Higher Education
Research and Instruction for Undergraduates and Beyond
Our undergraduate education program is centered on student research. Students are immersed in an active scientific community, with up to 160 scientists, postdocs, graduate students, undergraduates, staff and family members living onsite. With numerous ecologists living on-site, the scientific activity is on high speed all summer.
A typical day for students could include mist-netting birds at dawn, having a morning work session to identify and sample stream invertebrates or set up a botanical biodiversity sampling regime, meeting with their mentors in the afternoon to discuss research projects, reading primary literature for their projects, having dinner in the dining hall with a scientist and his or her family, and attending a scientific talk in the evening.
At the RMBL, the student-mentor relationship is embedded in a vibrant resident scientific community, which facilitates superb undergraduate research. Our program has three tracks which target undergraduates at different points in their education. The three tracks differ in the degree of independence students experience when conducting research. We encourage students of all backgrounds and with varying levels of experience to apply to each of the tracks. We review applications, choose a group of students that comprises a diverse mix, and place students in the program that best fits their experience.
PROGRAM ONE: Advanced Undergraduate Research/REU (with Senior Thesis Option)
10-week session: June 7 - August 15
This program targets rising seniors or students who have graduated. Students conduct independent research under the supervision of RMBL scientists. Students accepted through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program receive a $4,500 stipend, free room, board and travel.
Minorities underrepresented in the biological sciences are strongly encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION Deadline: February 15, 2009 for REU Awards This deadline has passed.
APPLICATiON Deadline: April 1, 2009 for RMBL Financial Support
APPLICATION Deadline: April 1, 2009 or until programs are filled, for Regular Students
PROGRAM TWO: Structured Undergraduate Research and Course
8-week session: June 14 - August 8
Students conduct independent research under the supervision of RMBL scientists (75% time) while taking a field course (25% time) in one of three areas: 1) mammalogy/ornithology, 2) botany, or 3) climate change/entomology/long-term datasets. This program targets rising sophomores and juniors as well as students who wish to receive training in a particular area.
APPLICATION Deadline: April 1, 2009 for RMBL Financial Support
APPLICATION Deadline: April 1, 2009 or until programs are filled, for Regular Students
PROGRAM THREE: Introduction to Field Research
8-week session: June 14 - August 8
Students conduct group research projects in field ecology under the supervision of RMBL Instructor, Dr. Nathan Sanders, University of TN-Knoxville. This program targets first-year students and sophomores, as well as other undergraduates who are new to field research.
APPLICATION Deadline: April 1, 2009 for RMBL Financial Support
APPLICATION Deadline: April 1, 2009 or until programs are filled, for Regular Students
Summer Information:
To learn more about living conditions at the Lab, what to bring, how to get here, and necessary forms visit our Summer Arrival Info/Forms link.
Click here for transcripts