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Frequently Asked Questions - REU
Research Experience fro Undergraduates
- I am a recent graduate of College, am I still eligible to apply?
- When will I be notified if I was accepted into the program?
- Will I be reimbursed for travel costs?
- How will I know that you have received my application and my references?
- I am not enrolled in an undergraduate program, am I still eligible to apply?
- Is it necessary to be a US Citizen to be eligible?
- What if I can not begin until after the program start date? What if I need to leave early?
Application/Eligibility Questions
Not to the Sevilleta LTER REU Program - but you can apply to a Sevilleta LTER Intership
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance/hiring will be sent via email on Friday, March 19, 2010
Students who travel to the UNM Sevilleta Field Station by their own arrangements will be reimbursed for travel costs up to $500 for one round trip between the Field Station and either their home or school address. Travel arrangements can be made by the Administrative Assistant if you are flying, so you won't have any out of pocket expenses.
Upon submission of your application, you will receive a confirmation email. After each of your reference writers submits your recommendation, you will receive an email notice as well.
Our funding is for students who are enrolled in a 2 or 4 year colleges. Students who have completed their associates degree (2 year program) and are going on to get a bachelor's degree (4 year program) are encouraged to apply and will be considered as part of the general applicant pool.
Yes. Applicants to the Sevilleta LTER REU Program must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions (e.g. Puerto Rico).
Most projects require that students start with the program and stay for the full 12 weeks. Occasionally, a mentor needs students that start either a week early or a week later than the program. If this is your situation, please note the date you will be available on your application clearly in the top of your personal essay.
Living at the UNM Sevilleta Field Station
Sevilleta Field Station provides:
A Projector for showing movies
Limited access to Station vehicles for group educational/recreational activities
Computer and internet access
Board games
Things to do around New Mexico
Students who travel to the UNM Sevilleta Field Station by their own arrangements will be reimbursed for travel costs up to $500 for one round trip between the Field Station and either their home or school address. Travel arrangements can be made by the Administrative Assistant if you are flying, so you won't have any out of pocket expenses.
All times given are estimated drive times.
Goods and Services |
Things to Do |
Public Transportation
There is NO public transportation to The UNM Sevilleta Field Station. Below are links to the closest stations which are 30-90 min. drive from the Forest.
Train Station in Belen (20 min.)
Bus Station in Albuquerque (60 min.)
Airports in Albuquerque 50 mins
Shopping
Grocery - Smith's, Supermart&Wal-mart in Socorro (20 min)
Pharmacy - Smiths&Wal-martin Socorro (20 min)
General Supplies - Wal-Mart&Dollar General&Family Dollar
Malls/Shopping Centers
Coronado Shopping Center (60 mins)
6600 Menaul NE, Suite 1
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
(505) 881-2700 (Barnes&Noble, The Buckle, Sears, Foley's)
REI(60 min.)
1550 Mercantile Ave NE, Albuquerque
Uptown Mall(60 min.)
