Mystic Aquarium - UCONN Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Internship
MUST APPLY AT: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7268/opportunity/9745 (NO applications through Handshake will be accepted)
Our REU program offers a unique collaboration between the renowned Mystic Aquarium and a leading institute of higher education, the University of Connecticut, Avery Point, located on Long Island Sound. In fact, we are the only aquarium in the U.S. to have an REU! With us, you will gain access to both Aquarium and University resources and expertise. In addition to the focus on cutting-edge marine research, we also give our students extensive training in professional development, teamwork and a true view into the world of research. We ensure our students are given all the keys to be successful. All research projects will be carried out at UConn, while professional development activities, seminars and job shadows will take place at Mystic Aquarium. All students will be given access to Mystic Aquarium throughout the 10 week period from June 2 to August 8, 2025.
All student projects will revolve around the central question of
"How do environmental stressors affect the physiology, behavior, and ecology of phytoplankton and marine animals in relation to the marine ecosystem?"
Each REU student, under the guidance of their mentor, will focus their research on an individual link in the food chain (see “Mentors and Research Projects” section and figure below). Each student will be expected to develop their own research question and project; be given independence but support to complete it. Students will be trained in lab work and skills relevant to their project. Day-to-day responsibilities vary depending on project but would include (but are not limited to) doing background research/reading, lab work, and data analysis. Throughout the program, students will come together to discuss how their results relate to those of their classmates in addressing the overarching question. Thus, students will gain an understanding not only of their individual research topic, but how a project contributes to the “big picture” of science as a whole.
For more information visit https://www.mysticaquarium.org/research-and-conservation/research-experiences-for-undergraduates-2/ or email REU@mysticaquarium.org