Undergraduate Research Fellowships at the Marine Sciences Research Center, Stony Brook University are available for 8 academically talented and motivated undergraduates through funding by the NSF and NY State Sea Grant to actively participate in research on estuarine and coastal atmospheric processes in the shallow embayments along the south shore of Eastern Long Islandduring summer 2006. MSRC is a multidisciplinary research institute specializing in interdisciplinary approaches to the study of coastal oceanography, estuarine processes, fisheries, marine animal disease, coastal meteorology, and coastal zone management. Students will be teamed with a faculty mentor and carry out individual research projects as well as participate in a coordinated group research effort to examine the ecological functioning and trophic status of these coastal waters and how near-shore weather-related events, climate change and anthropogenic activities such as eutrophication, overharvesting of shell fisheries, occurrence of Brown Tides, and salt marsh / shoreline modifications can alter the natural biological, biogeochemical and/or ecological operations of these ecosystems.

There will be research opportunities in biology/zoology, microbiology, pathobiology, fisheries, chemistry and biogeochemistry, marine geology, physical oceanography, and atmospheric/coastal meteorology. Our goal is to demonstrate the importance of teamwork in gathering and sharing data, and will illustrate the usefulness of scientific research for understanding real-world problems. Prior REU Research Projects.

The 8-week program (June 12-August 4) provides ‘hands-on’ experience in the field with small boats and sampling gear and in the laboratory with state-of-the-art analytical instruments and techniques. Students present results in a final program that is open to the entire MSRC and SBU community.Mentors and students will meet every Friday for lunch and to discuss research progress and plan for the next week. Other activities include lectures on relevant topics, guest speakers, and field trips. Bounded by Long Island Sound to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, our location at the eastern end of Long Island provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities including swimming and boating, hiking, biking, and kayaking/canoeing. Our proximity to New York City also allows field trips to sporting events and many cultural activities.

Financial support includes a stipend of $3000, travel expenses, accommodations in air-conditioned dormitories with cooking facilities, and a meal allowance of $60/week. Infirmary and student activity fees are covered and allow complete access to health, library and athletic facilities on campus.  Living arrangements allow opportunities to interact socially with other undergraduates involved in research programs on campus.

To be eligible, applicants must be undergraduates with at least a 3.0 GPA in their major, U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Please note: If you have already participated in an OCE-funded REU site you are NOT ELIGIBLE for a second internship except under unusual circumstances. Questions can be addressed to program coordinator Josephine Aller at jyaller@notes.cc.sunysb.edu (631 632-8655).

Applications are due by February 15, 2006; decisions by March 15. All students who are offered a position at this REU Site have until March 15th or later to accept or reject the offer. Any student who is asked to accept or reject an offer prior to March 15th should contact the Division of Ocean Science's REU Program Director, Lisa Rom at elrom@NSF.gov or 703-292-7709. Students with disabilities requiring special consideration will be required to notify and consult with the program director in advance of acceptance into the program. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate persons with physical disabilities that would restrict their participation in fieldwork. SBU is an EEO/AA Educator & Employer.

To apply, applicants must 1) complete application form which includes a short essay describing their scientific interests, educational plans, and expectations of the summer research experience; 2) provide official transcripts and list of courses in progress; and 3) two letters of recommendation. Forms may be downloaded from the MSRC web site in Adobe Acrobat format(pdf) -- Application Form --, or call, write, or e-mail Mrs. Eileen Goldsmith at Research Experience for Undergraduates, MSRC, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-5000, Telephone: (631) 632-8726, FAX: (631) 632-3066, E-mail:  egoldsmith@notes.cc.sunysb.edu