Indian School Rd&Louisiana Blvd
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Trader Joe's, Border's
Post Office - Socorro
Medical Centers
Socorro General Hospital (20 min): Directions
1202 Highway 60 West, Socorro, NM 87801, (575) 835-1140
Urgent Care in Belen (20 min): Directions
609 S. Christopher, Belen, NM 87002, (575) 864-5454
Presbyterian Hospital (60 min): Directions
1100 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque NM 87106, (505) 841-1234
Lovelace Hopital (60 min): Directions
601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, (505) 727-8000
Religious Communities
Assembly of God
New Life Christian Fellowship of the Assemblies of God, Orange MA
349 South Main Street, 978-544-7324
Baptist
First Baptist (20 min)
203 Spring Street West, 575-835-0041
Socorro Baptist Temple (20 min)
H Street&Fairground Road, 575-835-3306
First Baptist Church (20 min)
401 Becker Ave, Belen, NM 505-864-8621
Valley Baptist Church (20 min)
202 Damon St., Belen, NM 505-864-9212
Episcopal
Epiphany Episcopal Church
908 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 575-835-1818
Islamic
Islamic Center of New Mexico (60 min)
1100 Yale Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 505-256-1450
Jehovah's Witness
922 Ake Ave
Socorro, NM 575-838-2049
Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1001 El Camino Real St., Socorro, 575-838-0570
Jewish Community
Bnai Isreal
4401 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 505-266-0155
Lutheran
Hope Lutheran Church
908 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM, 575-838-0540
Methodist
St. Paul United Methodist Church
1000 Goad Street, Socorro, NM, 575-835-1372
Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church (20 min)
304 McCutcheon Avenue West, Socorro, NM, 575-835-0942
First Presbyterian Church (20 min)
85 Vista Manzano, Belen, NM, 505-861-5342
Roman Catholic
Our Lady Memorial Garden (20 min)
101 N 10th St, Belen, NM, 505-864-8043
San Miguel Church (20 min)
403 El Camino Real St., Socorro, NM 575-835-1620
Seventh Day Adventist
Belen Seventh Day Adventist (20 min)
115 E. Ross Ave, Belen,NM 505-864-0825
Unitarian
First Unitarian Church (60 min)
3701 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 505-884-1801
THINGS TO DO
Local Restaurants
There are many excellent local restaurants, here is just a small listing showing the variety of local establishments:
El Sombrero Restaurant (20 min) - 210 Mesquite St. Socorro, NM,
(575) 835-3945
Socorro Springs Brewing Co. (20 min) - 1012 California St, Socorro, NM,
(575) 838-0650
Stage Door Grill (20 min) - 115 Abeyta Ave., Socorro, NM
(575) 835-2403
Sonic Drive-In (20 min) - 1103 N. California St., Socorro, NM (575) 835-2413
El Camino Restaurant & Lounge (20 min) - 707 California St., Socorro, NM (575) 835-1180
Burrito Tyme (20 min) - 105 Bullock Blvd., Socorro, NM (575) 835-0022
Outdoor Activities
Local (0 - 60 min.)
Rio Grande Zoo .
Albuquerque Old Town
Petroglyph National Monument
Albuquerque Aquarium
Rio Grande Nature Center
Bosque de Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Further Afield (2-8 hr. drive)
Carlsbad Caverns
White Sands National Monuments
National Radio Observatory
Grand Canyon National Park
Wheeler Peak
Sante Fe New Mexico
Taos New Mexico
Gila National Forest
Rock Climbing in New Mexico
Hiking in New Mexico
Hot Springs in New Mexico
Camping in New Mexico
Movie Theaters
Listings for local theaters at
http://www.abqonline.com/albuquerque/artsandent/movietheater.htm
Mainstream Films
Starlight Cinema(40 min.), 2226 Sun Ranch Village Loop, Los Lunas, NM (505)-866-9635
Loma Theater(20 min.), 107 Manzanares Ave, Socorro, NM (505) 835-0965
Gyms
Elite Muscle Gym & Fitness Center (20 min) 115 S. Main St. Belen (505) 864-4210
Extreme Fitness (20 min) 517 S. Main St. Belen (505) 864-0208
The UNM Sevilleta Field Station has a fleet of vehicles for use for research and education purposes.
Typically half of the summer students bring their own vehicles. For those folks not having a vehicle, we provide limited access to station vehicles during non-working hours for group educational/recreational trips. In addition, the program coordinator organizes trips to the local stores (Wal-Mart, Grocery Stores, CVS, etc.) for students to stock up as needed. Please note that only UNM employees and collaborators are allowed to drive or ride in UNM vehicles, family and friends are not. Authorized drivers must have a clean driving record and a valid driver's license as well as having a valid UNM Drivers license. Student drivers are covered by UNM's commercial insurance policy but if a student is negligent and causes damage to a vehicle, they may be required to pay the $500 deductible.
South Of Albuquerque north of Las cruces
- What is there to do at the Sevilleta Field Station during off hours?
- What does the program coordinator do?
- What is the housing like?
- What is the food plan like?
- What are the major health risks?
- What are students paid?
- Will I be reimbursed for travel costs?
- what is there to do?
- What are the 2009 program dates?
