Program Description: The University of California, Merced (UC Merced) is increasing research ties with Mexican universities. As part of this effort, in the summer of 2023 UC Merced inaugurated the UC Merced-Mexico Undergraduate Climate Research Program. Based on the success of this program, we are pleased to invite students enrolled in Mexican universities who are interested in climate research and considering graduate study in academic, research-oriented fields to apply for the 2024 nine-week summer research program.
Developed in collaboration with our Undergraduate Research Opportunity Center's Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI), the 2024 UC Merced-Mexico Undergraduate Climate Research Program is an opportunity for students from Mexico to engage in directed research with faculty mentors from a variety of disciplines who are researching climate change. The Program will also provide students with activities that prepare undergraduate students for successful entry into research-oriented graduate programs, including weekly graduate school preparation and research development workshops. At the conclusion of the Program, students present their research at UC Merced’s Annual Summer Research Symposium.
Participating Faculty & Research Areas: Faculty from a wide range of academic disciplines are interested in working with students from Mexico on climate research. Information on these faculty and their research areas are listed HERE.
Student Support: UC Merced will cover all Climate Research Program fees, including costs for designated Program excusions and activities. Additionally, UC Merced will cover on-campus room and board for the entire nine-week program. Students will be housed in double occupancy rooms in a campus residence hall and a campus meal plan will be provided. UC Merced will also provide transportation between the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and campus. Students will be responsible for airfare between Mexico and SFO and all expenses not explicitly noted above, including expenses for meals not provided by the meal plan or as part of a Program excursion or activity, US government visa fees, health insurance that meets US visa regulations and UC Merced policy, and expenses for all incidentals and other personal purchases.
PROGRAM DATES: JUNE 3 - AUGUST 2, 2024
Eligibility: To be eligible to apply, potential participants must be:
- Enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate at a Mexican partner university (at least through Fall 2024)
- In good academic standing at their university
- In any academic discipline, with an interest in climate research
- Able to demonstrate potential for success in a graduate program
- Able to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency in accordance with the US Exchange Visitor Program
- In possession of a valid passport and be able to apply for, and receive, a J-1 exchange visitor visa (copy of passport must be submitted at time of application)
- Able to obtain appropriate insurance, per US Exchange Visitor Program regulations and UC Merced policy, covering the entire duration of the program
Application: the application must be submitted electronically (via the link below) and include:
- University transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
- Copy of Valid Passport (biographical page)
- One letter of recommendation from a professor or faculty member (preferably in English)
- Personal Statement (approximately 500 words) discussing your interest in participating in the program, including:
- Information about your background that demonstrates your interest and ability to engage in climate research (for example, it could include academic study, employment, research experience and/or any other relevant activities).
- How participating in this program would help you achieve to your future academic and professional goals. :
- APPLICATION LINK
- APPLICATION DEADLINE: The deadline for summer 2024 has passed.
Questions: Please contact Professor Josué Medellín-Azuara (jmedellin@ucmerced.edu) or Garett Gietzen, Director of International Affairs (ggietzen@ucmerced.edu)
