SEVILLETA FIELD STATION REU SITES PROGRAM IN ARIDLAND ECOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

The UNM Sevilleta Field Station is seeking applicants for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).  Application deadline is February 15, 2019.  We are looking for 10 Biology and 2 Art Ecology REU students for the Summer of 2019. This years dates of program are May 27-August 2, 2019. This interdisciplinary REU Site Program at the Sevilleta Field Station in central New Mex! ico will train undergraduate students who will conduct independent rese! arch under the guidance of UNM faculty in Biology, Ecology, Civil Engineering, and Earth and Planetary Sciences, along with scientists from Federal and State agencies. The summer program includes a seminar series, a weekly journal club, an annual symposium, professional development workshops, public speaking, ethics training, field trips, and opportunities to interact with a multitude of scientists conducting research in the area. Students will conduct independent research in and around the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) and present their projects at the annual symposium to be held in early August 2019. Working at the Sevilleta Field Station and SNWR site invites close interactions among students, faculty, federal scientists, and graduate students.

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Students will have numerous opportunities to share ideas and explore issues within and across disciplines. The program’s goals are to (1) provide students with a high quality independent research experience, (2) expose students to a large, multidisciplinary research program, (3) inspire students to continue into professional careers, and (4) prepare students for the rigors of graduate school, professional research, and responsible citizenship. The program exemplifies the integration of research and education. As students conduct research, they will learn how to be independent scientists, and they will gain experience dealing with many technical, methodological and ethical issues that arise in scientific research.

In addition to the 10 Biology REUs, 2 Art REU students (funded through the Sevilleta LTER Program) will be selected for summer of 2019. The goals of the selected individuals will be to observe and interpret the ecology, research, and landscape of the SNWR through the creation of artistic works (e.g., photography, painting, sculpture, videos). These artworks will be used to cultivate the understanding among the general public about the goals of UNM and SNWR in studying, restoring, and protecting the ecology and landscapes present within the SNWR. Final artwork! s will be displayed and maintained in facilities under the care of UNM..

Lodging and laboratory space for all REU students will be provided by the UNM Sevilleta Field Station at no cost to the student. In addition, candidates chosen will receive a stipend of $5500 and a $500 food allowance during the 10-week summer program that will run from May 27 – August 2.  We will also refund travel costs to and from the UNM Sevilleta Field Station up to $600 (stipulations apply). Students will have access to ~$500 ! for materials and supplies related to their research or artistic endeavo! rs.

Applications will be accepted from students at any stage of their undergraduate program (freshman to senior) and any discipline, so long as the applicant is interested in conservation biology and ecology in aridland environments. Students are not eligible if they have completed an undergraduate degree by the start of Summer 2019. We especially welcome applications from students at two and four year colleges, students early in their college career, students that are the first member of their family to attend college, non-traditional students, and students ! from traditionally underrepresented groups.  Students must be U.S.. Citizens.

General requirements for participation in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Programs in the Biological Sciences are set by the National Science Foundation. These requirements are listed below:

Applicants to the Sevilleta REU Program must be:!

• Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions (e.g., Puerto Rico).
• Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program (full- or part-time) leading to a Bachelor’s degree.
• Undergraduate students who are transferring from one institution to another but are not enrolled at either institution during the intervening summer may participate.
  
  Students are not eligible if they are:

• Foreign nationals residing in a country other than the United States.
• Students that have completed high school but have not yet enrolled in a degree program at an educational institution of higher learning.
• Students that have completed an undergraduate degree and are no longer enrolled in a degree program at an educational institution of higher learning.
  
  Requirements for the Sevilleta REU Program:

• The Sevilleta REU Program has no additional requirements. Applications will be accepted from students at any stage of their undergraduate program (freshman to senior) and any discipline, so long as the applicant is generally interested in careers related to conservation biology and ecology.
• We are particularly interested in applications from students that have had limited opportunities to conduct independent research at their home institution. We welcome and encourage applications from students at four year colleges, students that are the first member of their family to attend college, non-traditional students, and students from traditionally underrepresented groups.
  
  A completed application for the Sevilleta LTER Researc! h Experience for Undergraduates Summer Program will consist of five items:

1. A complete online application (see below).
2. A resume.
   •   3.  An unofficial copy of your academic transcript. If accepted into the REU program, applicants will be required to provide an official copy before starting the program.
     
     4. Two letters of recommendation. These can be from faculty advisors from the student’s home institution, me! ntors or previous employers. Recommendations from those that are able t! o comment on the applicant’s academic ability, initiative, maturity, and self-motivation are preferred. Please have your respondents email your letters of recommendation tosrbaker@unm.edu WITH the subject line of “2019 REU Recommendation for YOUR NAME.”

