REU interns return from a cruise on the research vessel Atlantic Explorer.
REU students after a successful semester of research.
REU students had the opportunity to share their research progress and outcomes during a virtual poster session held in the new multimedia MAGIC room.
Using a profiling reflectance radiometer (PRR) while on board one of the BIOS research vessels.
REUs look on as researchers deploy BIOS's newest glider 5 miles offshore.
REUs learn about BIOS's glider program from Ruth Curry while particpating in a deployment of its two newest gliders, Jack and Minnie.
Preparing an experiment in the coral lab.
As the situation surrounding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to evolve, BIOS is closely monitoring the situation to best protect its employees and visitors. Please note that applications for Summer Courses, Internships, REU and Fall Semester programs remain open but these activities may be cancelled at short notice. Please return to this page for any updates. Details on the measures taken to manage COVID-19 in Bermuda can be found here.
The online application form for the 2020 BIOS REU Program is available here.
An REU internship at BIOS is a great way to gain the experience necessary to embark on graduate studies or careers in the marine and atmospheric sciences!
BIOS has National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) funding to support 8 undergraduate student researchers at BIOS during the fall semester. Students will conduct independent projects under faculty and staff supervision within several research areas including:
- Biology, chemistry, and physics of the open ocean
- Biology, physiology, and biochemistry of reef building corals and reef ecosystems
- Molecular biology of marine organisms
- Environmental chemistry of Bermuda's atmosphere and inshore waters
- Effects and consequences of global environmental change
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, as well as workshops and seminars given by BIOS faculty. In 2020, REU students will arrive at BIOS on August 30 and depart on November 21.
Eligibility and Terms of Internship
Students who have completed at least one year of undergraduate study and have not graduated at the time of the program are eligible. Underrepresented groups and students attending colleges or universities with limited STEM research opportunities are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 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, 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. Applications received after this date may be considered subject to availability.
Prior to submitting an application, prospective REUs are encouraged to contact BIOS mentors directly to discuss projects. Students who meet the eligibility requirements are asked to select up to three of the available projects. Details of the 2020 REU projects are available here.
Further Information
Since the inception of our REU program in 1991, BIOS has enabled over 170 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 came to BIOS hoping to learn how scientists design and carry out research. I learned just that and so much more. This internship taught me how to think outside the box.” Harvey Castillo, 2019
- “Joining the NSF-REU program was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work alongside brilliant scientists and to be a part of the world of marine science.” Allison Doolittle, 2019
- “I really appreciated the mentors and how knowledgeable they were and how willing they were to help us advance our careers in the scientific field.” Andrew Matsiev, 2019
Monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The health and well-being of everyone involved in BIOS’s educational programs is our top priority.
If you have questions that relate to the coronavirus disease as it concerns your plans for studying at BIOS, including application deadlines, the potential for cancellations, rescheduling, and refunding, please contact the Education Department.
When making travel plans, please review updated health advisories and guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of State, the Bermuda Government, and the World Health Organization.
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-1757475. The NSF contact for this program is Elizabeth Rom. NSF does not handle REU applications; please contact each REU site directly for application information.