[Coral-List] Application Deadline Approaching: Coral Reef Internship, Little Cayman

[Thomas Quigley]

Hello all,

This is a final call for applications for the Coral Reef Internship in Little Cayman offered through Rutgers University and the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI). Applications for the program will close on March 1st for the program running June 14 through July 2. 
The program is aimed at undergraduate students who want to develop their marine fieldwork skills on well-protected coral reef ecosystems.


 Participants will gain experience in:


-                Caribbean species identification of coral, fish, algae, and invertebrates

-                Lionfish dissection and measurement, and experience with community management efforts

-                Water quality sampling and analysis

-                Independent research project development

-                Scuba diving (if certified prior to program)

The Cayman Islands are famed for their exceptional wall diving and visibility, but the reefs on Little Cayman are particularly untouched – over half of the coastline is protected, and a small yet invested population results in low environmental impact and high commitment to conservation. Students will live at the Little Cayman Research Centre, where they will work with researchers on projects relating to lionfish invasion, effects of climate change on coral reefs, and reef monitoring. Lectures on coral reef ecology, management, and global environmental challenges will be integrated with field activities. Students will have the opportunity to network and work alongside researchers and professors from the US and abroad who will be conducting research at the LCRC.


Participants will also develop their own research topic to develop their skills in experimental design and data analysis. Scuba certification is suggested, but not mandatory. The project offers 4 transferable credits through Rutgers University.

Applications will be accepted through the Rutgers portal here:
https://studyabroad.rutgers.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10011

A flyer for the program can be viewed here:
http://reefresearch.org/files/uploads/Rutgers_CRI_CCMI.jpg

Thomas Quigley
Education and Programme Coordinator
Central Caribbean Marine Institute
Little Cayman Research Centre
PO Box 37, Little Cayman, KY3-2501
Phone: (345) 948 1094
http://www.reefresearch.org