Mote's NSF REU 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.

Participating Programs:

• Ecotoxicology
• Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation & Ecology
• Marine Immunology
• Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Investigations Program
• Molecular Microbiology
• Ocean Acidification
• Ocean Technology
• Phytoplankton Ecology
• Seagrass Ecosystem Restoration Research
• Sea Turtle Conservation & Research

Student participants will:

• Conduct mentored research projects under the direction of a Mote scientist.
• Gain experience in the development of research plans by completing a research proposal.
• Gain experience in scientific writing by completing a “manuscript-style” final research paper.
• Gain experience in oral presentation of scientific data by presenting their research results in a laboratory-wide poster presentation.
• Attend research seminars on ocean science.
• 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 REU Program receive:

• Earn a $7000 stipend over a 10 week period.
• Free housing in a local dormitory. *Confirmed upon acceptance notification.
• Financial support for travel expenses between Mote and their home institution.

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.