MLML-UROC Summer Research Program

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) has partnered with Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) to offer CSUMB undergraduates interested in marine ecology and physiology opportunities to engage in undergraduate research.

This program is a paid opportunity targeted at developing both your research and professional skills. CSUMB undergraduates conducting research at MLML contribute to research under the guidance of a MLML Graduate student Research Mentor. Accepted applicants will become UROC Researchers and be integrated into the UROC Researcher summer program, participate in a series of weekly seminars and workshops aimed at developing their identity as scientists, and be guided through the process of knowledge dissemination at symposia and conferences.

Presentation slides from Information Session:

MLML-UROC Information Session Slides

Application opens: TBD

Application deadline: TBD

Application process:

Read detailed descriptions of each research opportunity on the MLML - UROC Summer Research Program - Project Descriptions webpage to identify the opportunities for which you would like to apply.
If necessary, contact the Mentor listed on each project for further questions about the expectations and timeline of the research opportunity.
Review the details of the UROC Researcher program, especially the summer term Benefits, Expectations, & Responsibilities.
Submit your completed application, including one letter of recommendation, an academic resume, a personal statement, and unofficial transcripts by the deadline (end of March)
If your application is advanced to the Interview Stage, you will be contacted by the Mentor for an interview (between March and April)
Final decisions announced to applicants (mid-April)

2017 Research Opportunities

Click on the title of each Project below to be taken to a full description of the research project, placement timeline, and UROC student role and qualifications.

Project 1: Habitat-based variation in the demography and life-history of canary rockfish (Sebastes pinniger) along the U.S. West Coast, Mentor: Rachel Brooks
Project 2: How do fish-derived nutrients influence kelp forest communities?, Mentor: June Shrestha
Project 3: The effect of male limitation on the reproductive output of two sex-changing fish, Rhinogobiops nicholsii and Lythrypnus dalli, Mentor: Stephen Pang
Project 4: Seasonal variability in storage compounds of "Pterygophora californica" and the effects of biomass loss., Mentor: Lindsay Cooper
. Project 5: Assessing impacts of hypoxia and ocean acidification on reproductive output of rockfish, Mentor: Kristin Saksa
Project 6: Hydrodynamics and transport of POC (particulate organic carbon) within kelp forests, Mentor: Steven Cunningham

Ichthyology

Project 1: Monitor the age growth and reproduction of Elkhorn Slough's shark and ray populations

Project 2: The effect of male limitation on the reproductive output of two temperate sex-changing fish

Project 3: Assess lingcod stock health via tissue samples collected on chartered fishing trips

Phycology

Project 4: Demographic and physiological analyses of the highly acidic brown acid weed, Desmarestia ligulata

Project 5: Energetic trade-offs by chain-bladder kelp in response to disturbance

Project 6: Study how size affects resource translocation in local stalked kelp species

Project 7: Quantify productivity and community ecology of a giant kelp forest using synthetic kelp

Invertebrate zoology & ecology

Project 8: Habitat Preferences of Benthic Organisms in the Hydrothermal Vent Habitat of the Lau Basin

Specific background and experience requirements vary by project and mentor
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater.
Currently enrolled CSUMB students who will be enrolled in the subsequent Fall semester
Students transferring to CSUMB for the subsequent Fall semester who have submitted their Undergraduate Enrollment Confirmation Fee to the CSUMB Admissions office
U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or individuals who possess a valid work visa

Personal statement:

Please write a two-page maximum Personal Statement that addresses the following prompts:

- Why are you interested in contributing to the Research Projects you selected earlier in the application?

- Do you have any previous research or volunteer experience relevant to marine science?

- What are your academic and career goals? How do you anticipate this experience will help prepare you for them?

Be sure to utilize outside resources, such as the Cooperative Learning Center (CLC) for guidance and feedback on both your drafts and final versions of the Personal Statement.

Academic resume or curriculum vitae (C.V.)

Please upload a two-page Academic Resume or Curriculum Vitae in PDF format.

Your Academic Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) should include relevant coursework and academic performance, college-level academic honors, professional or student organization memberships, examples of student leadership, research or internship experiences, and work experience.

If you would like some additional resources about academic resumes or the curriculum vitae, the Career Guide provided by the CSUMB Career Center and the Purdue Owl Writing Lab have some useful resources.

Unofficial transcripts

Please attach an unofficial CSUMB transcript in PDF format. If you have been at CSUMB for less than 2 semesters OR if you feel there are courses listed on your transcripts from other institutions that you would like the reviewers to take into consideration when you apply to this program, please include them all in a single PDF document and upload here.

Recommendation form

The online application system will prompt applicants to submit the contact information of one reference.

Once you have entered their email into the application system, the system will send your reference an email from support@slideroom.com asking them to fill out a form that contains the following questions.

(References will also be able to upload a "Letter of Recommendation", if they prefer.)

How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
What is your appraisal of the applicant’s curiosity, motivation, and academic performance in his/her area of study?
What is your appraisal of the applicant’s maturity, self-confidence in unfamiliar situations and ability to work with others?
What is your appraisal of the applicant’s written and oral communication skills?
What is your appraisal of the applicant’s potential for a future career in science? Alternatively, will participating in this undergraduate research opportunity benefit this applicant, in your opinion?
Is there anything else you would like us to know or consider about the applicant?