REU Program in Costa Rica
Summer 2010: Jun. 13 - Aug. 6

OTS Undergraduate Brochure '09-10 ( 791 kb )

With funding from the National Science Foundation, the OTS Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program provides a unique, intensive opportunity for field research to undergraduate students from throughout the United States.

The OTS Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) was designed for advanced biology students interested in conducting field research under the supervision of an experienced tropical ecologist. OTS will support ten undergraduates, selected through a competitive application process, for an eight-week research program at the world-renowned La Selva Biological Station in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. In collaboration with a research mentor, students will design, conduct, and present field research projects at La Selva. The program will provide students with a first-hand look at the challenges and rewards of tropical field research. Students will participate in a rich academic field environment, including research presentations, discussions, an ethics component focusing on issues in tropical biology and conservation. In addition, participants will have access to the social, cultural, and recreational activities of the rural communities surrounding La Selva.

Why work at La Selva Biological Station?

La Selva is one of the most important sites in the world for research in tropical biology. Owned and operated by OTS, it is visited annually by over 1,500 scientists from 200 institutions and 20 countries, as well as by 200 education groups. Research at La Selva has diversified to include ecosystem-level projects, physiological ecology, soil science, and forestry trials of native tree species. These studies have resulted in the publication of more than 1,600 scientific articles, theses, and books and perhaps another 1,000 write-ups of course projects.

Two-thirds of the La Selva property (1,536 ha) is species rich old-growth forest, while the remainder of the reserve is abandoned pastures and plantations in various stages of secondary succession or experimental usage. An extensive trail system of more than 50 kilometers provides access to a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The entire property has been topographically surveyed to a high degree of accuracy and 3,000 permanent posts mark the 50 x 100 meter grids. Two well-equipped laboratories, including a large analytical lab, offer air-conditioned workspace and house common-use equipment. Spatially referenced data are managed on the Geographic Information System (GIS) and the same workstations service e-mail and Internet connections.

What are the program prerequisites?

The REU Program is open to advanced biology students with a demonstrated interest in field ecology. Interested students must have 2 semesters of upper-level college biology courses (e.g., ecology, evolution, animal behavior, plant taxonomy, research methods, etc.) and 1 semester of college-level Spanish to participate in the program. As part of the application process, students must designate the mentors with whom they wish to work. Student research interests should correspond closely to those of the preferred mentor, as all field projects will be designed in agreement with the mentors’ research interests and expertise. Please visit our website at Mentor List to find out which researchers and what projects are available.

Who can apply?

The program is open to U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents who are undergraduate students enrolled in accredited institutions in the United States. Students from minority-serving institutions and non-R1 schools are strongly encouraged to apply. Freshmen and graduating seniors are not eligible. To apply, students must complete the REU application, including letters of recommendation, official transcripts from universities attended, and a statement of research interests.

What does the REU award cover?

The OTS REU award covers the cost of room and board and international travel to and from Costa Rica. Participants will also receive a stipend ($4000) to help cover living expenses and costs of field equipment.

What are the program dates?

The program begins on June 13, 2010 and ends August 6, 2010. Students will live at La Selva Biological Station during the eight-week research experience.

For the 2010 Summer Program, the application deadline is January 31, 2010. All complete applications must be received by this date in order to be considered for the program. All applicants must send an official hard copy of their transcript.