Parent Information
Sevilleta Field Station provides:
A Projector for showing movies
Limited access to Station vehicles for group educational/recreational activities
Computer and internet access
Board games
Things to do around New Mexico
The Program Coordinator/Research Scientist lives on site. The Coordinator organizes group activities, seminars, journal club meeting and oversees the weekly REU meeting, while also assisting students having any problems, acting as a mentor regarding research projects and ensures that students follow abide by field station rules.
Students live in 3 bedroom, 2 bath houses at the UNM Sevilleta Field Station. Each of the houses can accomodate 6 individuals, twin beds in each bedroom. Usually one of the houses is co-ed, rooms are always single sex. Most students will have 1 roommate. Please note that linens, blankets and towels are provided and there are washing machines in each house. The kitchens are also equipped with microwaves, coffeemakers, dishes, pots&pans and utensils.
Students are responsible for purchasing and cooking their own meals. Every Thursday their is a seminar and a potluck where each house is responsible for bringing a minimum of 2 side dishes, the main course is provided by the Sevilleta LTER.
There are health risks associated with lab and field research. Students working in the lab may be exposed to caustic chemicals and other toxic substances. Students working in the field often have to travel over uneven ground, and through areas with biting insects,rattle snakes, and sticking plants.
The most common health problems result from reactions to SUN BURNS. So make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, a widebrimmed hat and where long sleeve shirts and pants in the field.
Please know that we work hard to ensure the health and safety of all our staff and students. Students are not allowed to do chemical work in the labs during off hours and solo field work is strongly discouraged.
Student compensation includes the following:
* Stipend of $4500 for the 11-week session (paid every 2/3 weeks);
* Free furnished housing at the UNM Sevilleta Field Station
* NOTE: Stipends are paid by the University of New Mexico. The Unversity does not take out federal or state income taxes or social security taxes.. The University will submit payment information to the IRS and the students will receive a 1099 Form. Students should plan accordingly, because this income is taxable.
Students who travel to the UNM Sevilleta Field Station by their own arrangements will be reimbursed for travel costs up to $500 for one round trip between the Field Station and either their home or school address. Travel arrangements can be made by the Administrative Assistant if you are flying, so you won't have any out of pocket expenses.
All times given are estimated drive times.
Goods and Services |
Things to Do |
Public Transportation
There is NO public transportation to The UNM Sevilleta Field Station. Below are links to the closest stations which are 30-90 min. drive from the Forest.
Train Station in Belen (20 min.)
Bus Station in Albuquerque (60 min.)
Airports in Albuquerque 50 mins
Shopping
Grocery - Smith's, Supermart&Wal-mart in Socorro (20 min)
Pharmacy - Smiths&Wal-martin Socorro (20 min)
General Supplies - Wal-Mart&Dollar General&Family Dollar
Malls/Shopping Centers
Coronado Shopping Center (60 mins)
6600 Menaul NE, Suite 1
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
(505) 881-2700 (Barnes&Noble, The Buckle, Sears, Foley's)
REI(60 min.)
1550 Mercantile Ave NE, Albuquerque
Uptown Mall(60 min.)
