Program Description: The University of California, Merced (UC Merced) is increasing research ties with Mexican universities in a number of areas, including especially climate research. As part of this effort, UC Merced invites students enrolled in Mexican universties who are interested in climate research and considering graduate study to apply for a nine-week summer research program.
Developed in collaboration with our Undergraduate Research Opportunity Center's Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI), the 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 research activities that prepare undergraduate students for successful entry into 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 room and board for the entire nine-week program. Students will be housed in double occupancy rooms in 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 fee, and expenses for all incidentals and other personal purchases. Students are required to have health insurance that meeting the minimum US Exchange Visitor Program regulations and cover the entire nine-weeks of the program.
PROGRAM DATES: JUNE 5 - AUGUST 4, 2023
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to apply, potential participants must be:
- Enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate at a Mexican university (until at least Fall 2023)
- 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 possession of a valid passport and be able to apply for, and receive, a J-1 exchange visitor visa
- Able to obtain (or have already obtained) appropriate insurance, per US Exchange Visitor Program regulations covering the entire duration of the program
Application
The application must be submitted electronically (via the link below) and include:
- Unofficial university transcript(s)
- One letter of recommendation from a professor or faculty member (preferably in English)
- Personal statement (approx. 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 DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 13, 2023 (11:59 PM Pacific Time)
*** Applications are now closed for Summer 2023 **
Questions: Please contact Marjorie Zatz (mzatz@ucmerced.edu) or Garett Gietzen (ggietzen@ucmerced.edu)
