Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at BIOS: Collaborative Marine Research

Details of the 2024 BIOS REU Program will be posted here when online applications open in late February/early March (subject to the renewal of National Science Foundation grant funding). The 2024 program is projected to start on August 26 and end on November 15.

To receive REU announcements please send a request to bios.education@bios.asu.edu.

An REU internship at BIOS is a great way for U.S. undergraduate students to gain the experience necessary to embark on graduate studies or careers in science.

BIOS has National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) funding to support nine undergraduate student researchers at BIOS during the fall semester. Students will conduct individual research projects in a collaborative team environment under the expert mentorship of BIOS faculty and staff. The 2023 REU research projects are based around the following broad research themes:

  • Research Theme 1 - Coral Reef Function and Resilience
  • Research Theme 2 - Planktonic Life: Size, Abundance and Community Structure
  • Research Theme 3 - Marine Microbial Oceanography

Throughout the semester, REU students will give presentations that outline their research topic, methods, and results, including a final presentation to BIOS faculty, staff, and visiting students. REU students will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of field excursions to learn about Bermuda's natural history, flora and fauna as well as workshops and seminars given by BIOS faculty.

Eligibility and Terms of Internship

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. To be eligible, applicants must be over 18 years of age and enrolled in a program of undergraduate study immediately before and after the program dates. Underrepresented groups and students attending colleges or universities with limited STEM research opportunities are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants are ineligible if they have participated in a prior NSF-funded REU in Ocean Sciences. Successful candidates are advised to arrange for independent study credit through their home institutions. Return airfare (from and to the U.S.), campus accommodation, meals and a competitive stipend are covered by the BIOS REU program; medical/travel insurance is the responsibility of the student.

Application Procedure

Before you begin your application please review the instructions carefully. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. The application deadline is May 31.

Students will be working on individual projects within a collaborative group setting organized around three broad, overarching research themes. While applicants will be asked to indicate their preferred area of research, final decisions will be made by the selection committee.

Further Information

Since the inception of our REU program in 1991, BIOS has enabled over 250 students to undertake independent research projects in Bermuda. Of these, approximately 80 students have translated their efforts into peer-reviewed publications in prominent scientific journals and conference proceedings.

BIOS’s REU program provides a springboard to future careers in ocean and atmospheric sciences and as a result, REU students have positive things to say about their experiences:

  • "I learned many useful skills at BIOS that I know I will continue to use throughout my career, like scientific writing and basic R. While I enjoyed all the academic things I learned at BIOS, the extra social events that are offered at BIOS also add to the amazing atmosphere and sense of community that I love about BIOS." Serena Aguilar, 2023
  • "I would certainly recommend an internship at BIOS to someone else." Annabel Burcham, 2023
  • "Being at BIOS, I have exceeded my expectations of what I'd be doing out here and what I would learn. It was so amazing to be in an environment where everyone is so passionate about the same thing." Miranda Dudek, 2023
  • "My experience at BIOS has had a very positive impact on me. I got to experience marine biology in a welcoming and accepting environment with a very diverse group of like-minded people." Morgan Hernandez, 2023
  • "BIOS was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed learning about coral reefs and about potential solutions to the effects of climate change." Gabriel Rodriguez-Roig, 2023

Visit the BIOS Facebook page to learn more about REU alums and the science research going on at BIOS.

Funding for this REU site is provided by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Ocean Sciences located in Arlington, VA. Award number OCE-2050858. The NSF contact for this program is Elizabeth Rom. NSF does not handle REU applications; please contact each REU site directly for application information.

Program Contact

Dr. Andrew Peters
Director of Education for University Programs & Associate Scientist

Tel: 441-297-1880 x240

 

Audrey Pope
University Programs Internship Coordinator, Communications and Data Manager

Tel: 441-297-1880 x115

 

Dr. Samantha de Putron
Associate Scientist/Assistant Director of Education for University Programs/Senior Lecturer

Tel: 441-297-1880 x250

 

Related Items

Academic Credit
NSF REU Program Overview
BIOS on Facebook
FAQs

BIOS REU Student Accomplishments

Publications by BIOS REU Students
Conference Presentations by BIOS REU Students
Projects Conducted by BIOS REU Students
Overview of 2022 REU Projects at BIOS