Indian School Rd&Louisiana Blvd
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Trader Joe's, Border's
Post Office - Socorro
Medical Centers
Socorro General Hospital (20 min): Directions
1202 Highway 60 West, Socorro, NM 87801, (575) 835-1140
Urgent Care in Belen (20 min): Directions
609 S. Christopher, Belen, NM 87002, (575) 864-5454
Presbyterian Hospital (60 min): Directions
1100 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque NM 87106, (505) 841-1234
Lovelace Hopital (60 min): Directions
601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, (505) 727-8000
Religious Communities
Assembly of God
New Life Christian Fellowship of the Assemblies of God, Orange MA
349 South Main Street, 978-544-7324
Baptist
First Baptist (20 min)
203 Spring Street West, 575-835-0041
Socorro Baptist Temple (20 min)
H Street&Fairground Road, 575-835-3306
First Baptist Church (20 min)
401 Becker Ave, Belen, NM 505-864-8621
Valley Baptist Church (20 min)
202 Damon St., Belen, NM 505-864-9212
Episcopal
Epiphany Episcopal Church
908 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 575-835-1818
Islamic
Islamic Center of New Mexico (60 min)
1100 Yale Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 505-256-1450
Jehovah's Witness
922 Ake Ave
Socorro, NM 575-838-2049
Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1001 El Camino Real St., Socorro, 575-838-0570
Jewish Community
Bnai Isreal
4401 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 505-266-0155
Lutheran
Hope Lutheran Church
908 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM, 575-838-0540
Methodist
St. Paul United Methodist Church
1000 Goad Street, Socorro, NM, 575-835-1372
Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church (20 min)
304 McCutcheon Avenue West, Socorro, NM, 575-835-0942
First Presbyterian Church (20 min)
85 Vista Manzano, Belen, NM, 505-861-5342
Roman Catholic
Our Lady Memorial Garden (20 min)
101 N 10th St, Belen, NM, 505-864-8043
San Miguel Church (20 min)
403 El Camino Real St., Socorro, NM 575-835-1620
Seventh Day Adventist
Belen Seventh Day Adventist (20 min)
115 E. Ross Ave, Belen,NM 505-864-0825
Unitarian
First Unitarian Church (60 min)
3701 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 505-884-1801
THINGS TO DO
Local Restaurants
There are many excellent local restaurants, here is just a small listing showing the variety of local establishments:
El Sombrero Restaurant (20 min) - 210 Mesquite St. Socorro, NM,
(575) 835-3945
Socorro Springs Brewing Co. (20 min) - 1012 California St, Socorro, NM,
(575) 838-0650
Stage Door Grill (20 min) - 115 Abeyta Ave., Socorro, NM
(575) 835-2403
Sonic Drive-In (20 min) - 1103 N. California St., Socorro, NM (575) 835-2413
El Camino Restaurant & Lounge (20 min) - 707 California St., Socorro, NM (575) 835-1180
Burrito Tyme (20 min) - 105 Bullock Blvd., Socorro, NM (575) 835-0022
Outdoor Activities
Local (0 - 60 min.)
Rio Grande Zoo .
Albuquerque Old Town
Petroglyph National Monument
Albuquerque Aquarium
Rio Grande Nature Center
Bosque de Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Further Afield (2-8 hr. drive)
Carlsbad Caverns
White Sands National Monuments
National Radio Observatory
Grand Canyon National Park
Wheeler Peak
Sante Fe New Mexico
Taos New Mexico
Gila National Forest
Rock Climbing in New Mexico
Hiking in New Mexico
Hot Springs in New Mexico
Camping in New Mexico
Movie Theaters
Listings for local theaters at
http://www.abqonline.com/albuquerque/artsandent/movietheater.htm
Mainstream Films
Starlight Cinema(40 min.), 2226 Sun Ranch Village Loop, Los Lunas, NM (505)-866-9635
Loma Theater(20 min.), 107 Manzanares Ave, Socorro, NM (505) 835-0965
Gyms
Elite Muscle Gym & Fitness Center (20 min) 115 S. Main St. Belen (505) 864-4210
Extreme Fitness (20 min) 517 S. Main St. Belen (505) 864-0208
The program runs for 11 weeks beginning Sunday, May 16, 2010. There is a Student Symposium on Friday, July 30, 2010 to which family and friends are welcome. The program ends Saturday, July 31, 2010.
- What is the contact information at the Sevilleta Field Station?
- Will my cell phone work there? Is there a land line?
- What about computer access?
- What should I bring with me this summer?
- What does the program coordinator do?
- What is the housing like?
- What is the food plan like?
- What are the major health risks?
- What is expected of students? What is expected of mentors?
- What makes for an excellent application?
- What are you looking for in successful applicants?
- How many hours do I work per week? Will I work nights and weekends?
- What are students paid?
- What are the 2010 program dates?
- Will I be reimbursed for travel costs?
Summer Program Details
Telephone:
Field Station Phone 505-864-1226
Emergencies:
During regular office hours (M-F 8:30am - 4:30pm): 505-277-6328 (Main Office)
After 4:30pm and weekends: 1-505-864-1227 or 505-450-3620 (On call facilities staff)
Program Director:
Jennifer Johnson, Program Coordinator/Research Scientist
575-838-3015 or jjohnson@sevilleta.unm.edu
Mailing Address
Student Name, UNM Sevilleta Field Station, P.O. Box 611, Socorro, NM 87801
We provide a telephone, fax machine in the computer pod building. All calls (except very local) require a calling card so please bring one with you. Cells phones work intermittently here but are very worthwhile to have. T-Mobile seems to have the best reception at the field station - in the field most phone carriers work.
