Yes, we’re in the middle of a deep freeze, but it’s not too early to start thinking about summer 2013. Here are two opportunities for undergraduate students to do GIS research and field work. Both programs provide a stipend, housing and expenses. Deadlines are approaching fast so get moving if you want to apply for these!
(1) GIS Approach to Water Level Change – Keck Geology Consortium. Application deadline February 1, 2013.
This project funds three students on a GIS project analyzing water levels, island area, and plant species richness for a study site in the Great Lakes. The students then continue with the project independently into the fall semester and present their work at the Keck Geology Consortium Undergraduate Research Symposium in the spring.
What: Investigation of spatiotemporal changes in island shorelines due to water-level changes using the mapping and analytical tools of a geographic information system (GIS). Study area is The Massasauga Provincial Park archipelago (Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Ontario)
When: July 10 – August 7
Where: Wesleyan University. The project consists mainly of spatial analyses using ArcGIS but will also include training in field data collection.
(2) NSF REU – Geospatial Research and Mapping (GRAM) program. Application deadline March 1st, 2013
Geography and Archaeology undergraduates, as well as others interested in the study of landscapes, may be interested in our summer 2013 field program on geospatial research and mapping (GRAM) that will take place at both California State University Long Beach and at the famous* Kualoa Ranch in the picturesque Ka’a’awa valley on the north shore of O’ahu.
This field research program is a joint effort between faculty in the Department of Geography and Anthropology at CSULB and is focused on the use of cutting edge geospatial techniques (e.g., satellite and aerial imagery, the use of UAVs, geographic information systems, spectral analyses, topography generation, landscape analyses, and near surface remote sensing). The research being undertaken by GRAM includes the study of prehistoric landscapes as well as contemporary resources and environments.
Our website (http://www.csulb.edu/
colleges/cla/departments/ geography/nsf-reu/) describes the overall program and include the research of last year’s students, the application form and additional program information. This is the second year of our 3 year project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under their Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. This year’s GRAM project will take place June 2 to June 30 and include training in Long Beach and on Oahu. The NSF-REU program provides funding for student to cover travel, housing, tuition costs as well as a small stipend. Applications are competitive and open to undergraduates across the country.
* The site of the field work is famously known as the location of the filming for Lost, Jurassic Park, among other TV shows and films.