SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

Jul 12-Aug 03 2008
Session II: Tropical Marine Conservation

OVERVIEW
This program provides a research internship framework that involves marine ecology and conservation principles. Participants conduct coral reef ecosystem field research with a principal investigator.

As part of 10 years of active research by the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), students are engaged in data collection at one of the world's most beautiful coral reefs surrounding Little Cayman and the Bloody Bay Marine Park. Throughout the Caribbean, coral reefs are suffering a catastrophic decline. The mission of CCMI is to study what is happening and to recommend solutions for sustaining marine biodiversity. CCMI invites students to help in this important work. The program goals are to enhance student research training, increase the interest in coral reef science and conservation, and to provide useful data to assist CCMI in our long-term ecosystem research.

SESSION I
Coral Reef Ecology (4 undergraduate or graduate credits).
Students learn fundamental marine ecological concepts and marine science field methods and then participate in research with the professor. Field studies reinforce the complex dynamics that are important in tropical ecosystems and we will examine the primary stressors resulting in the major changes being reported on reefs around the world.

SESSION II
Marine Conservation (4 undergraduate or graduate credits).
Students prepare for marine conservation research by learning principles of sustainability, essential theories of marine protection and management, and by reviewing case studies. Students work in teams to develop an independent field research project to explore the successes and failures of marine protection. The Long-Term Assessment and Monitoring Program (LAMP) provides a framework for many of our population and habitat field studies. Students will be required to complete a joint research poster that may be published or presented at a national or international conference.

APPLICATION TIMETABLE
Applications should be received no later than March 1, although admission is rolling and spaces do fill up. Applying early is best. Registration is limited to 14 participants per session.

SCUBA Divers are encouraged to apply but non-certified participants are also accepted.

REGISTRATION & AFFILIATED UNIVERSITY
Undergraduate and graduate course credit is offered through the Rutgers University Institute of Marine & Coastal Sciences and the Rutgers Study Abroad program. Credit is transferable. All registration requirements and payment for this course must be processed through Rutgers Study Abroad program or link directly to the Rutgers Study Abroad (Cayman Islands) program

CONTACT
Students may also email Rutgers at RU_Abroad@email.rutgers.edu or call 732-932-7787.

COST OF THE PROGRAM
$4200: For in-state New Jersey undergraduates and graduate students.
$4800: For non-New Jersey undergraduate and graduate students.
$5000: For non-students interested in personal/professional development.