Subject: REU in Coastal Ecosystems Ecology – Villanova University
The laboratory of Dr. Nathaniel Weston in the Department of Geography and the Environment at Villanova University will host a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) student during summer 2018. REU internships are funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support active research participation of undergraduate students. The REU student will develop an independent research project focused on coastal ecosystems ecology, and will participate in field trips to tidal marsh research sites in Plum Island Sound, MA and Delaware River, NJ.
Eligibility and Requirements: REU applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., completed one or more years of college but not received a Bachelor’s degree, have completed some coursework relevant to related to the REU program, and have plans to pursue a career in environmental research. Applicants must confirm that they are able to participate in the entire program (June 4 – August 10). The summer intern should expect to participate in physically strenuous field research in sometimes uncomfortable conditions (muddy, buggy, hot).
Program: The REU intern will receive a stipend of $5000 for the summer.
Housing on Villanova’s campus and a meal plan will be provided. The program runs from June 4 – August 10 (10 weeks). The intern will participate in the on-campus professional development activities administered by the Villanova Center for Research and Fellowships that includes social events and workshops on topics including the responsible conduct of research, fellowships in the STEM fields, networking, science writing, and delivering effective presentations. The REU intern will also receive safety and field sampling training at the start of their internship. The REU intern will join a group of undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory of Dr. Nathaniel Weston (http://nweston.org), and will work to design and implement an independent research project. This REU internship provides the selected undergraduate student with an outstanding opportunity to develop and design an independent research project and to gain substantial hands-on field and laboratory experience in a dynamic research program.
Application: Applicants for the 2018 summer REU internship complete the online application and have a letter of recommendation submitted by March 16. The online application (http://nweston.org/reu-in-coastal-
ecosystems-ecology/) includes several document uploads that should be prepared prior to completing the online portion of the application:
– A cover letter that describes your interest in coastal
ecosystems ecology, your professional career goals, and what you hope to obtain from a summer REU internship (limited to 1 page).
– A resume (limited to 2 pages).
– A copy of your academic transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
Applicants should also request a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. The letter can be submitted by email directly to Dr. Weston (nathaniel.weston@villanova.edu).
See http://nweston.org/reu-in-coastal-ecosystems-ecology/ for more information and to apply.