Summer Research Program in Ecology

The University of Toledo is seeking students for our Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, “Addressing Environmental Challenges and Proposing Sustainable Solutions at the Lake Erie Land-Lake Interface”. We are seeking 10 students to join our team from May 26- July 31, 2020. Students will work in laboratories at the Lake Erie Center, UToledo Main Campus, and Health Science Campus. Accepted REU fellows will receive lodging in UToledo dormitories, a stipend of $5750, a food allowance, and round trip travel to/from Toledo, Ohio.

Students will address complex challenges at the land-lake interface to understand how natural resource use impacts biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and public health, with the goal of advancing environmental sustainability. Students will be paired with faculty and graduate student mentors from the Departments of Environmental Sciences, Geography and Planning, Public Health, Medicine or Engineering, and will conduct independent research in ecology, limnology, remote sensing, medicine or engineering. Field trips will introduce students to the diverse habitats and ecological challenges facing Lake Erie, and students will receive training in research ethics, experimental design, data analysis, writing scientific papers and applying to graduate school. Students will write a final report and present their research at a public poster gala.

Applications will be accepted from students in any relevant major to research harmful algal blooms, water quality, invasive species, natural communities, habitats, land use and nutrients.

Rising juniors and seniors are preferred, rising sophomores will also be considered. Students must not have graduated before the start of the Summer 2020 term. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.

Students from underrepresented minority groups, women, veterans and first-generation college students are especially encouraged to apply. Students will be selected based on academic excellence, a letter of reference and a demonstrated interest in environmental issues, and will be matched with a mentor based on indicated preference for research areas.

Apply at: https://www.utoledo.edu/nsm/lec/reu/ by February 28, 2020.

Questions regarding the program or application process should be directed to [email protected].

Central Michigan University is seeking undergraduate students to participate in a 10-week research experience for undergraduates (REU) program at its Biological Station (CMUBS) on Beaver Island, MI. This REU program will support the training of 8 students during the summer of 2020 (tentative dates are May 26-July 31).  The research theme of the REU will document how unprecedented changes (e.g. invasive and non-native species and anthropogenic stress) currently underway in the Laurentian Great Lakes, one of the world’s most important and threatened freshwater ecosystems, are affecting the structure, function, and ecosystem services of the nearshore environment.  During the 10-week program, students will develop research projects (ranging from limnology, fisheries biology, conservation and spatial ecology, to molecular ecology and microbial ecology) in collaboration with CMU faculty to gain hands-on experience in all parts of the scientific process, from experimental design through data dissemination and translation. Students will engage with multiple stakeholders (e.g. government, private, and cultural) who have interests in Great Lakes resources and will learn to relate their science to these groups.  

Students will receive a $5,750 stipend, together with free room and board and up to $500 for travel to CMU’s main campus in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. More information on the program and the online application are available at:http://se.cmich.edu/cmubsreu 

Applications are due by Friday, January 31, 2020, with the final selection of participants expected by March 2, 2020. Questions can be directed to Jessica Lapp, coordinator of the Institute for Great Lakes Research, via email to [email protected], or by phone to 989-774-4401. 

This REU Site award (Restoring cattle ranches for sustainable land and water resources, Award # 1658984) to Tarleton State University, located in Stephenville, TX, will support the training of 10 students for 10 weeks during the summers of 2018 - 2020. Research will be conducted both on the main campus and at Timberlake Biological Field Station, located south of Goldthwaite in Mills County, TX. The scientific focus is on environmentally related issues associated with converting a working cattle ranch into a long-term biological field station. Ranching was once a widespread and profitable business with little environmental focus. However, increasing emphasis on sustainable land and water use has helped reshape how cattle ranchers manage their resources to maximize their gain while minimizing their impact on surrounding ecological systems.

REU students will have opportunities to conduct scientific research in the areas of aquatic ecology, conservation biology, environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental sociology, geospatial analyses, herpetology, hydrogeology, ichthyology, landscape management, limnology, ornithology, paleoecology, parasitology, plant ecology, restoration ecology, sustainability, water quality, and wildlife management.

It is anticipated that a total of 30 students, primarily from schools with limited research opportunities, will be trained in the program. By heavily recruiting from 2-year and 4-year Hispanic Serving Institutions, the REU Site will serve as a pathway for talented, underrepresented students to transition from 2-year colleges to 4-year universities and from 4-year universities to graduate school. Students will learn how research is conducted, and many will present the results of their work at scientific conferences.

For more information visit: https://www.tarleton.edu/timberlakeranch/REU/Overview.html

To apply visit: https://www.tarleton.edu/timberlakeranch/REUapp.html

The deadline to apply is 1 March 2019.

