A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer fellowship is available for one
student in partnership with the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research
program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Duration is 12 weeks, June 18-Sept
7, although these dates are flexible, and the student will be compensated $1,500/month.
We invite applications from qualified, highly motivated undergraduate students from U.S.
colleges/universities to participate in a 12-week lab and field based summer research
experience. The student will be involved with an NSF-funded project on the cycling of
terrestrially and marine-derived organic matter in kelp forests and nearby marine
sediments. The main objective of this project is to evaluate how the input of various kinds
of organic matter affects nitrogen and carbon cycling in kelp forest ecosystems and
surrounding regions and to develop a quantitative understanding of the potential supply
of nutrients provided by these organic matter inputs. Applicants should possess a strong
analytical chemistry background, an interest in fieldwork, and the desire to conduct an
independent project.

There are several potential avenues of research that the REU may pursue, and the final
project will be decided upon following a literature review and discussion with their
supervisor. The REU will be responsible for conducting an independent project and
completing a written report at the end of the summer. They will also have the opportunity
to learn R software, participate in field work in the Santa Barbara Channel, collaborate
with other undergraduate students, and receive training for several biogeochemical
protocols and appropriate instruments.

Eligibility: You are eligible if you are an undergraduate student who has completed at least
two years of study towards a bachelor’s degree in a related topic (including environmental
studies, chemistry, biology, ecology, or physics), and if you will still be an undergraduate
in the fall term following the summer fellowship.  Students from underrepresented groups
and from institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to
apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The University of
California is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

Application Materials: Interested applicants should send a personal statement, CV or
resume, unofficial transcript, one letter of recommendation, and contact information for
one additional reference. The statement should be less than 500 words and include the
following information: (i) professional goals, (ii) interest in position, and (iii) relevant
experience.  Send application materials as a single PDF, to Heili Lowman
(heili.lowman@lifesci.ucsb.edu). Please include your name and REU application in file
names and subject line. The letter of recommendation should be sent directly from the
recommender (please include the applicants name in the subject line for emails).
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted through May
10, 2018.