Undergraduate research experience

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES

OVERVIEW

In summer of 2009, Mote Marine Laboratory will host a 10-week, National Science Foundation-funded program focused on providing research experiences in estuarine science to 10 undergraduate students. Students will be paired with Mote scientists and conduct research on major threats to estuaries such as aquatic pollution, natural toxins, habitat alteration, and coral reef decline. Students will gain experience in science communication by presenting the results of their independent project in a manuscript-style research paper and orally at a laboratory-wide research seminar series. Students will also attend research seminars, workshops on career skills in science, and may have the opportunity to present their research findings at professional conferences.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the Mote REU Program, students must be:
. U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories
. Currently enrolled in a degree program (full-time or part-time) leading to a baccalaureate degree. Students cannot have already graduated at the time of their REU internship.
. First-time REU participants.

In addition, applicants should:
. Possess a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4-point scale)
. Make efforts to receive academic credit for participation in the REU Program

/*- Students from minority groups underrepresented in science are strongly encouraged to apply -*/

TRAVEL, STIPENDS AND HOUSING

Students participating in the REU program will receive:
. Stipend of $4,000 over the 10-week period
. Housing in a local dormitory
. Support for transportation between Mote and their home institution

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Students interested in applying to the 2009 Mote REU program can acquire information on the application procedure from the program website, *www.mote.org/reu*, or by emailing *reu@mote.org*. /*The deadline for applications is February 16, 2009.*/

ABOUT MOTE

Mote is an independent, nonprofit research laboratory with a 54-year history in marine science research and education. Mote is located in Sarasota, Florida on a 12-acre campus overlooking Sarasota Bay, with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. For additional information about Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, please visit www.mote.org. Visit Mote's REU Program website at www.mote.org/reu