Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Environmental Science
The North Star STEM Alliance is offering two undergraduate research opportunities during the summer
of 2012 in collaboration with the St. Croix Watershed Research Station through its Science Training and
Research Skills program. The North Star STEM Alliance is a National Science Foundation program
supporting underrepresented students attaining bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM). This partnership1 of 16 Minnesota colleges and universities and two
community organizations is led by the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Program dates: June 4 to August 17 (approximate)
Application deadline – Thursday, March 29, 2012
Letters of recommendation deadline – Thursday, March 29, 2012
Overview of Opportunities
The St. Croix River was one of the first rivers in the United States to be designated a National Wild and
Scenic River in 1968, but despite protection water quality in the river has degraded as a result of land
use changes and human activities within its basin. Homeowners along Long Pond, a small embayment
on the St. Croix River, have noticed rapid infilling of this bay with sediment over the last decade and are
concerned that changes in stormwater drainage from the I-94 corridor and the city of Hudson have
increased sediment delivery to Long Pond. During the summer of 2012 research will be conducted by
the St. Croix Watershed Research Station in collaboration with the Land and Water Conservation
Department at St. Croix County in Wisconsin to characterize the sediments in Long Pond and identify
possible sources of the infilling sediments.
Interns will work closely with a hydrologist and environmental chemist at the St. Croix Watershed
Research Station to characterize and identify possible sources of the sediments in Long Pond. Students
will be encouraged to develop and pursue their own research ideas in addition to the primary project
goals. This project will have direct management implications for Long Pond and students will have many
opportunities to network with environmental science professionals. Interns will also participate in a
weekly seminar series designed to improve their fluency in the scientific process, increase their
understanding of limnological sciences, and help them build their professional portfolio.
Program Terms
These research and internship opportunities require a full-time commitment to lab and field work for
ten-twelve weeks in the summer of 2012, specifically from June 4 to August 17, 2012. As long as the
primary research goals of the project are met there is some flexibility in the internship start and end
dates and occasional planned absences are acceptable. The research is based at the St. Croix Watershed
Research Station north of Stillwater, Minnesota. Housing can be provided on-site at a small log cabin
meant for visiting researchers or students may commute from the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. The
interns will be invited to work together as research partners although students will focus on individual
pieces of the study. Students are expected to help prepare a final report and present their findings to
Long Pond stakeholders. Students are also expected to create a poster and present their research at the
North Star STEM Alliance student research symposium at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in
April, 2013.
Compensation and Benefits
Students accepted for these opportunities will receive $500 per week plus housing for participation in
this program.
Eligibility and Requirements
1) Current enrollment at a North Star STEM Alliance partner institution1
2) U.S. citizen or permanent resident status
3) Rising sophomore status and above.
4) Has completed at least two science courses
5) Majoring or interested in the natural sciences (biology, geology, chemistry, environmental
science, etc…).
6) Able to make full-time commitment between June 4 and August 17, 2012
Students who have been historically underrepresented in their disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Application
1) North Star STEM Alliance Fellow application - download application
2) Personal statement: A 500-word (maximum) statement describing why you wish to participate
in this program, any research experiences you have had, and your career goals.
3) Your current resume—please include any lab and field work experience you may have.
Submit the above application materials as separate PDF files in one e-mail message to Jill Coleman
Wasik at jcoleman@smm.org by 5pm Thursday, March 29, 2012.
Additional Materials
Letter of Recommendation
1) A letter of recommendation from a professional contact such as a former professor, mentor,
advisor, or employer. Referees should send letters and the letter of recommendation form
1
Partners in the North Star STEM Alliance are: Anoka Ramsey Community College, Augsburg College, Carleton
College, Century College, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Macalester
College, Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, MSU-Mankato, North
Hennepin Community College, St. Cloud State University, St. Olaf College, University of Minnesota-Duluth,
University of Minnesota-Morris and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
2/27/2012
directly to: Jill Coleman Wasik, Laboratory Manager, 16910 152nd St. N, Marine on St. Croix,
Minnesota 55047 by Thursday, March 29, 2012. Letters may also be e-mailed to
jcoleman@smm.org.
Transcript
2) Unofficial transcript mailed or e-mailed to the above address.
Further Information
North Star STEM Alliance
St. Croix Watershed Research Station
Science Training and Research Skills
Materials
North Star STEM Alliance Fellows application
Letter of recommendation form
2/27/2012