On-campus Experiences
To find on-campus research experiences during the academic year:
- Participate in the Maryland Student Researchers Program -- This is especially good for students with little or no previous experience.
- Contact your professors and PhD-level teaching assistants directly -- If their research interests match yours, send a brief description of your interests, a resume, and your transcript to them by e-mail.
- Listen for in-class announcements and watch the ENSP Advising News -- and act quickly!
- Consider science policy, science writing, or other work related to science, as well.
Summer Research (REU) Internships
- Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) are excellent opportunities for highly qualified students (rising seniors, 3.25+ GPA, and previous research/internship experience). Typically, each site selects 8-12 students from across the country; and provides housing, social activities, and a $5,000+ stipend.
- If this would be your first research experience, we recommend going to the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research page, first, to complete an on-campus research experience. Beginning research experiences like those will add substantially to your REU application.
- REU application deadlines fall between February 1 - March 15 (varies by institution) and require a personal statement, resume, and 1-2 faculty recommendations.
- Most REU participants are rising seniors; however, rising juniors and new graduates may be eligible in some cases. See the NSF/REU Program list HERE. If accepted for an REU, speak with your advisor before you leave College Park about whether/not you will need to prepare a research paper beyond what is expected of you at the internship, e.g., a monograph, to earn ENSP386 credit.
Opportunities at NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings scholarship program is designed to: (1) increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education and foster multidisciplinary training opportunities; (2) increase public understanding and support for stewardship of the ocean and atmosphere and improve environmental literacy; (3) recruit and prepare students for public service careers with NOAA and other natural resource and science agencies at the federal, state and local levels of government; and (4) recruit and prepare students for careers as teachers and educators in oceanic and atmospheric science and to improve scientific and environmental education in the United States.
The NOAA Office of Education provides many other experiences and resources for students, such as fellowships, internships and other research opportunities. These experiences target students interested in oceanography, marine biology and maritime archaeology, including all science, engineering, and resource management of ocean and coastal areas. Click HERE to learn more and to apply!
Summer Research Experiences for Students in Solid Earth Sciences (RESESS)
The RESESS Internship is a multi-summer research experience located in Boulder, CO, that is dedicated to increasing diversity in the geosciences. RESESS encourages applications from individuals who are members of a group that is historically under-represented in the Earth or environmental sciences, and from students who can demonstrate experience working towards raising awareness about the importance of the geosciences among broad or diverse segments of the population. RESESS is largely funded by the NSF, but (unlike the REU's above) can be a multi-summer experience beginning as early as sophomore year summer. Approximately 15 students participate each summer. Students majoring in geology, physical geography, or closely related topics are encouraged to apply. Biology students may also apply, provided they are willing to consider doing a research project that uses biology in the context of geology. Selected students receive:
- Salary for eleven weeks
- Round-trip airfare to Boulder, CO (the program's location)
- A shared furnished apartment at no cost
- A research experience in the geosciences/physics of the Earth/geomorphology/etc.
- A writing course with training in presentation skills
- Participation in a national science meeting
- Scholarship money during the school year
Start planning in late Fall to take best advantage of this opportunity. The application deadline is February 1 -- Go here for more information and to apply!