The UNM Field Station will provide computers for use on your project in your own office pod. Though we cannot offer email accounts, you'll be able to access your own email account using our machines. If you would like to bring your own computer (with Ethernet card), we will help set it up to access the network from your house as well as any other building here at the field station.
Students should bring what will make for a comfortable and enjoyable summer. The top two items which are almost universally desired are sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat. Here is a suggested Summer Equipment List to consider
The Program Coordinator/Research Scientist lives on site. The Coordinator organizes group activities, seminars, journal club meeting and oversees the weekly REU meeting, while also assisting students having any problems, acting as a mentor regarding research projects and ensures that students follow abide by field station rules.
Students live in 3 bedroom, 2 bath houses at the UNM Sevilleta Field Station. Each of the houses can accomodate 6 individuals, twin beds in each bedroom. Usually one of the houses is co-ed, rooms are always single sex. Most students will have 1 roommate. Please note that linens, blankets and towels are provided and there are washing machines in each house. The kitchens are also equipped with microwaves, coffeemakers, dishes, pots&pans and utensils.
Students are responsible for purchasing and cooking their own meals. Every Thursday their is a seminar and a potluck where each house is responsible for bringing a minimum of 2 side dishes, the main course is provided by the Sevilleta LTER.
There are health risks associated with lab and field research. Students working in the lab may be exposed to caustic chemicals and other toxic substances. Students working in the field often have to travel over uneven ground, and through areas with biting insects,rattle snakes, and sticking plants.
The most common health problems result from reactions to SUN BURNS. So make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, a widebrimmed hat and where long sleeve shirts and pants in the field.
Please know that we work hard to ensure the health and safety of all our staff and students. Students are not allowed to do chemical work in the labs during off hours and solo field work is strongly discouraged.
The summer program is a core part of the research and education mission of the Sevilleta LTER. While every student, mentor and project is different, we place high expectations on all the students and their mentors to ensure everyone has an excellent albeit demanding research experience. These expectations are stated explicitly for mentors and students and program staff seek to ensure all participants understand them and act within this spirit.
The Program Coordinator looks at many different aspects of a student's application but generally previous coursework, good grades, extracurricular activities, or relevant work experience. The Coordinator also looks for students with excellent potential but in need of a their independent first research experience. The one area that is invaluable is the personal essay as an indicator of an applicant's background and their interest in the projects offered in this year’s program. Avoid submitting a generic essay with the theme that this would be a good internship experience for you or that it will help you get into professional school. Instead, pick your projects carefully then spend time using your personal essay to explain your selections. The best applicants spend time perusing the Sevilleta LTER REU web site and craft a thoughtful essay about their individual interests, why they have picked the projects listed, why the Sevilleta LTER in particular interests them and how this internship program will help them further develop their career goals. This of course takes more time, but investing an hour or two in research and writing your essay often makes an application stand out from the rest, and significantly increases the chances of being interviewed.
Similar to most REU programs, the Sevilleta LTER REU Program receives many more applications than available funded positions. Overall, the pool of students hired will come with a wide variety of experience and educational backgrounds. A small portion of students hired are rising freshman who show an interest in ecology but of course do not have significant course work or experience. The majority of students hired are sophomores and juniors who have a background in relevant science courses. We actively recruit students from small colleges, community colleges and schools with limited opportunities to get "hands on" research experience, so many students hired do not have previous field experience. The most competitive applicants have demonstrated an ability to take initiative and responsibility, whether by work or volunteer experience. We do NOT have any minimum GPA requirement or specific courses that are prerequisites.
Students work typically 40 hours per week however that varies with each project needs. Some projects require early morning, late night or weekend work, which should be included in the project description as well as detailed by the researcher during the interview process. In addition, there are one-hour to two-hour educational workshops and seminars held one to three evenings per week after dinner. All participants are required to attend these educational programs.
