Summer Research Program in Ecology

Hiring Organization: Harvard University
Employment type: Seasonal
Job Location: Petersham, MA
Application Due Date: February 2, 2024

About the Program

The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology is an 11-week immersive research experience connecting undergraduate students to mentors and researchers in the pursuit of scientific inquiry.

This paid internship opportunity includes a $7,700 stipend, full room and board, and travel to/from Harvard Forest.

Harvard Forest is located in the small town of Petersham, Massachusetts (1.5 hours west of Boston).

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Every fall, research mentors from Harvard Forest and collaborating institutions develop summer research project descriptions for students to choose from when they apply to the program.

A research project is made up of a collaborative research team with multiple students and mentors, all working together to address an overarching research question.

During the summer, our main goal is for participants to work within that larger context on their own project, building their skills and independence in the research process.

The program culminates in a symposium of student presentations (explore 2023 Symposium abstracts).

Our holistic view of the program is a 3-legged stool:

Research: Work collaboratively to solve environmental problems using scientific methods. A day in the woods measuring trees, or a day at the computer analyzing sensor data

Education: Bridge from student to scientist: build marketable skills, learn how to use and understand data. Morning workshop on R programming language, afternoon seminar by visiting researcher

Community: Join scientists at a world-class research hub to expand your network. Contribute to meal set-up, have dinner with a seminar speaker, attend a festival with fellow students

Applying to the Program

We encourage applications from students who are enthusiastic about participating in a collaborative, hands-on learning environment. Significant past experience in ecological research is not required, although some projects may have specific requirements (see project descriptions for listed requirements).

ELIGIBILITY

The Harvard Forest Summer Program is open to undergraduates from 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities.
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Resident Aliens. See FAQ for details.

Applications are due by February 2, 2024. Late/incomplete applications will not be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS!

APPLY ONLINE

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed in February. Soon thereafter, mentors will contact top candidates for an interview.

All applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection by mid-March.

Contact & Questions

First, please review our FAQs.
Still have questions? E-mail us at hf-srpe@fas.harvard.edu

Overview

The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology is an 11-week immersive program providing undergraduate students from around the United States with hands-on research experiences based in Harvard Forest’s 4,000 acre living laboratory and classroom in Petersham, MA. The 2024 program dates are 5/20/24 - 8/2/24. Broadly speaking, research projects address the ecology of forest ecosystems. Working in collaborative teams, students are mentored through the entire research process – from drafting a research proposal, to collecting and analyzing data, to presenting their work at the annual student research symposium. Face-to-face time with research mentors and the Harvard Forest community help students cultivate self-confidence and a sense of belonging in research. In addition to research, the Summer Research Program in Ecology emphasizes community-building among its cohorts of 20-30 students. Shared residential housing, communal kitchen duties, and informal field trips create lifelong bonds between students. Program participants also have the opportunity to build professional networks to launch careers that will make a difference in the world.

Eligibility Requirements

Participation in the program is open only to those who are legally authorized to be employed by Harvard University in the United States. Most of our funding is only open to U.S. citizens or green card holders (exception: non-U.S. citizens who attend Harvard University are eligible for internal funds).
Qualified undergraduate students must be enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college during and after the summer program. Students who will have graduated from a 4-year college before the program start date are not eligible.
Students on leave from their undergraduate program and students who have completed their associates degree (2-year program) and are going on to get a bachelor's degree (4-year program) are also encouraged to apply.
No prior research experience is required to participate in this program.

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