SEEDS: Links > Undergraduate Research Opportunities and Courses

Berry College NSF-REU Program in Ecological and Environmental Biology
Berry College, located near Rome, Georgia, will host 10 students in a 10-week REU program focused on Ecological and Environmental Biology. Recruitment will be based on research interests, career goals, and academic achievement. We will choose students to ensure a diverse group of participants, including at least one whose career goal is to teach high school biology. Students will receive free on-campus housing, a $3250 stipend, access to $1000 in materials and supplies funds, and a travel allowance of up to $600 (for non-Berry College students). Students may apply if they are U.S. citizens currently attending a U.S. college or university.
Among the highlights of the program are Berry's 28,000-acre campus, which serves as an outdoor laboratory, our state-of-the-art science building, which provides access to modern equipment and technology, and our broadly-trained faculty, who all have extensive experience with undergraduate research. This summer's programs include research in longleaf pines, limestone glade restoration, plant-animal interactions, host-parasite relationships in mammals, parasites and beetles, stress response in corals, and monitoring of coyote populations.

The application deadline for summer 2006 is March 10. For further questions, please contact Dr. Martin Cipollini at mcipollini@berry.edu.
SEEDS Undergraduate Research Fellowships
SEEDS Undergraduate Research Fellowships offer the opportunity for a year-long independent ecological investigation. The Fellowship is intended for undergraduate students that have a sincere interest in pursuing an ecology career, have gained some experience in the field, and will be a sophomore, junior, or senior during the term of their fellowship. SEEDS fellows conduct a year-long independent ecological research project with the help of a mentor scientist. The mentor is an Ecological Society of America (ESA) member, working outside the student's home institution. The most unique aspect of the SEEDS Fellowship is that the student-mentor match is a highly individualized process. SEEDS staff work with fellows once they have been accepted to find a mentor who is working in the student's interest area, and, if desired, also in a relatively close location to facilitate the year-long format of the fellowship. The fellowship provides students with a $6,000 research stipend, plus travel, housing and research expenses, in addition to travel to two ESA Annual Meetings.
Graduate Study at Rutgers
We at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, invite your seniors to take a look at our nationally reputed science and engineering graduate programs. As New Jersey's land grant institution, we also offer strong programs in environmental and marine sciences, food and nutritional sciences, and ecology. All graduate students receive generous fellowships and tuition waivers. Students can matriculate directly into our PhD program, opt for a Masters-PhD Bridge, or arrange a post-baccalaureate experience. We pride ourselves on our flexible curriculum, mentoring, and academic support. Application deadlines vary by program and are often flexible.
Grand Canyon Semester Undergraduate Learning Experience
The Grand Canyon semester will offer students a rare opportunity for an experiment in learning that is interdisciplinary and experiential, theoretical and practical, on the campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU). We are looking for 25 students with wide disciplinary and personal interests to join and dedicated teaching faculty of NAU professors, museum curators, NPS rangers, artists, writers, photographers and others to study the Grand Canyon and Southern Colorado Plateau region from the perspectives of humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences.
Institute of Ecosystem Studies
The Institute of Ecosystem Studies' Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program is a 12-week summer program that gives students what for most is their first opportunity to conduct independent research as part of a research community. Students choosing to pursue a research career receive exceptional training while all participants gain skills and experiences that will serve them in any path they choose. As participants design and complete their own research projects they consult with other scientists, through the guidance of a mentor, present their plans for critique, and then speak in our annual Undergraduate Research Symposium and write a paper for a peer-reviewed IES Occasional Publication. Applications must be received via email or fax, or postmarked by February 15.
Minorities in Marine Science Undergraduate Program (MIMSUP)
MIMSUP is designed to introduce members of racial or ethnic groups under-represented in science and engineering to academic and professional careers in marine science. Eight selected students spend two quarters (January 7 - June 15) at the Shannon Point Marine Center taking introductory and specialized courses in the marine sciences (31 quarter credit hours). A work-study allowance of $3025 total to help defray food costs for the duration of the program. Applications will be considered as they are received and final selections will be announced by November 15, 2005.
Multicultural Students at Sea Together (MAST)
A multidisciplinary program for students to explore the Chesapeake Bay. Live aboard and operate a 53-foot sailing vessel; conduct scientific studies of the marine environment; reclaim the heritage of African Americans under sail; study the policies that impact the Chesapeake ecosystem; visit scientific laboratories, museums, commercial fisheries, cultural institutions and government agencies; learn from some of the top experts in their fields; join a crew of minority students from across the nation; earn undergraduate or graduate college credit; and, earn a $400 stipend. Rolling acceptance. Excellent applicants will be accepted early, but applications will be accepted until the boat is filled.
MUST (Minority Undergraduate Scholarship & Training)
The MUST at Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia is exciting, challenging, and fun. Each summer MUST offer eight undergraduate scholars the opportunity to work with individual faculty mentors for an intensive research experience. Scholarships are available in many areas of the Ocean and Geo Sciences, from fisheries management to chemical tracer studies, physical oceanography, biogeochemical cycles, and microbial biogeochemistry. There is a stipend disbursement of $3,500 total for full participation in the ten week program. Application deadline is April 1.
National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Fellowship Program
The National Wildlife Federation's Campus Ecology Fellowship Program offers a nationally recognized opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to pursue their vision of an ecologically sustainable future. Through tangible projects to green their campuses and communities, environmental research and organizing on key conservation issues, fellows gain practical experience in the conservation field and first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities inherent in successful conservation efforts. In addition to joining the national network of current and alumni NWF Fellows, students also receive a modest grant, project support, and recognition of their accomplishments. December 15 deadline.
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Search the site database.

