The University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC) is now accepting applications for the Summer 2022 programs.
Gain valuable training and research experience in field biology with no housing or travel expenses and a $5000 stipend!
UNDERC: Spend the summer studying and conducting field biology in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The UNDERC facility is owned by Notre Dame and contains 8000 acres of pristine lakes, streams, wetlands, and forests with abundant wildlife (including beaver, porcupine, black bear, deer, and loon). The natural setting and modern facilities provide an unparalleled opportunity for gaining experience in field biology. UNDERC is also the core site in the Great Lakes Region for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON).
Apply now for UNDERC for summer of 2022 (May 18- July 24)! UNDERC provides two opportunities to promote understanding of field biology and how field research is conducted through 10 weeks in the wilds. Our Track 1 opportunity is designed for students wanting to gain initial experience in field biology where they can gain an introduction to the concepts and methodology while conducting a collaborative research project with other students in the program. Our Track 2 opportunity is designed for undergraduates with prior research experience at UNDERC or elsewhere that would like to conduct an independent research project under the mentorship of UNDERC scientists. Each Track includes housing, travel between the Notre Dame campus and UNDERC, and a stipend ($5000). For Native American students, travel between home and Notre Dame is also covered at the beginning and end of the program.
UNDERC-Track 1: This opportunity is offered to individuals at any stage of their undergraduate education that have an interest in gaining training and research experience in field biology. You will receive a structured introduction to field biology through a mixture of classroom and field training at the UNDERC facility. Classroom training includes visits to the George W. Brown, Jr. Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. Classwork will also promote understanding of Native American attitudes towards the environment for non-Native American students. The summer is broken up into four learning modules including - vertebrate ecology, invertebrate ecology, aquatic ecology and forest ecology. This training will be leveraged by the class to conduct a summer-long collaborative research project.
UNDERC-Track 2: This independent research opportunity is offered to undergraduates that have had at least one summer or semester of research experience. An UNDERC-affiliated scientist will mentor each student on the development of a research proposal, implementation of the project, analyses of the data collected and the writing up and presentation of the project at the end of the summer. Past projects have ranged from behavioral, population, community and ecosystem ecology to local Native American ecosystem use.
Applications are available on the UNDERC website (http://underc.nd.edu). Further information can be obtained from the website or UNDERC Assistant Directors - Dr. Michael Cramer (mcramer@nd.edu) and Dr. David Flagel (dflagel@nd.edu).
Application deadline is Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Notification of acceptance will be provided by Monday, December 9, 2021. Acceptance is based on past academic performance and a statement of purpose. Preference is given to students pursuing a career in environmental sciences. Applicants are required to be present for the duration of the course. Please note that training will be provided in English. Eligibility for additional travel support is dependent on proof of Native American descent (i.e. tribal status).
