El Verde REU: Tropical Ecology
Luquillo LTER program & El Verde Field Station
Puerto Rico
News for Summer 2023
We are now evaluating applications, decisions will be made soon.
Tropical Ecology and Evolution, Puerto Rico
Our summer program provides research experiences for undergraduate students in areas of ecology (streams, plant communities, soils) and evolution (plant-pollinator interactions).
We study the tropical rain forest of Puerto Rico at various levels of organization, ranging from genes to ecosystems. Field research is conducted at El Verde Field Station, in El Yunque National Forest. We work in collaboration with the Luquillo LTER program.
Program description
Students work on a research project under the advice of a faculty mentor. Students also participate of seminars and workshops on data analysis and presentation, and scientific techniques (e.g., stream studies, population measurements). A responsible conduct component is focused on issues likely to be encountered by students in their careers and discussions on the role of scientists in society. Overall, our goal is to positively impact student careers by providing them with the tools needed to conduct scientific research in any area of science, with emphasis on Tropical Ecology and Evolution, and by stressing the impact that scientists could have in our society if they take active roles.
Our goal is to promote a scientific foundation for students, by:
Immersing students in an active research environment.
Providing students with the opportunity to study and conduct research in an ecosystem and culture not easily accessible at their home institution.
Providing educational activities designed to equip students with the necessary tools to conduct scientific research.
Providing guidance from established scientists while they develop an independent research project.
This is a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program funded by the National Science Foundation.
Application
To apply: Follow this link. (no longer accepting applications for 2023)
Summer 2023 dates are: May 29 - August 4
Benefits
PAID internship - There is no cost for participating students.
Students receive a stipend for the ten weeks duration of the program.
Round-trip plane ticket from your home institution to Puerto Rico will be reimbursed, up to a maximum.
The program will cover housing in Puerto Rico.
Students prepare their own meals and a food allowance is provided to cover the cost of groceries.
At this point, we can only enroll US citizens and permanent residents.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What if my academic term ends after the beginning of the summer program? If you are accepted in the program, we will work with you to find the best solution, so you can start with us as soon as possible without compromising your academic year.
Q. About school transcripts. It is not clear to me whether or not the program requires an official transcript. We do not require official transcripts. You can send us unofficial transcripts downloaded from your university web site or a copy of a recent original. We will contact you if we have questions about your grades and courses.
Q. Would it be okay for me to submit a brief resume with the application materials? No, please take advantage of the essay to tell us about your past experiences.
Q. I am currently an undergraduate pursuing my B.S. degree, however I will be graduating in May. Am I still eligible for the internship? No, you must remain an undergraduate during summer. You can graduate after the summer term is over, but not before.
Q. Would it be beneficial for me to email the professors who I would be interested in working? If you receive an e-mail stating that you are in the short-list, please feel free to contact potential mentors. Otherwise, please do not to avoid overwhelming our mentors with e-mail.
Q. Do I have to speak Spanish? No, the program is run in English. However, you will have a chance to learn some Spanish.
Please submit any other questions to us: reu@ramirezlab.net
Page developed by A. Ramirez. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the material presented here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Please contact us with questions, comments, or for technical assistance regarding this web site: reu@ramirezlab.net