Summer Research
Why do summer research?
Academic Career
After participating in summer research there is potential to continue a project during academic year through independent studies (390 or 490) or paid research positions
Professional Career
Research is valuable experience to learn about your research topic and yourself
Research looks good to grad schools and future employers
Tangible products
Brief reflective paper (500-600 words) on summer experience
Research fair poster presentation (required of all Hackman Scholars, and recommended for everyone)
Are you eligible?
F&M Students who enjoy working outdoors and/or in the lab, are eager to learn new skills, and are motivated to take initiative are eligible. Students who have previously engaged in research over the summer or during the academic year have priority.
*International students are eligible
What are the different research groups?
Marshlanders
Advisors: Merritts/Walter
Type: Field/Lab
Research:
Explore buried wetlands
Identify preserved seeds
Analyze milldam and wetland sediments
Extent: 4-8 weeks
Bubblers
Advisors: Walter/Bechtel
Type: Field/Lab
Research:
Analysis of geologic structures and bedrock features
Geochemical analysis of spring water, surface water, & precipitation
Trace groundwater sources of springs
Extent: 10 weeks
Aeronauts
Advisors: Walter/Schwarz
Type: Mostly Lab
Research:
Collect and analyze samples from automated air samplers
Quantify composition of air particles and determine sources
Monitor local air quality
Extent: 5 weeks
FLIRries
Advisors: Merritts/Walter
Type: Field/Computer
Research:
Collect thermal drone data
Compare water temperature around natural and restored wetlands
Extent: 4-5 weeks
Obsidianites
Advisors: Walter/Jolles
Type: Lab Only
Research:
"Fingerprint" stone tools using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry
Determine which eruption formed the obsidian based on elemental composition
Extent: 5 weeks
Aquanauts (New!)
Advisor: Walter
Type: Field/Lab
Research:
Assess groundwater geochemistry at springs near the Little Conestoga Creek
Collect water samples locally
Analyze groundwater chemistry in the lab
Extent: tbd
Economizers
Advisor: Fleming
Type: Social Science
Research:
Evaluate policy which addresses water quality and carbon sequestration
Collect and analyze data on environmental benefits / costs of wetland-floodplain restoration, in comparison to alternative restoration strategiesÂ
Extent: 8 weeks
Carbonators
Advisor: Williams
Type: Field/Lab
Research:
Measure aboveground biomass and produvtivity
Monitor floodplain soil gas fluxes
Examine soil organic matter stocks and floodplain carbon accumulation rates
Extent: 5-8 weeks
Pay/Hours
10-week - $6,000
8-week - $4,800
5-week - $3,000
Equates to $15/hr
*The stipends are based on the expectation that students will work full-time (a 40-hour work week) for the weeks they are engaged as summer scholars.
Application Timeline
2/20 - Interest Meeting
3/18 - Job posting (Handshake ONLY)
3/22 - Applications Due
3/29 - Decisions Sent
4/1 - Accept Position By
*Applicants will be notified if timeline changes
Application Materials
Resume Including:
Coursework at F&M
Major or prospective major
Research experience (optional)
Statement of interest
A paragraph for each project that explains why you want to apply to each project you are interested in
Firm dates of availability
