Coastal Ecosystems Intern | 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.