2008 Program Overview
Program Dates: May 27-August 15, 2008
Application Deadline: 15 February 2008
 Now entering its 21st year, the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program provides 10 students an opportunity to conduct quality research in ecology at a well-established research institute. Students receive a stipend of $4,800 for their participation in the program, which runs for 12-weeks from the end of May to late August, we provide housing for students for the entire summer plus a food allowance of $600. Students of diverse backgrounds come from all parts the country to participate in the program. REU students stay in a small dormitory, Bacon Flats, located on our campus, just next door to the Plant Science Building and the Likens Laboratory where students conduct much of their work.
 The REU program, supported by the National Science Foundation [ www.nsf.gov ], gives students what for most is their first opportunity to conduct independent research as part of a research community. The program aims to help students understand research so they can make good career decisions. Students choosing to pursue a research career receive exceptional training while all participants gain skills and experiences that will serve them in any path they choose. The program emphasizes the community nature of the scientific enterprise. As participants design and complete their own research projects, they consult with other scientists, present their plans for critique, and then speak in our annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, and write a paper for an online Undergraduate Ecology Research Reports publication. Seminars and informal meetings provide training in and reflection on the research process.
Through a Case Study of a regional environmental issue, a career forum, and a day spent teaching younger students from a nearby city (sharing science), students explore the social, political, intellectual and personal dimensions of being an ecologist. Alumni surveys indicate that the REU program is the most influential factor in shaping student career choices, surpassing both prior interest and undergraduate courses and professors. More than half of the participants go on to graduate school.
 The program has three major components: (1) Student Research Projects, (2) Research Strategies for the Undergraduate, and (3) Research in Context. The program schedules interweaves activities in each area supporting student growth.
(1) Student Research Projects. Under the guidance of one or more scientific mentors, each student performs an independent research project of her or his own design. Students receive a great deal of support and guidance from their mentors and from other scientists, post docs, graduate students and research staff. See the list of Project Descriptions for the choice of topics for the summer 2008 program.
(2) Research Strategies for the Undergraduate. Students are involved in a number of activities to enhance their technical abilities and skills for each facet of research. These programs also help them reflect upon the research process and become better ecological thinkers.
(3) Research in Context. The Research in Context portion of the program is designed to help REU students put their own research activities into the broader perspectives of the discipline of ecology, the scientific community, and the larger society.
To see a PowerPoint about the program, click on this link,
choose "save" and download the file to your machine. (.ppt = 3,839 kb)
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Pat Zolnik
Undergraduate Research Program Coordinator
Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Box R
Millbrook, New York 12545
E-mail Pat Zolnik at zolnikp@ecostudies.org
845-677-7600 x326
845-677-6455 FAX |
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