Undergraduate Research Opportunities

 

Shoals Undergraduate Research Group (SURG)

 

Shoals Marine Laboratory's SURG Program is specifically designed for undergraduate college students over the summer break. Undergraduate researchers work directly with faculty mentors and SML scientists to conduct research experiments and projects, combining new areas of discovery with ongoing, long-term monitoring. SURG provides invaluable experience and helps students develop skills that will increase their marketability when it's time to apply to graduate school or pursue your career aspirations.

SML provides room & board, stipend, and roundtrip boat transportation to and from Appledore Island for all SURG members, unless otherwise specified. Programs vary from 3-10 weeks in length, and cover a wide variety of disciplines – from biological research, to science education, to sustainable engineering. SML's SURG program evolves each year (some offerings are contingent upon funding or the availability of specific mentors). Please use the buttons below to learn more about each research opportunity offered this summer. You will only be considered for one internship per year. We strongly discourage students from applying to more than one internship. Please apply for the one internship you feel most competitive for.

If you have any questions, please contact us at shoals.lab@unh.edu or 603-862-5346.

Research Opportunities for the 2025 Summer Season:

gannet flying over water

Seabird Ecology & Conservation

two students exploring the intertidal zone

Intertidal Ecology

Gull and Chicks

Gull Population Biology

daniel kim

Physical Oceanography and Ecology

muskrat captured in a have a heart trap for research

Furbearers

Only available to students of Middlebury college.
Please email Shoals.lab@unh.edu for details.

Shoals Undergraduate Research Group Manual

All SML undergraduate researchers must read and familiarize themselves with the SURG Manual

SURG Manual 2024

 


Research Apprenticeship

Interested in our research programs, but feel as though you need some more experience? The Shoals Research Apprenticeship is a two-part, four-week program aimed at providing you with the opportunity to learn the ins & outs of independent biological field research. This program prepares you to be a competitive applicant for SURG and other research opportunities, like NSF REU programs, which often seek students who have previous research experience. Build your resume/CV this summer! Make this the summer you become a scientist!

LEARN MORE ABOUT RESEARCH APPRENTICESHIP