REU Highlight:

http://www.mtholyoke.edu/go/svalbard

REU Highlight:

http://www.rmbl.org/index.php?

Organization for Biological Field Stations (OBFS)
The mission of the Organization of Biological Field Stations is to advance understanding of the changing natural world through field-based science and education. OBFS includes about 200 member stations from North America, as well as about 100 individuals who are associated with field stations. The website allows you to search courses at specific stations.
Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS)
The Organization for Tropical Studies, in partnership with Duke University, offers semester and summer programs for undergraduate and graduate students interested in field biology. OTS Costa Rica Semester and Summer Programs utilize all three OTS field stations as well as other Costa Rican sites, allowing direct study of a wide range of tropical ecosystems and habitats. OTS South Africa Semester Program is based at the world-renowned Kruger National Park, allowing direct study of African savanna ecosystems. All of OTS Undergraduate Offerings feature the OTS method of field-based, experiental learning under close the guidance of highly qualified Ph.D.-level professors. April 1 and November 1 deadlines.
Research Experiences in Estuarine Science for Undergraduates at Mote Marine Lab (MML)
Each summer, MML hosts a 10-week program focused on providing research experiences in estuarine science to 8-10 advanced undergraduate students. Students are paired with MML scientists and develop and complete an independent research project related to their mentor’s research interests. The upcoming REU session will focus on major threats to estuaries such as aquatic pollution, natural toxins, habitat alteration, and coral reef decline. Students will receive a $3,500 stipend. Applications for the REU session must be postmarked by February 15.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
The site features information for students interested in identifying research opportunities and for faculty interested in obtaining support for undergraduate research students through either an REU Supplement or REU Site proposal. NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.
Research In Science and Engineering (RISE) Program at Rutgers University
RISE is an undergraduate summer research program to advance diversity in science, math, and engineering. We choose 20-25 outstanding undergraduates to participate in cutting edge research in the sciences, math, and engineering under the guidance of prominent faculty mentors. You earn a substantial stipend and live in free on-campus housing. We especially encourage you to apply if you are from an economically/educationally disadvantaged background, from groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences, or a first generation college student or a student who does not have opportunities for intensive research at your home university. We have rolling admissions and will start reviewing applications on February 1st. Review will continue until all spaces are filled (usually through March). We recommend that you apply early, since admission is highly competitive.
Smithsonian Minority Internships
The Office of Fellowships offers a number of opportunities to increase participation of minority groups who are underrepresented in Smithsonian scholarly programs, in the disciplines of research conducted at the Institution, and in the museum field. Stipend awards are available for interns to participate in supervised ongoing research, or museum-related activities for periods of ten weeks. Minority undergraduate and beginning graduate students are encouraged to apply. 10 week term with a $400 per week stipend. October 1, February 1, and June 1 deadlines.
Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
Many underrepresented minority students are unaware of opportunities for science, mathematics or engineering (SME) careers. A principal goal of the Northeast Alliance Summer Program for Undergraduate Research is to introduce undergraduate students to SME research and prepare them for graduate school in SME disciplines and for SME careers. The program provides hands-on positive research experiences and mentoring in a supportive setting. Participants will receive a total stipend of $2,500. The application deadline is February 27.
Summer Pre Graduate Research Experience (SPGRE) Program
SPGRE will offer undergraduate students throughout the country the opportunity to work full-time on research projects under the direction of UNC-CH faculty members. This 10-week research education program is designed for students sincerely interested in pursuing graduate studies for the Ph.D. degree. SPGRE is one effort to address the obvious shortage of Ph.D. recipients from underrepresented populations. There are four components related to SPGRE—physical and computational sciences, life/biomedical sciences and public health, social sciences and humanities, and environmental sciences. Thus, the range of research options is extremely broad and can be tailored for just about any student's interest. Students will receive a stipend of $3,200 and a food allowance of $1,400. Housing is provided as well as reimbursement for travel up to $400. The application deadline is February 7.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) Program
The fundamental objective of MMUF is to increase the number of minority students, and others with a demonstrated commitment to eradicating racial disparities, who will pursue PhDs in core fields in the arts and sciences. The MMUF program is administered by over a hundred campus coordinators at 34 institutions and a consortium of 38 historically black colleges and universities within the membership of the United Negro College Fund. MMUF students entering PhD programs in Mellon-designated fields are eligible for repayment of their undergraduate loans up to a maximum of $10,000.
