Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
Applications for Summer 2008 will be accepted mid-January to early March 2008.
Overview
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia offers 10-week summer internships for undergraduates, through the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Research Programs for Undergraduates (REU). The Academy's REU program is dedicated to training students in research based on the Academy's world-renowned collections in Botany, Ichthyology, Ornithology, Entomology, Malacology, and Paleontology as well as our Library and Archives. Research staff at the Academy work in systematics, natural history, evolutionary biology, and ecology.
Our program offers a diverse array of research experiences, which include field trips, workshops, and seminars. Each student works on a project with an academy scientist mentor. Example research areas include: revisionary systematics or taxonomy of a group of organisms, evolutionary and systematic studies using morphological or molecular techniques, biogeography, bioinformatics, aquatic ecology, and the history of natural science. For a sampling of past research, view the REU Projects for 2006 and 2005. Students planning graduate study and careers in systematic and evolutionary biology will find the REU program especially valuable.
Eligibility & Application
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled in a college or university (i.e., entering your sophomore, junior, or senior year after completing our summer program). Participants must commit to full participation in the 10-week program, which runs from the first full week of June until mid-August. The Academy will pay for travel to and from Philadelphia, housing and expenses for supplies, field trips, and research. All students will live in dormitories or apartments adjacent to The Academy of Natural Sciences in the heart of the Museum district of Philadelphia. Each student will receive a stipend of $350 per week.
There is no actual application form. Applicants will be required to provide the following:
- A one-page statement of intent stating career goals and how this experience will help meet these goals. In your statement please describe any prior research experience you may have had and indicate a first and second choice of project from those listed below. Also provide your address, phone number, and e-mail address. Optional: if you feel you are a member of an underrepresented group (e.g., based on ethnicity, disability, geography, age, etc.) you have the option of indicating this in your application.
- transcript (we will accept unofficial transcripts; official transcripts will be requested from all accepted applicants)
- two letters of recommendation. (email letters will be accepted from official workplace email addresses)