The Research Internship in Ecology and Physiological Ecology Award is presented annually to an exemplary undergraduate student in the natural sciences interested in gaining research experience in the fields of ecology and/or physiology. The successful candidate will participate in a 10-week summer research program coordinated by UAA’s REU Program in Biological Sciences. After all applications are reviewed by a faculty panel, the selected student will be officially recognized university-wide and will be honored with a $4,000 stipend.

About UAA's REU Program
UAA is proud to host a National Science Foundation-funded REU program. This 10-week summer program is designed to actively engage undergraduates in faculty-mentored, independent research in the areas of Ecology and Physiological Ecology. The program is structured to involve students in all aspects of scientific investigation and it is augmented by weekly research seminars, a series of career development workshops, and a variety of fieldtrips and social activities designed to facilitate student learning and development. The program concludes with a student research symposium where the results of student independent projects are presented to student peers, colleagues and mentors. For more information about UAA’s REU program, visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/reu.

Applications:  Students need to apply through the UAA REU Program website (www.uaa.alaska.edu/reu). Complete applications include all of the following:

• Application form
• 2-page personal statement describing why you would like to participate in this summer research program
• 2 letters of recommendation
• An unofficial copy of your most recent transcripts

Deadline: The deadline for 2013 is February 8, 2013.

Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage (any campus), have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have completed a two-semester introductory biology course sequence (minimum course requirement).

Selection Criteria: The recipient of the Research Internship in Ecology and Physiological Ecology Award will be selected by a panel composed of members of the REU Program, the Undergraduate Research Task Force, and ENRI. The candidate’s personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and academic background will all be taken into consideration when selecting the award winner.

Conditions of the Award: The student honored by this award will be expected to participate in all organized REU Program activities over the course of the summer, including an REU Student Research Symposium in August. The recipient will also present a poster at the Undergraduate Research & Discovery Poster Fair held in April, submit a one-page essay describing the impact of the undergraduate research process upon their academic experience, and attend the Undergraduate Research & Discovery Awards Ceremony.