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SEVILLETA FIELD STATION REU SITES PROGRAM IN ARIDLAND ECOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

 

The Sevilleta Field Station is seeking applicants for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).  We are looking for 10 Biology and 2 Art Ecology REU students for the Summer of 2018. 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 2018. 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 2018.  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.

The 2 Art REU projects available for 2018 are:

  1. Research, develop, plan, and create several multimedia products for use by REU Program, Sevilleta NWR, and/or Sevilleta Field Station for outreach on social media websites. Specifically, experience making educational videos and interest in making time lapse videos from old photography would be preferred.
  2. Create 2D ecology-based educational materials such as: t-shirt designs and pairing visual educational outreach material with text (posters, educational field guides, fictional books, etc.).

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 28 – August 3.  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 2018. 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.

 

Application

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.
    1. 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.
    2. 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 srbaker@unm.eduWITH the subject line of “2018 REU Recommendation for YOUR NAME.”
  3. 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.
  4. 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 23, 2018.

Questions regarding the application procedure can be directed to the Program Manager, Stephanie Baker by e-mail. Please put REU 2018 in the subject line. e-mail: srbaker@unm.edu

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

 

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