Happy Belated Darwin Day! Here are a few updates and upcoming activities. Action items indicated with an asterisk*.

Summer Research Experience for Trainees 

Cohort 2* – it is time to plan your summer research experience for trainees (RET). You can approach any faculty or postdocs outside of your area of expertise and offer 4 weeks (160 hours) of research collaboration. This is an important part of the DS421 program with emphasis on interdisciplinary training, hands-on experience, and building your professional network. Please read the RET guidelines carefully. Feel free to ask questions, talk to the first cohort about their experiences, and ask faculty for introductions. Preproposals are due March 24th*, and full proposals by May 1st*. 

Cohort 1*, please submit your RET reports by end of the day tomorrow, Feb 14th. A short blurb about your experience will be posted on the DS421 website as a helpful guide to Cohort 2. Thaaaaaanks.

• Jenna and Sara are working with NASA NEX.
• Carmen and Ian are working with Natel Energy. 
• Kate, Hal and Valeri are working with KQED Science.
• Matthew, Laura and Christine are working with Stamen Design.
• Yang, Dana and Dan are working with Google Earth Engine.