Undergraduate Research in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta, Alaska

The Polaris Project is an innovative collaboration among students, teachers, and scientists. Funded by the U. S. National Science Foundation since 2008, the Polaris Project trains future leaders in arctic research and informs the public about the Arctic and global climate change. During the annual field expedition to the Yukon Kuskokwim (YK) Delta, Alaska, undergraduate students conduct cutting-edge investigations that advance scientific understanding of the changing Arctic.

Undergraduate Application Instructions

Undergraduate students interested in participating in the Polaris Project expedition during summer 2019 should complete their application by January 14, 2019. Early applications are encouraged. To be eligible to apply, you should currently be an undergraduate student from any U.S. college or university (preference will be given to students in their sophomore or junior year).

The 2019 expedition is scheduled for approximately June 26-July 27 and will include two weeks of intensive fieldwork in the YK Delta, followed by two weeks of analysis and synthesis at the Woods Hole Research Center (WHRC). Participants are required to attend a field safety course at WHRC on April 6-7, 2019 (all travel expenses will be covered) and monthly online meetings before the field expedition. Participants are expected to read relevant scientific papers that will be provided before the field expedition and are encouraged to attend the American Geophysical Union meeting in December 2019. Each participant is required to pass a thorough physical examination and provide a detailed medical history.

Expenses associated with travel, room and board will be covered by the project. There are no tuition or fees, and each student will receive a $3,000 stipend. A portion of this stipend ($500) will be provided before the field expedition for students to purchase required field gear; the remainder will be provided upon completion of the expedition.

We seek a diverse, mature, synergistic and cooperative group. We will be camping in a remote location for two weeks—in close quarters and away from phone and Internet access—conducting scientific investigations under conditions that will be physically and intellectually demanding. Previous camping or field research experience is not required; however, we are looking for evidence that students have the commitment and capacity to overcome obstacles and face challenges with determination, while working effectively as part of a team. We are especially interested in students who are planning to attend graduate school and are open to the possibility of focusing their graduate studies on the Arctic.

More information about the program and application instructions can be found here: http://www.thepolarisproject.org/2019-polaris-application-materials/

All application materials, including the Letters of Recommendation,
are due January 14, 2019.