Jane Teranes Awardee of the Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (JT-SURF) Scholarship
Jane Teranes SURF REU Program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography Empowers Undergraduates in STEM
The Jane Teranes SURF REU program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a prestigious summer research fellowship that engages undergraduate students in earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences. Funded by the National Science Foundation, this program aims to develop and encourage research skills in promising students early in their college careers, nurturing future STEM scholars.
The program's goals are threefold: to engage students in meaningful scientific research, encourage the development of research skills, and foster connections between research and community/environmental relevance. These goals are inspired by the late Jane Teranes, a longtime coordinator of the program.
Eligibility for the program is open to undergraduate students with interests in earth, ocean, or atmospheric sciences. The exact eligibility criteria are not detailed, but typically REU programs target undergraduate researchers early in their academic journey.
Participants of the program can expect a variety of benefits. They will gain hands-on research experience working directly with Scripps Oceanography labs or projects. This includes the opportunity to specialize in techniques such as photogrammetry, a tool for creating detailed 3D models of coral reefs. Students may also participate in cutting-edge field projects like the 100 Island Challenge, which digitally documents reefs across 100 islands.
The program offers both in-person and virtual research formats, enabling broad geographic participation. This experience can propel students toward graduate programs and STEM careers, and they will receive mentorship and networking opportunities within the scientific community.
In the past, the program has focused on projects such as coral reef ecology, using photogrammetry to build detailed digital models of coral reefs, the 100 Island Challenge, and adapting to virtual research during COVID-19.
Applicants of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, dis/abilities, and veteran status are welcome and will be equally considered. Students who are first-generation, nontraditional, economically disadvantaged, veterans, parents, and students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
Throughout the program, students will develop knowledge and skills to prepare for a successful career in earth and marine sciences. They will engage with the larger research community at Scripps, present their research results as part of a student research symposium, and have the opportunity to present the results of their summer research at a national conference.
The JT-SURF program is a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) focused on earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences. The disciplinary breadth represented by the faculty and researchers at Scripps allows mentoring in virtually every aspect of marine sciences. The program seeks to increase diversity in earth and ocean sciences by encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
The Jane Teranes - SURF REU program aims to prepare students for careers in Earth and ocean sciences by recruiting them early in their college career. Students will participate in weekly workshops on topics such as research and presentation skills, career options, and preparing for graduate school.
The program has a history of success, as evidenced by the available student profiles and feature stories from previous years. It is funded by the National Science Foundation, Division of Ocean Sciences. The deadlines and details for the 2025 JT-SURF are not provided in the given paragraph.
- Aspiring marine biologists and climate scientists can leverage the Jane Teranes SURF REU program for a summer immersion in earth and ocean sciences, benefiting from hands-on research experience and developing essential skills for future STEM careers.
- To broaden the horizons of education-and-self-development, the Jane Teranes SURF REU program fosters diversity in earth and ocean sciences by offering workshops, mentorship, and research opportunities in various fields, including photogrammetry, coral reef ecology, and more.