Spring 2009, Vol. 5, No. 1 | Back Issues

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Summer Science Intern Program Designed to Promote Diversity in Woods Hole

Under the direction of the Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee and the keen initiative of Woods Hole Science Aquarium curator George Liles, the Woods Hole Partnership Educational Program (PEP) has been created and will be launched in June of 2009. The program is designed for college juniors and seniors who want to spend a summer gaining practical experience in marine and environmental science. It will consist of a four-week course followed by a six- to eight-week research project. While PEP welcomes applications from students of all backgrounds, it especially encourages students from groups that are underrepresented in marine and environmental sciences to apply. This includes African Americans, Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and Native Americans.

Participating students, of which 12-15 are expected, will receive four hours of credit through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore or, with approval, through their own home institutions. Funding is available to cover their tuition and some stipend for travel, room, and board. Once in Woods Hole they will receive a first-hand introduction to emerging issues and real-world training in the research skills they will need to advance in science, either as graduate students or bachelor-level working scientists.

The PEP experience is intended to provide students with a path into the Woods Hole scientific institutions and to help diversify our community.

The focus for the 2009 program is “Topics in Ocean and Environmental Sciences: Global Climate Change.” Scientists from the six Woods Hole institutions that participate in the Woods Hole Diversity Initiative have been given the opportunity to serve as advisors/mentors to these students during their research projects by hosting them in their labs. Several MBL scientists have readily
volunteered including MBL
director and CEO Gary Borisy.

Further information about the program can be found at <www.woodsholediversity.org/pep>. If you have any questions, contact PEP director Ambrose Jearld, Jr.: ambrose.jearld@NOAA.gov or 508-495-2318.

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