The program is comprehensively studying the ecology of coastal ecosystems. These efforts examine the changes across gradients of human impact among the Everglades, wetlands, coastal mangrove forests, seagrass beds and shallow water coral reef systems. The summer program includes the following elements:

• Research: Provide research expertise for undergraduate working on individual or group projects with the guidance from both a faculty researcher and a near-peer mentor.
• Education: Students and mentors establish regular meetings and lab schedules to share successes and challenges, and leverage programmatic resources.
• Community: Build a sense of community among participants and mentors all dedicated to advancing scientific research.
• Professional Development: Enhance student skills needed for successful future careers. Topics include scientific writing, Everglades restoration, data management and statistical analysis, developing impactful presentations, fellowship applications, building resumes, and career pathways.

• Potential REU's must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States
• Applicants must plan to attend the entire 10-week program (May 20, 2024 through July 26, 2024).No exceptions. All in-person attendance.
• Applicants must plan to be full-time students enrolled in a college/university for at least one semester after the summer program (e.g., Fall 2024).
• Applicants should be undergraduate students in the discipline/major related to the Mentors project list that is chosen.
• Applicants should have completed at least two semesters of coursework in environment-related topics.
• Applicants cannot be enrolled in summer coursework while enrolled in the NSF Site REU program or work a part-time job.
• Applicants must attend and participate in the professional development workshops that occur 1x a week.
• Applicants must fulfill program objectives completely, to receive the full stipend (awarded in three (3) installments: beginning, middle, end).