Summer Undergraduate Preparation in Environmental Research
The SUPER program is designed to prepare sophomore or junior students for upper-level requirements in environmental research at their home college, including senior capstones, or for external competitive research programs such as the Au Sable Undergraduate Research Program or the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates. In addition, the SUPER program provides for the successful completion of the Field Naturalist Certification by the Au Sable Institute.
Program Overview
The SUPER program is a comprehensive 13-week program that includes 16 college credits of field coursework at the Au Sable Great Lakes campus and guided research instruction culminating in an independent research project focused on a biodiversity survey of a taxonomic group in the habitats near Au Sable, which include lakes, ponds, bogs, hardwood and pine forests. Typical taxonomic groups may include woody or herbaceous plants, aquatic or terrestrial invertebrates and insects, or selected vertebrates. Depending on student background, previous courses at their home college and taxonomic interest, students will typically choose from the following courses:
May Session: Field Biology in Spring, Forest Management, OR Insect Ecology
Summer Session I: Research Methods I and one additional course
Summer Session II: Research Methods II and one additional course
Selection for the SUPER program is competitive and based on student academic performance, supportive recommendations and interest in environmental research. Because the SUPER program provides preparation for research, no specific research experience is required; however, students should meet the prerequisites of 1 year of general biology, 1 semester of ecology or environmental science and 1 semester of introductory statistics.
Selection includes a $2000 Research Fellowship
Application Procedure
Contact your Au Sable Representative on campus who will provide a recommendation for you and feel free to reach out to our Director of College Programs at heath.garris@ausable.org
