GETUP Summer Research Experience

As of Summer 2023 this research experience is not being offered. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to be able to bring it, or an equivalent, back in the future.

If you have questions or are interested in supporting the future of this effort please reach out to Elizabeth Balgord, program director.

Thank you.

 

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Summer Research Experience Application TBD

 

About

The GETUP Summer Research Experience gives early (first- or second-year) undergraduates experience with Earth and Environmental Science research. Students work full-time as research assistants for four weeks during the summer.

The summer research focuses on the Great Salt Lake ecosystem, using the lake as a living laboratory.

Student participants will:

• Visit Great Salt Lake to take field measurements and samples
• Use collected environmental samples in laboratory-based experiments
• Analyze geochemical data from a field observatory at Antelope Island State Park
• Use advanced microscopy facilities, including confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy
• Gain experience with geospatial techniques to characterize sampling sites (GPS, Google Earth, and other imagery, GIS)
• Serve as peer mentors for students in the Summer Bridge Program
• Present their results at an end-of-summer research symposium
• Build skills for future career and graduate school opportunities
• Learn to conduct their own research

No prior research experience is required or expected for this program. Students will receive all of the required training as part of the program.

Why participate?

• Research is fun!
• Learn about Earth and Environmental Sciences and what it's like to be a scientist through hands-on work.
• Build up your resume with marketable job skills.
• Form personal relationships with other students and EES faculty.
• Gain confidence as a scientist as you learn new techniques and apply what you already know.
• Get paid while learning.

Important Dates

April 29, 2022	Application deadline
May 6, 2022	Acceptance notifications
May 11, 2022	Orientation meeting (mandatory)
July 11–August 5	GETUP Summer Research Experience

Stipend and Expectations

The Summer Research Experience will run for four weeks from July 11–August 5. All student participants will be paid an $1000 stipend for the month, and a limited number of $2000 need-based fellowships are available. Students are expected to participate in the program as though it is a full-time job: 9–5 pm M–F during the four-week period. Work on evenings and weekends may occasionally be required in order to complete your research project.

COVID-19 Mitigation

Our ability to hold the 2022 GETUP Summer Research Experience will depend on state- and university-level guidelines for COVID-19 safety. Students may be required to follow best practice guidelines including, but not limited to, wearing masks, maintaining appropriate distance from others, not carpooling to field sites, rotating through labs to ensure low occupancy, working remotely, or meeting immunization requirements. We will update students on requirements during the May 11 orientation meeting. Visit the WSU Coronavirus page for the latest updates on COVID-19 policies and procedures at Weber State.

Apply!

Applications are due April 29. The application form allows you to save your answers and return to edit them anytime until the deadline.

For your application, you will need to gather the following information and materials:

1. Personal Statement: Tell us why you are interested in doing summer research. What do you find exciting about this opportunity? How does it relate to your major or career goals? What do you hope to learn or gain from this program? Do you have a personal connection? There is a 1000 character limit (roughly 1/3 of a single-spaced page).
2. Academic Transcript: College only; you may include your high school transcript if you have been at Weber for less than one year. Unofficial copies and screenshots are fine.
3. Number of credits completed at Weber State.
4. Reference: Name and email address for someone willing to write a Letter of Reference for you. Although current or recent teachers or professors are best, this can be anyone who can tell us about who you are.
5. Resume (optional)
6. Financial Need Statement (optional) if you wish to apply for one of the $1500 fellowships. There is a 1000 character limit (roughly 1/3 of a single-spaced page).

Start Your Application