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IRES Costa Rica
Program Application

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We welcome you to apply to the NSF-IRES Costa Rica program.

 

This NSF-funded program takes place in Santa Elena Bay, located on the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica. A unique oceanographic feature of this region is the seasonal upwelling also known as the “Papagayo Upwelling” which brings deep cold and nutrient-rich water to the surface during the trade wind season, driving high productivity and biodiversity in the area. Because of these unique oceanographic and biological characteristics, the gulf is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area and a UNESCO Heritage Nature site, protecting coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves ecosystems, which are critical habitats for sharks and rays, northern and southern hemisphere humpback whales and several species of dolphins. 

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Learn more about this NSF-funded IRES program here

Apply to NSF-IRES Costa Rica

Applications for 2025 are OPEN!

How would you describe your gender?
Do you identify as a first-generation college student?
Are you Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin? (One or more categories may be selected)
How would you best describe yourself (you may choose more than one option)?
Where are you currently studying?
Are you a UVM student?
What is your current academic year?
What summer(s) are you interested in participating in? If we don't have space in a particular summer, we may move you to another summer.
Do you speak Spanish? If so, what is your level? You can read level descriptions here: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale
Are you a certified scuba diver? If so, at what level? (select all that apply)
Upload File

The NSF-IRES Costa Rica program has three foci of research. Please rank these in the drop-down menus below:

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  1. Quantifying coral reef health under different anthropogenic pressures

  2. Identifying drivers of decline in the Shark Community

  3. Studying the impact of anthropogenic underwater noise on marine mammals

Disclaimer: For US citizens, this summer program covers all travel, lodging, and food expenses as well as provides a 4-week stipend. For Costa Rican participants, the program only covers local transportation, lodging, and food.

Thanks for submitting!

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