Student compensation includes the following:
* Stipend of $4500 for the 11-week session (paid every 2/3 weeks);
* Free furnished housing at the UNM Sevilleta Field Station
* NOTE: Stipends are paid by the University of New Mexico. The Unversity does not take out federal or state income taxes or social security taxes.. The University will submit payment information to the IRS and the students will receive a 1099 Form. Students should plan accordingly, because this income is taxable.
The program runs for 11 weeks beginning Sunday, May 16, 2010. There is a Student Symposium on Friday, July 30, 2010 to which family and friends are welcome. The program ends Saturday, July 31, 2010.
Students who travel to the UNM Sevilleta Field Station by their own arrangements will be reimbursed for travel costs up to $500 for one round trip between the Field Station and either their home or school address. Travel arrangements can be made by the Administrative Assistant if you are flying, so you won't have any out of pocket expenses.
- What is the contact information at the Sevilleta Field Station?
- Will my cell phone work there? Is there a land line?
- What about computer access?
- What should I bring with me this summer?
- What does the program coordinator do?
- What is the housing like?
- What is the food plan like?
- What are the major health risks?
- What is expected of students? What is expected of mentors?
- What makes for an excellent application?
- What are you looking for in successful applicants?
- How many hours do I work per week? Will I work nights and weekends?
- What are students paid?
- What are the 2010 program dates?
- I am a recent graduate of College, am I still eligible to apply?
- When will I be notified if I was accepted into the program?
- Will I be reimbursed for travel costs?
- How will I know that you have received my application and my references?
- I am not enrolled in an undergraduate program, am I still eligible to apply?
- Is it necessary to be a US Citizen to be eligible?
- What if I can not begin until after the program start date? What if I need to leave early?
REU
Telephone:
Field Station Phone 505-864-1226
Emergencies:
During regular office hours (M-F 8:30am - 4:30pm): 505-277-6328 (Main Office)
After 4:30pm and weekends: 1-505-864-1227 or 505-450-3620 (On call facilities staff)
Program Director:
Jennifer Johnson, Program Coordinator/Research Scientist
575-838-3015 or jjohnson@sevilleta.unm.edu
Mailing Address
Student Name, UNM Sevilleta Field Station, P.O. Box 611, Socorro, NM 87801
We provide a telephone, fax machine in the computer pod building. All calls (except very local) require a calling card so please bring one with you. Cells phones work intermittently here but are very worthwhile to have. T-Mobile seems to have the best reception at the field station - in the field most phone carriers work.
The UNM Field Station will provide computers for use on your project in your own office pod. Though we cannot offer email accounts, you'll be able to access your own email account using our machines. If you would like to bring your own computer (with Ethernet card), we will help set it up to access the network from your house as well as any other building here at the field station.
Students should bring what will make for a comfortable and enjoyable summer. The top two items which are almost universally desired are sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat. Here is a suggested Summer Equipment List to consider
The Program Coordinator/Research Scientist lives on site. The Coordinator organizes group activities, seminars, journal club meeting and oversees the weekly REU meeting, while also assisting students having any problems, acting as a mentor regarding research projects and ensures that students follow abide by field station rules.
Students live in 3 bedroom, 2 bath houses at the UNM Sevilleta Field Station. Each of the houses can accomodate 6 individuals, twin beds in each bedroom. Usually one of the houses is co-ed, rooms are always single sex. Most students will have 1 roommate. Please note that linens, blankets and towels are provided and there are washing machines in each house. The kitchens are also equipped with microwaves, coffeemakers, dishes, pots&pans and utensils.
Students are responsible for purchasing and cooking their own meals. Every Thursday their is a seminar and a potluck where each house is responsible for bringing a minimum of 2 side dishes, the main course is provided by the Sevilleta LTER.
There are health risks associated with lab and field research. Students working in the lab may be exposed to caustic chemicals and other toxic substances. Students working in the field often have to travel over uneven ground, and through areas with biting insects,rattle snakes, and sticking plants.
The most common health problems result from reactions to SUN BURNS. So make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, a widebrimmed hat and where long sleeve shirts and pants in the field.
