Fresh Solutions to Salty Struggles Summer Camp for Undergrads

Program Dates: July 6, 2025 to July 19, 2025
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Application Link: [link]
Contact: Dr. Matthew Sirianni; siriannim20@ecu.edu 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Are you ready to dive into cutting-edge research and make a difference in tackling one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges?

The Fresh Solutions to Salty Struggles (FS3) Summer Program invites undergraduate students to embark on a two-week journey exploring the science of soil salinization and saltwater intrusion. Participants in this opportunity are eligible to receive financial support, such as stipends, travel reimbursements, and conference funding. This program is ideal for undergraduate students with an interest in environmental science, agriculture, geology, or related fields.

Workshops, Field Experiences, and Mentorship

Students in the FS3 Program will work hands-on with advanced geophysical and hydrogeological methods to uncover the dynamics of saltwater intrusion in agricultural and coastal landscapes. Field experiences include day trips to local research sites in North Carolina and overnight travel to sites in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Students will collaborate with peers and researchers to analyze data sets and explore spatial and temporal controls on soil salinization. This immersive experience equips participants with critical, industry-aligned skills and connects them with leading scientists in the field, including those from the Critical Zone Coastal Thematic Cluster, building a network for future educational and career opportunities.

Location

This program takes place at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, North Carolina. Students will live in ECU dorm facilities with washer, dryer, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. Accommodations for overnight travel will be provided by the University of Virginia Coastal Research Center in Charles, Virginia.

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HOW TO APPLY

We are excited about your interest in our program!

Applications for Summer 2025 will open on December 20th 2024!

We are using the National Science Foundation ETAP portal for applications. You will need to create an account with your personal information and then apply specifically to the “Fresh Solutions to Salty Struggles Summer Camp for Undergrads: Exploring Soil Salinization Dynamics” program. You can find us on the ETAP portal.

To be eligible candidates should:

  • be an undergraduate student.
  • be currently enrolled in a program at a US institution.
  • be in good academic standing.
  • be comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions, including exposure to sun, wind, and rain.
  • be capable of lifting or pushing up to 20 pounds and handling moderate physically demanding tasks.
  • be able to utilize specialized computer software that demands ability to visualize and interpret phenomena.

Before you begin your application please review the instructions carefully. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Sirianni. To apply to the program, you will need the following documents.

  • Personal Statement
  • Current CV/Resume
  • Unofficial Transcript
  • One Reference Letter

Carefully complete all of the information in the NSF ETAP application system and review your application before submitting it. We recommend that you prepare your answers in a word processing software and then copy and paste so that you can easily save and review your responses prior to submitting them.

How will my application be reviewed?  Once the application period ends, the selection committee, comprising of faculty members and graduate students, will review applications. Applicants will be evaluated based on academic performance, expressed interest in geosciences, and the potential for active participation in the program. To help ensure a holistic evaluation of a student’s readiness for the program, we will also carefully consider your reference letter which should address why you are a candidate who would especially benefit from participating in this program. Selected candidates will be notified of their acceptance to the program. A waitlist will be established for qualified candidates not initially selected, allowing for potential replacements in case of cancellations.

 

This work is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant #2423003.