When: Tuesday, May 28 to Saturday, August 3
***Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
What:
This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program emphasizes engaging students in interdisciplinary earth systems research that builds collaboration and communication skills for solving complex environmental problems. We will use wetland restoration as a lens through which participants will get hands-on experience studying the interactions between science and society that shape ecosystem functions and services. This is an interdisciplinary program and we welcome participants from all academic majors who are interested in environmental science questions. This 10-week program will run from Tuesday, May 28 to Saturday, August 3. Participants are provided with a $6,000 stipend for the summer, a travel allowance, on-campus housing, and a meal allowance.
Participants will work as part of an interdisciplinary team on projects that address one of the following questions: (1) How do management approaches impact the development of ecosystem function and wildlife habitat in created wetlands? (2) What are the impacts of invasive species on wildlife use, ecosystem function and greenhouse gas emissions in wetlands? (3) Are suburban and urban wetlands hotspots for plastic pollution and do they harbor antibiotic resistant microbial biofilms? This summer research experience centers around four key components: (1) mentored research projects, (2) interdisciplinary skill development, (3) professional development workshops, and (4) scientific communication and outreach. Students will participate in weekly workshops focusing on both interdisciplinary research skills and professional development. Skills workshops are designed to expose all participants to the wide range of approaches that are used in interdisciplinary earth science research, with topics ranging from sequencing to remote sensing. Professional development workshops will focus on scientific best practices and communication skills and will culminate in activities where students will disseminate their research in a range of settings, including youth programs, community events, and RIT’s undergraduate research symposium.
How to Apply: https://www.rit.edu/science/interdisciplinary-problem-solving
If you have any questions please contact:
Carmody McCalley, Associate Professor at ckmsbi@rit.edu
Christy Tyler, Professor at actsbi@rit.edu