1. A two-page essay addressing the development of the student’s interest in ecology, the specific areas of research interest, and current professional career goals. Essays can be single or double-spaced but should be in a legible font (min. 11 point) with 1 inch margi! ns.
2. Art REUs will also need to provide a portfolio with examples of their artwork. This should be a PowerPoint presentation or pdf and needs to be uploaded to the application.

Deadlines

The application form, resume, unofficial transcript, two-page essay, and letters of recommendation should be received by February 15, 2019.

Questions regarding the application procedure can be directed to the Program Manager, Stephanie Baker by e-mail. Please put REU 2019 in the subject line.

e-mail:!  srbaker@unm.edu

TO APPLY AND FOR MORE INFORMATION visit: https://sevilletareu.wordpress.com/

A post curated by Women’s Center director, Jess Myers.

Last week, the Women’s Center celebrated our Returning Women Student Scholars graduating this semester at our pinning ceremony. This event has become a tradition in the Women’s Center as a means to celebrate our continuing and graduating returning women students who are UMBC students 25 years and older seeking their first undergraduate degree. These students are called “returning” because they often have various circumstances that have kept them from what our popular culture deems as a traditional college path and they are now “returning” to college to pursue their degree. Student scholars in this program not only receive scholarships to help financial supplement their tuition, but also benefit from tailored support and programming from Women’s Center staff through individualized meetings, programs, and events that meet the specific needs of older students on campus. Each year we have between 20-25 scholars and affiliates participate in this unique program.

Returning Women Student Scholars celebrating the end of the semester and our December graduates at the pinning celebration.

Anyone who has spent time in the Women’s Center knows that working with this special group of students is one of my favorite experiences in my role as director of the Women’s Center. It is with great joy that I invite you to join me in celebrating these fantastic students and their accomplishments. Below are some of our graduating students who in their own words share what they were involved in at UMBC, what’s next for them after UMBC, and some sage advice for other adult learners. Happy Graduation!!!

Ariel Poirier

Ariel and Jess at the Returning Women Student Scholars pinning celebration

I became a full-time student at UMBC in the fall of 2016. Before this I was working through my associates at AACC and completed that with a degree in general studies and photography. My major at UMBC and what I’ll be graduating with is environmental studies and geography! I’m so excited to finally end this long journey to my Bachelor’s degree.

My future plans are to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I had a great experience interning with them last summer in Jacksonville, Florida. I also plan on returning to school within the next few years to earn my Masters degree in ecology.

My advice to returning women students is to connect with your professors! I had such great relationships with my professors and that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been bold and introduced myself. This goes a long way with building a rapport and establishing trust. Another thing I would say is to try not to become discouraged! You’re here for a reason!

Laura Newman

Laura and Jess at the Returning Women Student Scholars pinning celebration

I was a UMBC dropout in 2004 when I could not continue as a student. I spent years struggling with mental health issues and my family has told me how they had thought I would never be capable of going to school again. A genetic test called GeneSight helped determine what medicine to take and I quickly began to recover. I went to communtiy college for a semester and got As and gained confidence to return to UMBC. My grades have been above 3.5 my whole time here. I am proud to be graduating and already employed full time. I hope to be an inspiration to anyone who has struggled with the balance of mental health and school.

My advice to returning women students is to connect with the Women’s Center which provided me amazing professional development support for me as I began to transition into a full career. Additionally, the scholarship program provided me additional financial support and helped me work an internship that led to an awesome job. The Women’s Center had helpful workshops, including salary negotiation and helpful tips on Google apps. I was surprised how much I learned!

Lauren Hall

Lauren and Jess at the Returning Women Student Scholars pinning celebration

Stay tuned for more from Lauren in her own words. In the meantime, let’s celebrate Lauren who is graduating with a degree in English Literature. We’re excited that Lauren will be staying on campus as she pursues a Masters in the Art of Teaching for secondary education beginning this spring. Happiest of birthdays to her son who is very excited to be celebrating his birthday on Lauren’s graduation day!

For more information about the Returning Women Student Scholars + Affiliates program, visit the Women’s Center website. Returning Women Students at UMBC are also encouraged to join the group’s Facebook group.

Moms and parents who plan on using the Women's Center lactation room throughout the winter term are encouraged to reserve their preferred reservation times. 

All parents who reserve times will be added to the lactation room google calendar and a group email list in order to support communication and best navigate multiple people using the space. 

Reservations are not required but are highly recommend for parents who plan on using the lactation room on a regular basis throughout the January term. Due to the Women's Center being open during limited times throughout January, it is important for parents to communicate with the Women's Center about needing access to the room to ensure entry. 

For questions and concerns, stop by the Women's Center during our hours of operation, give us a ring at 410-455-2714, or send us an email at womenscenter@umbc.edu.  Parents are also encouraged to join the myUMBC Moms + Parents group.