Sam Morse and Scott Woodbury, political science majors at Oklahoma State University, have been selected to take part in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in Civil Conflict Management and Peace Science.

The program brings together 10 undergraduate participants from around the country to take part in weekly workshops and intense mentoring sessions that will help them learn the tools for performing conflict management research using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis.

Morse, a political science senior from Shattuck, is examining how the presence of lootable natural resources, such as oil and diamonds, impact regional economic equality and how resources and inequality affect the risk of civil war.

Woodbury, a political science senior from Yukon,  is researching the impact of weather on terrorist attacks and whether inclement weather patterns deter terrorist activities.

At the end of the eight-week program hosted by the University of North Texas, students will present their own research as part of a public forum at UNT. Students are also expected to submit their work to present at a national political science conference.

The program provides students with a $4,000 stipend in addition to covering housing and dining during their stay. More information is available at https://untconflictmgmtreu.wordpress.com/