Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at BIOS: Fall Semester 2024

Applications for the 2024 BIOS REU Program will open on or before May 6.

To receive REU announcements please send a request to bios.education@bios.asu.edu.

The 2024 program will start on August 26 and end on November 15.

An REU internship at BIOS is a great way for U.S. undergraduate students to gain the experience necessary to embark on graduate studies or careers in science.

BIOS has National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) funding to support undergraduate student researchers at BIOS during the fall semester. Students will conduct research projects under the expert mentorship of BIOS scientists. The list of 2024 mentors and an overview of potential research projects can be found here.

Throughout the 12-week semester, REUs will give oral and virtual poster presentations that outline their research topic, experimental methods and results and attend a series of professional development workshops and seminars hosted by BIOS faculty. They will also have the option to join field and boat excursions to learn about Bermuda's natural history, flora and fauna. Schedule and weather permitting, REUs will also be offered an exciting opportunity to participate in an oceanographic research cruise aboard R/V Atlantic Explorer.

Eligibility and Terms of Internship

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. To be eligible, applicants must be over 18 years of age and enrolled in a program of undergraduate study immediately before and after the program dates. Applicants are ineligible if they have participated in a prior NSF-funded REU in Ocean Sciences.

Successful candidates are advised to arrange for independent study credit through their home institutions. Return airfare (from and to the U.S.), campus accommodation, meals and a competitive stipend are covered by the BIOS REU program; medical/travel insurance is the responsibility of the student.

BIOS is committed to diversifying the next generation of marine scientists in the research community. Students from underrepresented groups and students attending colleges or universities with limited STEM research opportunities are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Application Procedure

Applicants must complete the online application form and upload copies of their current resume and most recent academic transcripts. They must also provide the names and contact details of two academic referees, who will each receive a request to submit a reference in support of the application.

In addition to providing a personal statement, applicants will be asked to select up to four research projects from the list provided and briefly explain their choices. Applicants will also be asked how participating in the BIOS REU Program will advance their education and career goals.

Before submitting your application please carefully review and follow the instructions provided on the form. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Applications will close on Friday May 31 at 11:59 PM ET.

Letters of reference will be accepted no later than Friday, June 7, 2024.

Further Information

Since the inception of our REU program in 1991, BIOS has enabled over 250 students to undertake independent research projects in Bermuda. Of these, approximately 80 students have translated their efforts into peer-reviewed publications in prominent scientific journals and conference proceedings.

BIOS’s REU program provides a springboard to future careers in ocean and atmospheric sciences and as a result, REU students have positive things to say about their experiences:

• "I learned many useful skills at BIOS that I know I will continue to use throughout my career, like scientific writing and basic R. While I enjoyed all the academic things I learned at BIOS, the extra social events that are offered at BIOS also add to the amazing atmosphere and sense of community that I love about BIOS." Serena Aguilar, 2023
• "I would certainly recommend an internship at BIOS to someone else." Annabel Burcham, 2023
• "Being at BIOS, I have exceeded my expectations of what I'd be doing out here and what I would learn. It was so amazing to be in an environment where everyone is so passionate about the same thing." Miranda Dudek, 2023
• "My experience at BIOS has had a very positive impact on me. I got to experience marine biology in a welcoming and accepting environment with a very diverse group of like-minded people." Morgan Hernandez, 2023
• "BIOS was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed learning about coral reefs and about potential solutions to the effects of climate change." Gabriel Rodriguez-Roig, 2023

Visit the BIOS Facebook page to learn more about REU alums and the science research going on at BIOS.

Funding for this REU site is provided by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Ocean Sciences located in Arlington, VA. Award number pending. The NSF contact for this program is Elizabeth Rom. NSF does not handle REU applications; please contact each REU site directly for application information.