Description
One of the foremost challenges of our times is to understand the impacts of climate change on our coupled natural and human systems. This includes documenting and monitoring change, as well as predicting and mitigating future impacts of climate change on ecosystems around the world. Very few places are witnessing the effects of climate change more intensely than the Gulf of Maine, which has been warming faster than 99.9% of the global ocean. As such, GMRI is strategically positioned to conduct cutting-edge research on this issue, and we welcome this opportunity to invite undergraduate students to take part in our work.
The GMRI REU Site will pair students with researchers based at GMRI, engaged in a broad range of fishery ecosystem and climate adaptation studies. In consultation with their mentor, students will design and conduct a 10-week intensive, independent research project. This may involve field sampling, laboratory experiments, analysis of existing data sets, computational simulations, or some mix of these. At the end of the summer, students will present their findings at an in-house symposium drawing on analysis and communications skills honed throughout the summer.
This internship opportunity includes a stipend ($500/week for 10 weeks), support for housing costs, and meal allowance.
Important Dates: Applications will be open from January 1, 2021 until February 15, 2021. Applicants will be notified of decisions between March 1-15, 2021. The REU Program will run between June 1 and August 6, 2021. Students must be available for the entire 10 weeks to take part in the program.
IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: Your cover letter should be a direct response to the three questions noted below that will be pertinent and most relevant to your application. In your cover letter (no more than one page, please) you are required to answer these questions. Please identify each specifically by number.
Question #1. Why do you want to participate in this REU, and how will this help you achieve your personal and career goals?
Question #2. Describe any past experiences that you think may help you achieve a successful outcome in our REU program (e.g. teamwork, self-directed studies, any other relevant work or academic experiences).
Question #3. GMRI and NSF value diversity of experiences and perspectives. What unique life experiences and perspectives do you think you will bring to our program?Requirements
1. Check eligibility
Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an undergraduate program at a two- or four-year institution and should have completed at least one year of study in their program. Applications from underrepresented groups in marine research (e.g., minorities, first-generation college students, veterans, or students with disabilities) are especially encouraged to apply.
The ideal candidate will have had little to no research experience, but will have a keen interest in biological, ecological and oceanographic or resource economic studies as they relate to fisheries management and climate change. Relevant prior coursework includes classes in biology, ecology, environmental science, oceanography, economics, programming and statistics but is not required. Instead, students are expected to display enthusiasm for learning and a strong drive for conducting independent research.
2. Peruse our research programs and mentors
Eligible applicants are encouraged to peruse the research programs of the mentors listed below. Pages for each mentor can be accessed by clicking on that mentor’s name.
- Dr. Graham Sherwood (Fisheries Ecology, REU Lead)
- Dr. Lisa Kerr (Fisheries Ecology, Population Modeling)
- Dr. Kathy Mills (Coupled Natural and Human Systems Modeling)
- Dr. Walt Golet (Ecology of Highly Migratory Species)
- Dr. Kanae Tokunaga (Coastal and Marine Resource Economics)
3. Apply online
Please read eligibility requirements before beginning the application process. Please also peruse available mentors so that selection of top two mentors can be entered on the application form. A complete application to the GMRI REU Program consists of the following materials (all completed or uploaded in the online application):
- Completed online application including one page cover letter
- Contact information for two recommenders (e.g., past instructors who can attest to your ability to carry out an independent research project). Letters of reference are NOT required.
- Official or unofficial transcripts from your academic institution (uploaded as additional file).
Once you have reviewed all the information above, you are ready to apply. The program will begin on Tues. June 1, 2021 with completion on Fri. August 6, 2020.
All application materials must be received by February 15, 2021.
For additional questions, please contact reu@gmri.org.