summer internship opportunity
greene
chg2 at cornell.edu
Mon Apr 15 17:01:22 UTC 1996
WHAT: Undergraduate Summer Internship Opportunity in Akumal, Mexico
Cornell University and the Ecological Center of Akumal will be sponsoring a
summer internship program this upcoming summer. The program is intended for
6 advanced undergraduates with an interest in coral reef ecology. Students
will spend 8 weeks diving and studying the coral reefs in Akumal, Mexico.
The first two weeks will be spent intensively studying basic coral reef
ecology while learning the benthic fauna of the local reefs. During the
next five weeks,
students will work on individual research projects and participate in a
reef monitoring project that will aid in the establishment of a marine park
in Akumal. In the final week, students will write up their results in
reports and give oral presentations of their findings. Throughout the 8
weeks, students will read, discuss, and write about a variety of topics
pertinent to coral reef ecology. Students will also be introduced to the
local Mexican and Mayan cultures.
Students participating in the program will receive 8 semester credit hours
from Cornell University as either Biological Sciences 418 or Geological
Sciences 418
"Tropical Marine Science". Students should have relevant course experience
in oceanography, geology, and/or ecology. Field course experience is
certainly an advantage. Students must be SCUBA certified, and preferably
have some underwater research experience. We anticipate stiff competition
for the 6 internships, so please include any information on your
application that may strengthen your case.
WHEN: Exact dates to be announced, but probably 9 June - 3 August (8 weeks)
ABOUT AKUMAL: Akumal is a small resort town located about 60 miles south
of Canc=FAn, on the Yucat=E1n peninsula. Although the reefs around Akumal a=
re
in a relatively pristine state, this area of the Yucat=E1n is currently bein=
g
developed to accommodate the increasing number of tourists visiting the
area. In addition to the coral reef diving, attractions include the
nearby ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba and a remarkable network of
underwater caves called cenotes. Local residents of Akumal are dedicated
to preserving the health of the local reefs while maintaining sustainable
development of the tourism industry; to support this effort, part of BioSM
418 will involve the collection of baseline data that will be used to
monitor and protect the health of the reefs.
WHAT DOES IT COST: The cost of participation in the program is $3,500 US.
This includes room & board, tuition, and unlimited diving for 8 weeks. All
dive operations will be supervised by a certified dive master. This price
also includes international insurance. There is some financial aid
available for those needing assistance. IT DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE TO
CANCUN, MEXICO, but it does include ground transportation from Cancun to
Akumal. Those students requiring equipment will have the opportunity to
purchase rebuilt Sherwood regulators (w/ pressure and depth guages) and
bouyancy compensators for $250 (retail price, if new, is approximately
$1000).
APPLICATIONS: Applications should be filed electronically to Dan Shapiro
(dfs7 at cornell.edu). The forms are below. Dan can also be contacted for
further information at his e-mail address. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 3,
1996.
Application Procedures:
Student selection will be based on statements of interests and letters of
recommendation. All correspondence and application materials will be
transmitted by electronic mail.
Please transmit the following information to DFS7 at CORNELL.EDU as
your formal application:
1. Name:
2. Mailing Address:
3. Telephone Number:
4. E-mail Address:
5. FAX Number:
6. Sex: Male or Female (NOT YES OR NO)
7. Birthdate
8. Citizenship:
9. Universities Attended:
10. Current Academic Status:
11. Statement of Interests:
Please describe in 500 words or less, 1.) what experience in
oceanography, marine ecology, and/or geology you would
bring to the program; 2.) what your long-term goals
are in these areas; and 3.) how you feel participation in the
program could further your efforts toward achieving those
goals.
12. Letter of Recommendation:
Please have a letter of recommendation transmitted by e-mail.
Whoever writes your letter should be familiar with the statement
of interests that you have submitted and should emphasize how your
participation in the program will assist you in achieving your
academic goals.
13. Do you need financial aid? Explain your circumstances and exact
requirements to participate.
All applications must be in by May 3, 1996 to ensure full consideration.
We will attempt to have decisions transmitted to all applicants by May 15,
1996.
*******************************************************************
Charles Greene Phone: (607) 255-5449
E-mail: CHG2 at CORNELL.EDU
FAX: (607) 254-4780
Director, Ocean Resources & Ecosystems Program, Center for the Environment
Associate Professor, Department of Geological Sciences,
2130 Snee Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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