Suggestions on Research Project

NARRATOR:Listen to a conversation between a student and an ecology professor.

FEMALE PROFESSOR:I have some good news for you.One of the students who was signed up for the summer term at the field station next year won't be attending after all.Your name's first on the waiting list, so if you still want to do it, the space is available.

MALE STUDENT:Aw, that's terrific!

FEMALE PROFESSOR:You were also interested in doing an independent research project next summer, right?

MALE STUDENT:Yeah, on salt-marsh restoration—but that was before, when I thought I wasn't going to get into the field station.

FEMALE PROFESSOR:Well, you can still do it if you want.I looked over your application for the independent research project, and it looks strong: I approved it.And you'd have even more resources there at the field station, so...

MALE STUDENT:[thoughtful, musing tone] The field station and an independent study...But the summer term is a few weeks shorter than a regular term...

FEMALE PROFESSOR:Wh-it's up to you. You'd have to work hard, but I think you can do very well.Professor Garfield-one of the professors over at the field station-

MALE STUDENT:[interrupting] Yeah, I've heard of him.

FEMALE PROFESSOR:Yes, well, Professor Garfield's been doing research on salt marshes for years, assessing human impact and methods of salt-marsh restoration.He's willing to oversee your project.

MALE STUDENT:Wow!That's too good an opportunity to pass up.

FEMALE PROFESSOR:[positive tone with happy chuckle] I thought you'd say that.When I spoke with Dr. Garfield, he suggested you take a particular course he'll be teaching here in the spring...it's called Advanced Topics in Salt-Marsh Management.The course looks at salt-marsh ecology in-depth, and it also focuses on factors that stress salt-marsh systems, and how to assess and monitor the level of stress.

MALE STUDENT:[excitedly] And that background information will fit right into my project on salt-marsh restoration. This is so great.

FEMALE PROFESSOR:Oh, one more thing. Do you know John Arnold?

MALE STUDENT:Not really, But he lives in my dorm. Why?

FEMALE PROFESSOR:John's another ecology student who'll be at the field station next summer. I approved an independent research project for him, too.Initially he had the same concern as you. But anyway, his topic will be similar to yours.He'll be researching how bridges and culverts that have been installed to allow tidal waters to move underneath roads between the sea and the salt marshes.Well, they're often too small...

MALE STUDENT:I guess that would result in not enough tidal water flowing into the marshes to maintain the natural vegetation, right?

FEMALE PROFESSOR:Exactly. And he'll be looking at how to determine the right size.So I was thinking he might be a good choice for a summer roommate for you.