This NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is focused on developing skills in arctic geoscience research. Our work will integrate studies of bedrock geology with records of environmental change in a remote, international setting.

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Research projects include: (1) geologic mapping and analysis of Proterozoic metamorphic bedrock and fault geometry to better understand earthquake rupture dynamics and landscape development; (2) lake coring to evaluate post-glacial environmental change and ecological succession during ice retreat; (3) evaluation of nutrient inputs to glacial and pro-glacial lakes; and (4) field calibration of ice albedo on a retreating ice sheet margin. Participants will present their research at a national scientific conference in the fall and prepare an ArcGIS StoryMap to explaining their research experience to the general public. 

• Applicants should be undergraduates who are rising sophomore, junior, or senior geology/geoscience or Earth science majors. We can consider some related disciplines such as ecology and environmental sciences, especially if you are at an institution without a geology major and as long as you have coursework in geology, chemistry, and physics.
• Ideally, applicants will have completed or be enrolled in a course in mineralogy, petrology, or Earth materials although this is not required, especially for rising sophomores or two-year college applicants. Coursework in structural geology and/or field geology or field methods is useful.
• NSF requires REU participants to be US citizens or permanent residents.
• Participants must have a planned date of graduation no earlier than December, 2024. Because of the late start time, students completing a geology field camp early in the summer might be able to attend this REU.
• We encourage applications from first-generation college students, veterans, and members of underrepresented groups including women, minorities, and native Alaskans.  We also encourage applications from students at community colleges and  from institutions with limited research opportunities.