Virtual Experience for Undergraduates

Announcements | Jun 8, 2020

With COVID-19 forcing the closure of our lab and halting Research Experiences for Undergraduates around the country, we've transitioned our REU to function completely online.

line art depicting a video chat on an open laptop

Last year, we launched an all-new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) as part of our summer internship program.

This NSF-funded program makes the Gulf of Maine Research Institute one of nearly 700 REU sites across the nation, alongside a variety of our country’s top academic and research institutions.

While the outbreak of COVID-19 has led many REU programs to cancel their summer plans, we have chosen to move forward with the program virtually, utilizing all the remote work tools we’ve developed at GMRI.

"With so many programs canceled, these students might not have been able to continue their academic careers over the next few months. I’m really excited that we’re able to adapt and offer a one-of-a-kind experience to help them grow as scientists.

Graham Sherwood, Ph.D. Senior Scientist

The 10-week program, which matches participating students with mentors in our labs, launched on schedule earlier this month, according to GMRI Research Scientist Dr. Graham Sherwood, who oversees the REU program. Together with their mentors, the students will explore data-driven research questions related to coastal ecology and climate change in the Gulf of Maine.

Other aspects of the program will include a virtual “career day,” presentations at an online symposium, and regular seminars from professional research scientists connected to our lab.

Students from the 2020 REU program doing field work on a GMRI vessel.
Students from the 2020 REU program doing fieldwork on a GMRI dock

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