International Undergraduate Internship in Subduction Zone Science
May 27th – August 17th, 2018

Applications are due February 28, 2018, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

DISCLAIMER: Student applications that are not part of an identified mentor/host project will not be considered.

International collaboration is essential to advancing subduction zone science. To facilitate research partnerships between IRIS member institutions and international partners, we invite applications for IRIS international undergraduate summer internships in Subduction Zone Science. The goal of the program is to provide research and training opportunities for international undergraduates, and to help cultivate long-term international research and educational partnerships in the seismology community. Financial support for the program is provided by the Simpson Innovation Fund.

Proposals should be developed jointly by a US-based scientist at an IRIS member institution and an international scientist based in a country affected by subduction-related hazards. Research projects should focus on understanding processes that underlie subduction zone hazards. Strong preference will be given to projects involving partner institutions from developing countries and/or countries with limited existing resources for research opportunities in geophysics and seismology for undergraduates. Applications are limited to projects that extend beyond current research collaborations and represent new research directions for the students involved, rather than a continuation of current research. We encourage applications/projects that represent new partnerships between PIs that have not worked together in the past.

The internship program covers round trip airfare, student stipend ($575/week), visa application fees, and consumables (up to $600). The program also provides funding for interns to present their results at the Fall AGU or equivalent professional meeting. Funds to cover these expenses will be managed through a no-overhead grant/award from IRIS to the US host institution.

While the program covers visa application fees, the U.S. based mentor’s institution is responsible for helping the international students obtain an appropriate visa. As part of developing the proposal, mentors should consult with their appropriate campus office (e.g. international student office or equivalent) regarding the visa application process and how best to provide the stipend (through payroll, reimbursement, or per diem). Host mentors must demonstrate they have the ability to successfully assist with the visa application process and support international student interns on campus.

Students should apply by clicking on the tab "Student Application". There may be issues advancing through the application form. You are strongly encouraged to draft and save your application in this document first. When ready, paste your responses into the webform.

As part of this program undergraduate interns will:

  • Be jointly advised by a U.S. based scientist at an IRIS member institution and a scientist at the international student’s home institution.
  • Carry out research at an IRIS member institution for a period lasting between 8 to 12 weeks over the summer and are expected to continue the research at her/his home institution after the summer internship concludes.
  • Be invited to participate in the week long IRIS REU orientation held at the PASSCAL Instrument Center at New Mexico Tech in Socorro (May 28 to June 1). The REU orientation provides international students the opportunity to meet interns in the IRIS REU program to build community, receive an overview of some of the most exciting aspects of modern seismology, and develop research skills.
  • Present results from their research at the Fall AGU meeting or similar international meeting.

While this is intended as a summer internship program, if another time period is more suitable based on the home institutions academic calendar there is flexibility in this regard. Be sure to state in the proposal if another time period is preferred.

General questions should be addressed to Anne Meltzer (ameltzer AT lehigh.edu). If you experience any problems with the application process, please contact Andy Frassetto (andyf AT iris.edu).

This form is closed as of 03/05/19 10:00