What is RIOS?

RIOS is a program supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, Research Experiences for Undergraduates. RIOS provides paid, 10-week summer internships to participate in a range of projects offered by the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University. Continuing undergraduates pursuing majors in environmental sciences, engineering, geology, biology, physics, or mathematics are encouraged to apply. You will conduct an independent research project in a modern laboratory, or be part of field investigations in the region. You will be introduced to an active and collaborative research environment.

Why apply?

• Interact with scientific leaders in ocean and environmental research
• Start building a network of contacts for graduate study and a future science career
• Gain collaborative research, proposal writing, and presentation skills
• A $5000 stipend, free room, paid travel expenses, plus opportunities to obtain academic credit
• Close to New York City, Philadelphia, and the New Jersey shore

When and where?

The program will run for 10 weeks, from June 4 to August 10, 2012. Depending on their research project, students will be based at the main campus in New Brunswick, or at the Rutgers University Marine Field Station in Tuckerton.

Who can apply?

You must be a US citizen or permanent resident, enrolled in an undergraduate program leading to a bachelor's degree. You should have completed at least two years of study, but must still be an undergraduate in Fall 2012. Preference will be given to students between their junior and senior years. We encourage applications from students from underrepresented groups, or from institutions with limited research opportunities.

How to apply?

The following information is required for your completed application. You may send all information, except the Recommendation Letter, to the address below. Electronic submission is acceptable. Your Recommender should independently send their letter to the same address. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2012.

1. A copy of your transcript. An unofficial version is acceptable.
2. One letter of recommendation. This letter should be from the individual most familiar with your academic background and performance. The letter must come directly from the Recommender, either by mail or as an email attachment. The Recommendation Form below should be given to your Recommender. Please also provide that person with a properly addressed, stamped envelope if the letter is being mailed.
3. A current resume (include email and phone numbers where we can reach you).
4. A personal statement describing your background, research interest, career plans, and how this Internship will help you reach your goals. You are strongly encouraged to consult the description of potential mentors and research projects and identify two mentors you would be interested in working with. If you have already contacted one or more mentors about working with them, please provide their names.

Application Deadline is February 28, 2012. You will be contacted in early April about the status of your application.  If you are offered a position at this or any other REU Site you do not need to make your decision to accept or reject the offer until March 15^th or later. Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions about the application process or your eligibility.

• Application Checklist
• Recommendation Form
• Potential Mentors and Research Projects

RIOS Archive:

• Students and Posters 2004-2011
• Photo Gallery