Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Summer Research Program in Translational Ecology at the Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies

The Cary Translational Ecology REU program weaves together activities in several strands:

Cutting Edge Independent Research Projects 
Working closely with a mentor scientist, students delineate a research question and hypotheses, develop and implement a project, analyze data, give an oral presentation in a formal symposium and write a paper. Skill building workshops support student learning. The bulk of students’ time is spent in this facet of the program.

Reflective Practice and Training Activities
Students participate in a Scientific Writing Workshop, a Statistics/R Workshop, Responsible Conduct of Research trainings, and sessions in asking good questions, applying theory in research, giving effective talks, and future options in work and study.

The Forum on Translational Ecology showcases examples of translational ecology in action, as well as a diversity of professional role models and careers. Students are supported in reflecting on themselves as scientists and translators of science.

Translational Ecology Activities
Students explore translation of ecology through:

  • Communication: With mentoring, students write short “elevator speeches” about their research, participate in a Communication Workshop where they hone their speeches for different audiences, and write and review each other’s lay-friendly summaries of their findings.
  • Application: Students consider the rich ways that their own research might influence society with applications to policy and management, and how society influences their science.
  • Education: REU students teach younger students in the Sharing Science Program, and participate in an Education Roundtable with education scholars and practitioners.  


Students in the 2018 program will receive a stipend of $6,600, housing in the Bacon Flats dormitory located on our campus just next door to the research and administration building where students conduct much of their work, and a food allowance of $900 for the 12 week program.

Students of diverse backgrounds come from all parts of the country to participate in the program, and a small pool of funds is available to help defray the costs of travel to the program for those students in need of assistance.

2018 Program Dates: May 21 - August 10, 2018
Application Deadline: January 28, 2018 11:59 PM EST.

For more information or to apply please visit: http://www.caryinstitute.org/students/reu-programs/cary-reu-program