garden, the Zoo, and other St. Louis area sites. They will also develop skills with computer mapping software and data tools, and publish their final course projects online. Most students will also be taking a “Conservation, Science, and Community” course online with other Miami AIP students from across the country.

We’re excited to continue to work with these students throughout their years in the program, even as we add a new cohort each summer. If you or someone you know might be interested, click the AIP link above for a list of information nights we will be hosting this fall.