The basis of the Summer Intern Program is a highly individualized research experience for each student coupled with group activities. As an intern in the VIMS/SMS program, you'll work closely with a mentor, and often within the context of a research team, to develop an individual project. Depending on the project, the summer may involve lots of 'hands-on' experience in the field or laboratory, or both. You'll have access to one of the best marine science libraries in the country, as well as extensive computer facilities.

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Interns are expected to work with their mentors to develop a project idea in the form of a brief research prospectus, conduct their research, and then present results in a final program that is open to the VIMS community. Interns also prepare a summary research paper that is maintained in the program archives. In some cases, this has been the basis for a subsequent publication in the scientific literature. For more information on intern research projects, check out the student research page.

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During the summer we meet every week for a seminar that features a guest speaker discussing topics such as:

• Scientific Reading, Writing and Peer Review
• How to Apply to Graduate School: Tips from the Faculty Who Read the Files
• Alternatives to Life in Academia: A Panel Discussion
• How to Give an Effective Scientific Presentation
• Ethics in Science

• The VIMS REU Summer Intern Program is open to students from any college or university. Students from traditionally under-represented groups in the marine sciences and those from non-research institutions are encouraged to apply. Students who will have received their Bachelor's degree prior to August of the program year are not eligible.
  

• Students who have previously participated in an NSF-Oceans Science or Earth Science based research REU program will be considered on a case-by-case basis.