2011 Sevilleta LTER Research Experience for Undergraduates Program The Sevilleta LTER is seeking applicants for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU). Application deadline is February 27, 2011 . We will be looking for 10 REU students for the Summer of 2011.
This interdisciplinary REU Site Program at the Sevilleta LTER in central New Mexico will train up to 12 undergraduate students who will conduct independent research under the guidance of UNM faculty in Biology and Earth and Planetary Sciences. The summer program includes a seminar series, a journal club, an annual symposium, professional development workshops, ethics training, and fieldtrips. Students will conduct independent research at the Sevilleta, and present results at the annual research symposium. They will also attend a weekly seminar and journal club, and interact with visiting speakers. The program includes faculty in ecology, the geosciences, and meteorology. Working at the LTER site invites close interactions among students, faculty, and graduate students. Students will have numerous opportunities to share ideas and explore issues within and across disciplines. A goal is to increase the number of students, particularly underrepresented minorities, pursuing caree! rs in bio-geosciences. The program will provide exposure to a large, multidisciplinary research program, inspire students to continue into professional careers, and 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 a scientist, along with many technical, methodological and ethical issues that arise in scientific research. Lodging and laboratory space for REU students will be provided by the UNM Sevilleta Field Station at NO COST. In addition, candidates chosen will receive a stipend of $4500 during the 11-week summer program (May 23 - August 7) . We will also refund travel costs to and from the UNM Sevilleta Field Station up to $500. 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. Students are not eligible if they have completed an undergraduate degree by Summer 2011. We welcome 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. Students must be U.S. Citizens. A completed application for the Sevilleta LTER Research Experience for Undergraduates Summer Program will consist of four items: A completed copy of the 2-page Application Form. 1. A resume 2. 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. 3. Letters of recommendation from two faculty advisors at the student’s home institution. Faculty advisors that are able to comment on the applicant’s academic ability are preferred. Please provide your respondents with the Report on the Applicant rating form that is available in the table below. 4. 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. Career goals are not required to be in ecological research. Essays can be single or double-spaced but should be in a legible font (min. 11 point) with 1 inch margins. Deadlines The Application Form, Resume, Official transcript, two page essay and letters of recommendation, should be received by February 27, 2011. Please submit your application at the following web address http://tierra.unm.edu/forms/reu-program-application <http://tierra.unm.edu/forms/reu-program-application> We expect to notify applicants who are accepted to the REU program on or before March 11, 2011. Students invited to participate in the REU program must accept or reject the offer by March 18, 2011. Questions regarding the application procedure can be directed to the Program Coordinator by e-mail. e-mail: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
