Reese Institute for Conservation of Natural Resources

Photo Credit: LRU

The application deadline has been extended until November 8! 

In an effort to emulate multidisciplinary development/research teams found in industry and business, the Donald and Helen Schort School of Mathematics /Computing Sciences and the Reese Institute for Conservation of Natural Resources have teamed up to offer a course during the Spring Semester of 2011. Weekly class meetings culminate in a trip to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) over Spring Break with data analysis and interpretation to follow.

There are currently three research projects: 1) beach erosion quantification 2) water quality assessment and 3) a Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) population survey in Turtle Grass (Thalassia testudinum) beds. Each of these projects will assist the BVI government (Conservation and Fisheries Department) with critical conservation issues facing the islands.

Students are expected to write a manuscript with publication in a peer reviewed journal in mind, and present their findings at SOURCE in April. Students must be Juniors or Seniors, hold a GPA above a 3.0, have completed one science (lab) course and a statistics course (with a B or higher in each), be interested in multidisciplinary research, and be able to live without air conditioning (on a boat) in the tropics for 10 days. Please provide the name of a faculty member that is willing to speak on your behalf.

Students are expected to pay $300.00 for the trip. Those who are unable to pay this amount and can document financial need can work through LR financial aid to pay for an offset of the fee. LR financial aid will evaluate your financial and arrangements will be made to provide some support. A $100 deposit will be required by Dec. 8th, with the balance due on the first day of classes in January. Refunds will only be given due to illness (that results in a student’s inability to go on the trip).

NOTE: Although most people consider a trip to the Caribbean to be a vacation, realize that we will be living on a boat in close quarters with fellow students and professors without air conditioning . Although we can take daily swims, fresh water showers are very limited. We encourage students willing to live “in the field” for 10 days to apply. If you have never gone camping and expect creature comforts, this may not be the course for you. Temperatures during March normally range from 78-85F for the high of the day, and 73-77F for the low.

To complete an application click HERE!