The Mote Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) Program offers a 10 week, residential research experience for undergraduates and is designed to provide hands-on opportunities to participate in scientific research under the mentorship of Mote scientists. Students gain experience in scientific research, science communication and attend research seminars and workshops on career skills. The experience gained through a Mote research internship will enhance both the knowledge and experience needed for entry-level employment as well as graduate studies within related fields. Interns will participate in scientific projects being conducted in their mentor’s area of expertise.

The goal of this program is to broaden participation of historically underserved, underrepresented groups in marine STEM including underrepresented minorities. (Underrepresented minorities are African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders.) However, students of any race, ethnicity or identity are welcome to apply.

Eligibility

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories.
• Currently enrolled* in a degree program (full-time or part-time) leading to a baccalaureate degree.
• First-time URE participants. Priority will be given to students who have not completed an NSF URE internship program.
• Available for the full duration of the program, from May 25 to August 2, 2025. 

No former research or internship experience necessary.

Student participants will:

• Be involved in scientific research projects under the direction of a Mote scientist.
• Gain experience in planning and implementing research through involvement in on-going research projects.
• Present a final poster or presentation.
• Attend scientific research seminars presented by graduate students, post-docs or scientists from Mote, government agencies or universities.
• Learn about opportunities for graduate study, careers in marine science, and communication skills in science by participating in student workshops.

Students participating in the Mote URE Program receive:

• Earn a $6000 stipend over a 10 week period.
• Free housing in a local dormitory or a housing stipend. *Confirmed upon acceptance notification.
• Financial support for travel expenses between Mote and their home institution.

Note: Provided dorms are off-campus so bringing a car is highly recommended. Public transportation between Mote and most local areas is available through a local bus system. Interns are responsible for providing or making arrangements for daily transportation to Mote.

Participating Programs:

• Aquarium Sciences & Animal Care
• Coral Health & Disease
• Coral Restoration: Grazers
• Ecotoxicology
• Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation & Ecology
• Marine & Freshwater Aquaculture
• Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Investigations
• Molecular Microbiology
• Ocean Technology
• Phytoplankton Ecology
• Seagrass Ecosystem Restoration Research 
• Sea Turtle Conservation & Research
• Coral Health & Disease (Florida Keys)
• Coral Restoration (Florida Keys)
• Coral Restoration: Grazers (Florida Keys)
• Ocean Acidification (Florida Keys)