Fall 2006 NSF-REU Internships in Bermuda

[Dr. James B. Wood]

http://www.bbsr.edu/Education/reu/reu.html


Bermuda Biological Station for Research has received National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) funding to support 8 fellowships for undergraduate student research at BBSR during the 2006 fall* semester (arrive: approximately August 31 - depart: approximately November 23, 2006). Students will design and conduct independent projects under faculty supervision within several research areas including:

• Biology, chemistry and physics of the open ocean
• Biology, physiology and biochemistry of reef building corals and reef ecosystems
• Aspects of the molecular biology of marine organisms
• Environmental chemistry of Bermuda's atmosphere and inshore waters
• Effects and consequences of global environmental change

Eligibility and Terms of Fellowship
Students who have completed at least two years of undergraduate study and will still be undergraduates in the fall of 2006 are eligible to apply. Minorities and women are especially encouraged. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. We encourage all successful applicants to arrange for independent study credit through their home institutions.

Each successful REU applicant will receive a stipend of approximately $360 per week less the costs of room and board (a special REU rate of $250 per week). Students will reside on the BBSR campus. Travel expenses will be covered by the REU program.

Download an application form in Word format.

About BBSR
The Bermuda Biological Station for Research is an independent U.S. marine research and educational institution located near the town of St. George's on the islands of Bermuda. We are the site of a number of long-term ocean time-series projects related to the study of global change and have a 115-foot research vessel, the Weatherbird II. There are 13 resident scientific faculty at BBSR, plus a diverse group of visiting scientists from all over the world.

Applications and Further Information
You can apply to BBSR's REU program by downloading an application form (in Word format) and e-mailing, faxing or mailing your completed application to the address listed on the form. If you have difficulty with the form, you can contact BBSR's Education Department at education(at)bbsr.edu or telephone (441) 297 1880.

If you have any other questions about the program or BBSR, please e-mail Dr. Gerry Plumley at plumley(at)bbsr.edu.

Applications are due by May 16, 2006
with a program selection date of May 30, 2006.

Students will arrive on August 31 and will begin work on September 1. Work will end on November 22, with students departing on November 23.

(I will accept ONE student into my cephalopod lab from this program in 2006. - Dr. James B. Wood)

[Dr. James B. Wood]

I just found out that the applicant pool this year is low, that means the odds of getting a position are better than usual. However, we are looking to offer these 8 positions to top applicants.

I'm looking for a Jr. or Sr. with a 3.5 GPA or better that is interested in cephalopods and is comfortable in the water. If you have IT, boating or research skills all the better. My REU project is very likely to focus on either life history or communication in Caribbean Reef Squid - the same species featured in the nature documentary "Tentacles" and "The Circle of Life".

[Burncasper]

I'm sorry if this is a little off topic, but I'm a graduate looking for internships like these, and it's very frustrating that many really interesting opportunities are for undergraduates only. Where are all the opportunities for students between Undergrad and Grad school?

[Izzy]

I'm just frustrated that I can't do anything until I graduate high school. I hate the fact that I have a September birthday, so all those summer programs that say "you must be 18 or older" means that I'm 17 and 11 months, but I'm not 18. I'm done now...

[Dr. James B. Wood]

I'm not a fan of these rules either, especially the one that makes it difficult to have a recent graduate as an intern. However, whom ever supports the program, in this case NSF (U.S. govt.) certainly has the right to make the rules since they are providing the funds. Yes, I agree that it is unfair that once you graduated you are on your own. The "game" is to learn how these things work and get your internships in when you can. Other programs may not have this particular restriction.

Marine Biology can be very rewarding job but it is NOT an easy path to take.

[Izzy]

It is annoying, but we're determined to do what we can. Rules are a pain in the neck, but we have to follow them.

[tannibelle]

i just hate the fact that whenever i see internships that interest me they're always based in america and require US citizenship!

[coral]

oh yes..that really irritates me..when they always want US citizenship! We are just as good

[Izzy]

You're probably better... than most, but not all... I agree. I'm a US citizen, but I think that whoever has the skills and the passion should get the job!