PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Participants will spend 10 weeks at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), a research unit of the University of Georgia located on the US Department of Energy Savannah River Site (SRS), where they have the opportunity to gain hands-on training in radioecology. General themes include: i) the fate of radionuclides in environmental systems; ii) the impact of radionuclides on the environment; and iii) biogeochemical and physiological processes via tracer studies. Students will conduct research in the field and laboratory in areas such as ecotoxicology, ecophysiology, environmental restoration, remediation, risk assessment, ecosystem ecology, and radioecology. Access to a variety of natural and impacted areas on the SRS, SREL's analytical capabilies, and SREL's history of radioecology research in national and international arenas (e.g., Chernobyl and Fukushima) combine to make this a unique learning environment. SREL's REU in Radioecology is the only program of its kind in the world for undergraduate students.
Details
The 2017 program will run 22 May to 28 July. Housing will be provided at the University of South Carolina - Aiken dormitories, approximately 30 minutes' drive from SREL. (No housing facilites exist on the SRS.) In addition to free housing, students will receive a stipend of $525/week, a small food allowance, and travel reimbursement. (More details will be provided to selected participants.) Participants should be prepared to work outdoors in hot, humid conditions, and to comply with SRS safety and security requirements. Questions regarding the program should be directed to undergrad@srel.uga.edu.
Application requirements
Only US citizens or permanent residents who will be enrolled as undergraduate students at the time of the REU are eligible to apply. Students need a minimum GPA of 3.0 to participate in the REU. To complete the application form, you will need a CV, a copy of your academic transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable), and the names and email addresses of two faculty members who will provide letters of recommendation for you. Your references should submit their letters using the form located at http://srel-reu.uga.edu/reference_form.html Your application and their letters must all be received by January 31, 2017. Notifications are expected to take place in March.
