About
The Rocky Mountain Sustainability and Science Network (RMSSN) brings together federal and state agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations to collaborate in research relevant to sustainability. RMSSN was originally supported by grant #0956059 from the National Science Foundation, part of the Research Coordination Network: Undergraduate Biology Education series. In 2014, the Network converted to non-profit 501 (c) (3) status. In 2016 RMSSN/3dNaturalist was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, Beacham O’Malley Trust and the National Park Service.
The Rocky Mountain Sustainability and Science Network is committed to diversity in both its faculty and its students. The student demographics reflect this commitment. In 2018 more than three quarters of the students in the summer program were female (77%, n=22), one third of the students were BIPOC (33%, n=21). In the following year RMSSN was able to almost double the number of students who identify as BIPOC (60%, n=20) while maintaining a high proportion of female participants (60%, n=20).
Vision
RMSSN inspires college level students to become leaders who address global issues of sustainability, biodiversity, and social equity.
Mission
RMSSN provides field based scientific and cultural experiences in the Rocky Mountains for college-level students.
We create opportunities to explore biodiversity, equity, and sustainability in the National Parks.
We cultivate an inclusive setting that enhances teamwork, professional development and scientific literacy.
This unique program aims to provide students with leadership skills, experiences in solution-oriented research and life-long networks.