Renewal: REU Site: From the Intertidal to the Deep Ocean: Monterey Bay Regional Ocean Science REU Program

This Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site engages undergraduate students in hands-on research in ocean and coastal science. The program leverages the scientific and educational resources of the Monterey Bay region through partnerships with academic, government, and nonprofit marine research institutions. Students will work with scientists on interdisciplinary topics spanning oceanography, marine biology and ecology, marine geology, and ocean engineering. Through these experiences, participants will contribute to studies that advance understanding of ocean processes that influence marine ecosystems, coastal environments, and ocean technologies. In order to prepare students for careers in ocean science, the program will: 1) recruit participants including those from research limited institutions; 2) prepare students in advance of the 10-week REU for the rigors of undertaking original research; 3) engage students in innovative research projects; 4) provide rigorous research and professional development support for students during and after the REU to maintain interest and involvement in the Ocean Sciences; and 5) provide students with high caliber faculty mentoring across all phases of the REU. Interns will have a wide variety of options for research experiences. Oceanography topics include, Trace Metal Analysis, Biological Oceanography, Internal Wave Dynamics, Ocean Analysis and Prediction, Ocean Modeling, Nearshore Processes, and Coastal Circulation. Marine biology and ecology topics include Marine Landscape Ecology, Marine Microbiology, Fish Ecology, Marine Physiology, Population Genetics, Invasion Ecology, Conservation Biology, Thermal Stress Physiology, and Biomechanics. Marine Geology topics include Coastal Erosion, Sediment Transport, Seafloor Mapping, Biogeochemical Analysis, Sedimentology of Upwelling, Biogenic Sediments, and Geomorphology of Coastal Environments. Ocean Engineering topics include Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Ocean Instrumentation, Computer Programming, and Artificial Intelligence. This site is supported by the Department of Defense in partnership with the NSF REU program. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.