REU - Gulf Coastal Plain Ecology

Overview

The School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences (BEES) at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) seeks 10 undergraduate students to take part in our 2025 summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This REU SITES program is focused on the ecology of the Gulf Coastal Plain, a biologically rich and ecologically important area of the country that is also home to large populations of students underrepresented in science. The goals of this REU program are to build student enthusiasm and preparation for ecological research, develop students’ scientific skills using a diversity of field- and lab-based techniques, and facilitate hypothesis driven research relevant to the students’ experiences. Students will learn how research is conducted, expand their professional network, and learn the importance of communicating science to a broader audience.

REU students will work with faculty in the School of BEES at USM on ecological projects related to the Gulf Coastal Plain. Projects will vary by mentor, emphasizing their expertise with organisms, ecological scale, and methods. Students will participate in the planning and conducting of their ecological research, learn a variety of field, lab, and analytical techniques, learn the ethical and professional norms of science, and learn to communicate their findings in written, oral, and poster form. Students will interact with each other, graduate students, and faculty in a series of workshops, lab exchanges, and career-oriented field trips to regional research institutions.

Important Dates

15 November 2024 – Application portal opens

3 March 2025 – Applications are due by 11:59 pm Central Time

31 March 2025 – Selected REU students notified

27 May 2025 – 1 August 2025 – 10-week REU SITES GCP summer program

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are:

- Currently full-time undergraduate students

- U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents

- Must commit to being in Hattiesburg, MS from 27 May 2025 – 1 August 2025