Scripps Research Fellowship for Undergraduates - Jane Teranes (JT-SURF)
The Jane Teranes - Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (JT-SURF) is a 10-week summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, supported by the National Science Foundation, Division of Ocean Sciences, that focuses on earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences [1].
The program is designed to engage undergraduate students early in their college careers and provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for successful careers in these fields. It recruits students from institutions with limited undergraduate research opportunities and encourages applications from students who are first-generation, nontraditional, economically disadvantaged, veterans, parents, students with disabilities, and from historically under-represented groups in earth and ocean sciences, including Hispanic/Latine, Black or African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American or Alaska Native, and LGBTQIA+ [1].
Throughout the program, students will work on research projects under the mentorship of faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students at Scripps. One such project involves coral reef ecology, using advanced techniques like photogrammetry to build detailed 3D models of coral reefs, allowing for high-resolution spatial and temporal monitoring [1]. Students will also participate in initiatives like the 100 Island Challenge, which documents reef habitats across multiple islands [1].
The program offers numerous benefits to participants. Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced research technologies and methodologies, such as photogrammetry, and will have the opportunity to work closely with research labs such as the Sandin Lab [1]. They will also be exposed to large-scale, real-world environmental research projects and will receive academic and career development that often leads participants to pursue graduate studies and STEM careers [1].
In addition, the program aims to increase the number of students prepared for careers in Earth and ocean sciences. To achieve this, students will participate in weekly workshops on topics such as research and presentation skills, career options, and preparing for graduate school [1].
The University of California does not discriminate or grant preferences on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories [1]. The program encourages applications from students of various races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, disabilities, and veteran status, and all applicants will be equally considered [1].
More resources, such as JT-SURF 2024 article and student profiles, SURF 2023 student profiles, and various feature stories and student profiles from previous years, are available [1]. At the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to present the results of their summer research at a national conference and as part of a student research symposium [1].
In summary, the Scripps' JT-SURF REU program offers undergraduates an immersive, practical research experience with a strong emphasis on environmental sciences and fosters both scientific and personal growth in a collaborative setting. The disciplinary breadth represented by the faculty and researchers at Scripps allows mentoring in virtually every aspect of marine sciences, and students will engage with the larger research community at Scripps.
During the JT-SURF program, students will delve into marine biology, climate science, and other earth and ocean studies, working under the guidance of faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students at Scripps. This educational-and-self-development opportunity provides practical experience with advanced research technologies, and encourages applications from students of diverse backgrounds.
){kind=link}