This is a program run by Wildlife Ecology and Conservation faculty at the
University of Florida (McCleery, Fletcher, Austin and Wisely). Please
consider applying and contact the investigator if you have specific questions.
As part of a National Science Foundation=92s IRES (International Research
Experiences for Students) program, we are looking for 5 students to
participate in a wildlife research program in Swaziland, Africa, from late-
May to the end of July. Selected applicants will be a part of a study abroad
program (http://www.wec.ufl.edu/courses/study_abroad_swaziland.php), and
then will undertake individual research projects focused on hypotheses
regarding how land-use change and agricultural intensification influence
wildlife biodiversity and ecosystem services. Please review our website
(http://uf-ires.com) for full details on the program, and for course
information before applying.
This is a competitive program! Selected students will receive: 1) plane
fare, 2) fully-funded 3-week study abroad course, 3) a 6-week paid
internship, and 4) food and accommodation at camp. This will be the third
cohort of students to participate in this program and details on the types
of projects from previous cohorts are available on the website
(http://uf-ires.com). To be eligible, students should be preferably juniors
or seniors (who are not graduating Spring/summer 2018), from a U.S.
institution, and who are enrolled in school and who have taken at least 3
credits of general ecology.
Interested students should apply on our website http://uf-ires.com with the
following materials as one PDF file before Dec 2, 2018:
1) A 1 page (single spaced) motivational statement detailing why this
international experience in Swaziland will be beneficial to your academic
and career goals.
2) A curriculum vitae that includes relevant research and educational
experience, related volunteer activities, courses, hobbies, etc.
3) A copy of academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable for initial
application, with formal copy available upon request).
4) We require 1 letter from an academic (professor strongly preferred), and
the contact information (email and phone) for two additional references who
can speak to your academic work ethic and suitability for this program.
References will be contacted for short-listed candidates prior to final
selection.
5) Also include a writing example you have done during your academic career
(indicate the course and faculty associated with the course).