SEVILLETA FIELD STATION REU SITES PROGRAM IN ARIDLAND ECOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

The UNM Sevilleta Field Station is seeking applicants for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).  Application deadline is February 15, 2019.  We are looking for 10 Biology and 2 Art Ecology REU students for the Summer of 2019. This years dates of program are May 27-August 2, 2019. This interdisciplinary REU Site Program at the Sevilleta Field Station in central New Mexico will train undergraduate students who will conduct independent research under the guidance of UNM faculty in Biology, Ecology, Civil Engineering, and Earth and Planetary Sciences, along with scientists from Federal and State agencies. The summer program includes a seminar series, a weekly journal club, an annual symposium, professional development workshops, public speaking, ethics training, field trips, and opportunities to interact with a multitude of scientists conducting research in the area. Students will conduct independent research in and around the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) and present their projects at the annual symposium to be held in early August 2019. Working at the Sevilleta Field Station and SNWR site invites close interactions among students, faculty, federal scientists, and graduate students.

Students will have numerous opportunities to share ideas and explore issues within and across disciplines. The program’s goals are to (1) provide students with a high quality independent research experience, (2) expose students to a large, multidisciplinary research program, (3) inspire students to continue into professional careers, and (4) prepare students for the rigors of graduate school, professional research, and responsible citizenship. The program exemplifies the integration of research and education. As students conduct research, they will learn how to be independent scientists, and they will gain experience dealing with many technical, methodological and ethical issues that arise in scientific research.

In addition to the 10 Biology REUs, 2 Art REU students (funded through the Sevilleta LTER Program) will be selected for summer of 2019.  The goals of the selected individuals will be to observe and interpret the ecology, research, and landscape of the SNWR through the creation of artistic works (e.g., photography, painting, sculpture, videos).  These artworks will be used to cultivate the understanding among the general public about the goals of UNM and SNWR in studying, restoring, and protecting the ecology and landscapes present within the SNWR.  Final artworks will be displayed and maintained in facilities under the care of UNM.

Lodging and laboratory space for all REU students will be provided by the UNM Sevilleta Field Station at no cost to the student. In addition, candidates chosen will receive a stipend of $5500 and a $500 food allowance during the 10-week summer program that will run from May 27 – August 2.  We will also refund travel costs to and from the UNM Sevilleta Field Station up to $600 (stipulations apply). Students will have access to ~$500 for materials and supplies related to their research or artistic endeavors.

Applications will be accepted from students at any stage of their undergraduate program (freshman to senior) and any discipline, so long as the applicant is interested in conservation biology and ecology in aridland environments. Students are not eligible if they have completed an undergraduate degree by the start of Summer 2019. We especially welcome applications from students at two and four year colleges, students early in their college career, students that are the first member of their family to attend college, non-traditional students, and students from traditionally underrepresented groups.  Students must be U.S. Citizens.

General requirements for participation in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Programs in the Biological Sciences are set by the National Science Foundation. These requirements are listed below:

Applicants to the Sevilleta REU Program must be:

• Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions (e.g., Puerto Rico).
• Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program (full- or part-time) leading to a Bachelor’s degree.
• Undergraduate students who are transferring from one institution to another but are not enrolled at either institution during the intervening summer may participate.
  
  Students are not eligible if they are:

• Foreign nationals residing in a country other than the United States.
• Students that have completed high school but have not yet enrolled in a degree program at an educational institution of higher learning.
• Students that have completed an undergraduate degree and are no longer enrolled in a degree program at an educational institution of higher learning.
  
  Requirements for the Sevilleta REU Program:

• The Sevilleta REU Program has no additional requirements. Applications will be accepted from students at any stage of their undergraduate program (freshman to senior) and any discipline, so long as the applicant is generally interested in careers related to conservation biology and ecology.
• We are particularly interested in applications from students that have had limited opportunities to conduct independent research at their home institution. We welcome and encourage applications from students at four year colleges, students that are the first member of their family to attend college, non-traditional students, and students from traditionally underrepresented groups.
  
  A completed application for the Sevilleta LTER Research Experience for Undergraduates Summer Program will consist of five items:

1. A complete online application (see below).
2. A resume.
   •   3.   An unofficial copy of your academic transcript. If accepted into the REU program, applicants will be required to provide an official copy before starting the program.
     
     4. Two letters of recommendation. These can be from faculty advisors from the student’s home institution, mentors or previous employers. Recommendations from those that are able to comment on the applicant’s academic ability, initiative, maturity, and self-motivation are preferred. Please have your respondents email your letters of recommendation to[email protected] WITH the subject line of “2019 REU Recommendation for YOUR NAME.”

1. A two-page essay addressing the development of the student’s interest in ecology, the specific areas of research interest, and current professional career goals. Essays can be single or double-spaced but should be in a legible font (min. 11 point) with 1 inch margins.
2. Art REUs will also need to provide a portfolio with examples of their artwork.  This should be a PowerPoint presentation or pdf and needs to be uploaded to the application.

Deadlines

The application form, resume, unofficial transcript, two-page essay, and letters of recommendation should be received by February 15, 2019.

Questions regarding the application procedure can be directed to the Program Manager, Stephanie Baker by e-mail. Please put REU 2019 in the subject line.

e-mail: [email protected]

TO APPLY AND FOR MORE INFORMATION visit: https://sevilletareu.wordpress.com/