Research Visit Dates: May 25 - July 5, 2025

In this program, US hydrologists, engineers and social scientists will collaborate with Bahamian experts, combining field work, experiments, and modeling, to understand the socio-hydrological dynamics of freshwater lens post-hurricane recovery in Grand Bahama. Participation in this program includes the design of a research project under faculty mentorship, a 6-week research experience in Grand Bahama, as well as participation in a Virtual Symposium to present your research findings.

Eligibility

This program is open to undergraduate (sophomores, juniors and seniors) and graduate students in Anthropology, Sociology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, Environmental or Earth Sciences majors from the following partner Institutions: Sacramento State University, Eastern New Mexico University, Oberlin College and Rutgers University. For students in anthropology and sociology majors completed coursework in research methods is required.

Competitive applicants should have strong academic history, demonstrated interest in the research topic and in international experiences, demonstrated work ethic, maturity and self-motivation. Work experience, research experience and involvement in extracurricular activities will also be considered.

We welcome applications from students who are members of underrepresented groups.

Note: Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. A US passport with two blank pages for entry stamps and valid through at least the end of July, 2025 are required for participation in the program and must be in hand by April 20, 2025. Applicants who do not currently have a US passport or need to renew their passport should consult the US State Department webpage about processing times.

Application Process

Applicants should fill out the online application form (see link below) and submit the following supporting documents:

1) A cover letter describing the following:

1. Study and research interests, competences, and skills as they pertain to the program.
2. Interest and ability to conduct and endure fieldwork.
3. Future career plans. What are your academic and career goals, and your plans to achieve them?
4. Experience and interest working in multicultural, diverse environments and international settings.
5. Describe why you are interested in this IRES program and how you think it can contribute to your professional development.

2) Your most current resume

3) A copy of an unofficial transcript

4) The name of a professional reference (academic advisors/professors or former/current employers affiliated with a professional organization). References will be contacted only for first round candidates around the end of January and will be due within two weeks. Please provide this timeframe to your reference so that they are available to submit a recommendation.

Timeline of application and selection of participants:

January 4 - Application deadline

Mid-January – First round of candidates notified

Early February - Selected applicants notified

Apply here

Contacts

All applications will be submitted through our website.

Please direct inquiries to the following advisors depending on your home institution:

California State University, Sacramento: Dr. Zoi Dokou, zoi.dokou@csus.edu

Eastern New Mexico University: Dr. Elizabeth Lynch, elizabeth.m.lynch@enmu.edu

Oberlin College: Dr. Kristen Welsh Unwala, kwelsh@oberlin.edu

Rutgers University: Dr. Efthymios Nikolopoulos, efthymios.nikolopoulos@rutgers.edu