Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program: Biosphere 2 Earth Systems Research for Environmental Solutions

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Academic Level:
For most summer research programs, this is your upcoming status as of the fall. Always check with the individual program's website for details.

Undergraduates - First Year
Undergraduates - Sophomore
Undergraduates - Junior

Note: this opportunity encourages applications from community college students.

Description:
Biosphere 2 Earth Systems Research for Environmental Solutions is a 10-week summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students participate in a variety of activities that will help them pursue a career in environmental sciences. They conduct their own research with a faculty mentor, interact with other participants and scientists, and present research findings in a formal poster symposium setting. Unique components of the Biosphere 2 REU experience are interaction with the public visitors to Biosphere 2 and training in effective outreach related to student research topics. Additionally, students participate in professional development workshops, an ethics-in-science workshop, and field trips to local attractions. Undergraduate students from a wide range of disciplines and interests including biology, ecology, plant sciences, hydrology, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer science are encouraged to apply. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this NSF funded program.

Research at Biosphere 2 aims to catalyze interdisciplinary thinking and understanding about the Earth, its living systems, and its future. Students in the REU program conduct research in the Earth system and environmental sciences that examines some facet of soil-water-atmosphere-plant interactions. Improving understanding of these interactions is important for gaining insight into the impacts and causes of global environmental change and variation. Key to research at Biosphere 2 is the use of methods and techniques that allow linking across scales. Additionally, some REU projects will be conducted in partnership with the southwestern Critical Zone Observatory. Projects will focus on a variety of topics that include: coupling ecohydrology and biogeochemistry, investigating abiotic and biotic contributions to ecosystem processes, integrating measurements across scales, using innovative tools to link climate and ecological function, and modeling of ecosystem and soil processes. Students work with several outreach organizations (e.g., Institute of the Environment, Water Resources Research Center, Native Nations Climate Adaptation Program) at the University of Arizona to link their research to addressing local and global environmental challenges.

REU Students receive:

A competitive stipend, lodging at Biosphere 2's student village, food allowance, and travel to/from Tucson, AZ, as well as support for travel to a professional meeting to present their work.


Application Deadline: 3/1/2021
Note: Most programs maintain a similar program cycle (including similar application deadlines) year after year. Click here to understand dates and deadlines on PathwaysToScience.org.

Participating Institution(s):
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Program Materials:

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This program is funded by:
National Science Foundation (NSF)


Page last updated 4/23/2021
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