The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology
Each student will participate in an on-going research project with a researcher from Harvard University, University of New Hampshire, Marine Biological Laboratory Ecosystem Center or other institutions. Harvard Forest research focuses on the effects of natural and human disturbances on forest ecosystems, including atmospheric pollution, global warming, hurricanes, tree falls, and insect outbreaks. Researchers come from many disciplines, and specific projects center on population and community ecology, paleoecology, land-use history, wildlife biology, biochemistry, soil science, ecophysiology, and atmosphere-biosphere exchanges. At the end of the summer, students will develop their research results, prepare an abstract, and present their findings at a student research symposium. Students are paid a stipend of $3600 for the 12-week session that starting Tuesday, May 31st and runs through August 19th. The Forest also provides free housing as well as a full meal program for participants who live on site. Deadline March 4th.
The Sea Grant Marine Science Undergraduate Research Fellowship (MSURF)
The Sea Grant Marine Science Undergraduate Research Fellowship (MSURF) program aims to provide undergraduate students with the highest quality research training in marine/ocean science or marine bioproducts engineering, outstanding preparation for graduate school, and life-long collegial relationships and associations. Program dates for 2005 is May 31 to August 5. Applications for MSURF 2005 will be accepted starting November 1st.
The closing date of the application process will be on February 15th.
UNCF/ Mellon Summer Ecology Program Internship Program
The UNCF and Mellon Foundation is coordinating summer internships for minority undergraduate students interested in ecology research. These internships are designed to expose qualified minority students to research in ecology and foster their interest in ecology related careers. Students interested in ecology work 12 weeks, with faculty researchers on studies related to ecology and the environment. Applicants must be US citizens, entering their sophomore, junior or senior year of college. Application deadline: January 15.
University of Michigan Biological Station "Biosphere-Atmosphere Studies in a Changing Global Environment" REU
This NSF funded program provides a summer of mentored research in either ecology or atmospheric science. All expenses (travel, meals & housing) are paid and students for 2006 will receive a stipend of $3,750. This is a competitive program, so interested students should apply early.
University of Michigan Biological Station Summer Courses
The summer term, June 17 to August 12, 2006, offers a variety of course opportunities including Rivers, Lakes, & Wetlands; Forest Ecosytems; Field Mammology; and, Behavior Ecology. Spring courses are also available. In a world that is undergoing unprecedented changes in land use, climate, resource extraction and species distributions, a major goal of the UMBS must be to produce biologically knowledgeable graduates who are prepared to understand, deal with and solve environmental problems.
US Department of Energy Global Change Education Program Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
The ten-week SURE program begins with a one-week orientation and focus session on global change research areas. The orientation will involve a series of lectures aimed at giving undergraduate students a detailed overview of all research areas within the BER global change activities. As well, the students will receive more focused information on the specific area in which they expect to conduct research. Another important aspect of the SURE program will be a scientific writing course that will focus on developing the organizational and writing skills needed for the communication of scientific findings in the literature and in short research proposals. After the orientation and focus sessions are completed, the students will travel to their nine-week research assignments at national laboratories or universities conducting BER-supported global change research. Each student will have a mentor who will direct and monitor the student’s summer research experience. February 7 deadline.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) Undergraduate Student Fellowship
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering Greater Research Opportunities Undergraduate Fellowships for bachelor level students in environmentally related fields of study. Eligible students will receive support for their junior and senior years of undergraduate study and for an internship at an EPA facility during the summer between their junior and senior years. The fellowship provides up to $17,000 per year of academic support and up to $7,500 of internship support for the three-month summer period. November 23 deadline.
Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies
The Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies prepares new leadership and creates new knowledge for undergraduate and graduate students to sustain and restore the long-term health of the biosphere and the well-being of its people. Research and teaching efforts have expanded to include not only forestry but also a wide set of concerns involving the interactions of human societies and natural systems. Check website for application deadlines because they vary from time to time.