Grenada SURF-TURF Opportunity

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows –Teaming Up on Reefs and in Forests

Join us for tropical conservation research in the Caribbean! UW-Milwaukee and Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Grenada SURF-TURF program provides paid international research experiences in Grenada for undergraduate students.

The National Science Foundation funds International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) such as the Grenada SURF-TURF program with the long-term goal of enhancing U.S. leadership in science and engineering research and education as well as strengthening economic opportunities through training the next generation of research leaders.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE Grenada SURF-TURF PROGRAM

The deadline for applications to join the 2025 cohort is November 1, 2024.

Scroll down for more information about the Grenada SURF-TURF program, applications, and FAQs

Students will enroll in a 1-credit course during the Spring semester to learn about tropical conservation science, developing independent research projects, and navigating international travel logistics.
Students will be able to get SCUBA dive certification prior to the trip so they can participate in coral reef monitoring activities
Students will travel to Grenada in late May for at least 2 weeks (up to 8 weeks). Travel and group lodging is paid, and students will receive a stipend while in Grenada ($600/week).
In Grenada, students will work as a team for the first 2 weeks, gathering data for their projects and gaining experience in the field. Research can extend up to 8 weeks, collaborating with US and Grenadian mentors. We will also explore Grenada’s rich culture and gorgeous landscape.
The island of Grenada, with field sites, airport, and housing at St. George’s University campus indicated

What kind of research projects could I do?

We will be doing research on reefs, in rainforests, and on the beach. Here are some examples of projects that students could develop:

Coral reef fish surveys
Coral reef habitat composition
Artificial reef assessment
Monitoring sea turtle nests
Sea turtle population health
Assessing disease prevalence
Endangered frog population monitoring
Rainforest biodiversity surveys
Invasive species assessment

Am I eligible to participate?

full-time undergraduate students at UW-Milwaukee or Wisconsin Lutheran College
Declared majors in Biology or conservation-related field and completed at least one relevant college course, with minimum 2.0 GPA (2.5 in major)
US citizen, lawful refugee, or permanent resident of the United States
be able to obtain necessary documents (e.g., passport) for travel to Grenada by time of travel
Grenada is an English-speaking country thus there is no foreign language requirement

How do I apply?

Application portal through NSF’s ETAP (Education and Training Application Portal): https://etap.nsf.gov
- Direct link to the Grenada SURF-TURF Opportunity: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7261/opportunity/9736
CV/Resume
Transcripts
Personal statement (Tips for Writing a Compelling Personal Statement)
Two letters of recommendation (Tips for Obtaining a Strong Recommendation Letter)
- You will add contact information for your two references into the ETAP site, which will automatically generate a request and link for your letter writers to upload a letter.
- These can be from professors, teachers, etc or from community members (e.g., current or former boss, lead of volunteer organization, etc) who can speak to your qualifications