Please know that we work hard to ensure the health and safety of all our staff and students. Students are not allowed to do chemical work in the labs during off hours and solo field work is strongly discouraged.
The summer program is a core part of the research and education mission of the Sevilleta LTER. While every student, mentor and project is different, we place high expectations on all the students and their mentors to ensure everyone has an excellent albeit demanding research experience. These expectations are stated explicitly for mentors and students and program staff seek to ensure all participants understand them and act within this spirit.
The Program Coordinator looks at many different aspects of a student's application but generally previous coursework, good grades, extracurricular activities, or relevant work experience. The Coordinator also looks for students with excellent potential but in need of a their independent first research experience. The one area that is invaluable is the personal essay as an indicator of an applicant's background and their interest in the projects offered in this year’s program. Avoid submitting a generic essay with the theme that this would be a good internship experience for you or that it will help you get into professional school. Instead, pick your projects carefully then spend time using your personal essay to explain your selections. The best applicants spend time perusing the Sevilleta LTER REU web site and craft a thoughtful essay about their individual interests, why they have picked the projects listed, why the Sevilleta LTER in particular interests them and how this internship program will help them further develop their career goals. This of course takes more time, but investing an hour or two in research and writing your essay often makes an application stand out from the rest, and significantly increases the chances of being interviewed.
Similar to most REU programs, the Sevilleta LTER REU Program receives many more applications than available funded positions. Overall, the pool of students hired will come with a wide variety of experience and educational backgrounds. A small portion of students hired are rising freshman who show an interest in ecology but of course do not have significant course work or experience. The majority of students hired are sophomores and juniors who have a background in relevant science courses. We actively recruit students from small colleges, community colleges and schools with limited opportunities to get "hands on" research experience, so many students hired do not have previous field experience. The most competitive applicants have demonstrated an ability to take initiative and responsibility, whether by work or volunteer experience. We do NOT have any minimum GPA requirement or specific courses that are prerequisites.
Students work typically 40 hours per week however that varies with each project needs. Some projects require early morning, late night or weekend work, which should be included in the project description as well as detailed by the researcher during the interview process. In addition, there are one-hour to two-hour educational workshops and seminars held one to three evenings per week after dinner. All participants are required to attend these educational programs.
Student compensation includes the following:
* Stipend of $4500 for the 11-week session (paid every 2/3 weeks);
* Free furnished housing at the UNM Sevilleta Field Station
* NOTE: Stipends are paid by the University of New Mexico. The Unversity does not take out federal or state income taxes or social security taxes.. The University will submit payment information to the IRS and the students will receive a 1099 Form. Students should plan accordingly, because this income is taxable.
The program runs for 11 weeks beginning Sunday, May 16, 2010. There is a Student Symposium on Friday, July 30, 2010 to which family and friends are welcome. The program ends Saturday, July 31, 2010.
Not to the Sevilleta LTER REU Program - but you can apply to a Sevilleta LTER Intership
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance/hiring will be sent via email on Friday, March 19, 2010
Students who travel to the UNM Sevilleta Field Station by their own arrangements will be reimbursed for travel costs up to $500 for one round trip between the Field Station and either their home or school address. Travel arrangements can be made by the Administrative Assistant if you are flying, so you won't have any out of pocket expenses.
Upon submission of your application, you will receive a confirmation email. After each of your reference writers submits your recommendation, you will receive an email notice as well.
Our funding is for students who are enrolled in a 2 or 4 year colleges. Students who have completed their associates degree (2 year program) and are going on to get a bachelor's degree (4 year program) are encouraged to apply and will be considered as part of the general applicant pool.
Yes. Applicants to the Sevilleta LTER REU Program must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions (e.g. Puerto Rico).
Most projects require that students start with the program and stay for the full 12 weeks. Occasionally, a mentor needs students that start either a week early or a week later than the program. If this is your situation, please note the date you will be available on your application clearly in the top of your personal essay.
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Copyright © 1994-2009 The University of New Mexico - This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants BSR 88-11906, DEB 9411976, DEB 0080529, DEB 0217774 and DEB 0620482. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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