GMRI Research Experience for Undergraduates

Opportunity 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 welcomes this opportunity to invite undergraduate students to take part in the institute's work.

The GMRI REU Site will pair student interns with researchers based at GMRI, engaged in a broad range of ecosystem and oceanographic 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.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

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.

The ideal candidate will have had little to no research experience, but will have a keen interest in biological, ecological and oceanographic studies as they relate to fisheries management and climate change. Relevant prior coursework includes classes in biology, ecology, environmental science, oceanography, programming and statistics but is not required. Instead, students are expected to display enthusiasm for learning and a strong drive for conducting independent research.

Applicants from underrepresented groups in marine research (e.g., minorities, first-generation college students, veterans, or students with disabilities) are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Process: 

Application deadline varies from year-to-year.