Frequently Asked Questions

REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) is a National Science Foundation-funded initiative that partners with academic and non academic institutions to facilitate resident research programs for undergraduate students. Students are typically paid a stipend and housed by the program. REU programs can be in a variety of STEM fields. The RESCoPE program at Georgia Southern University focuses on science in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. 

The RESCoPE Program is funded by award number #2244232.

Our program focuses on ecology and organismal biology of the Southeastern Coastal Plain. This is an area that is incredibly diverse in terms of habitats, plants, and animals. This diversity extends to our faculty mentors, who have wide ranging research interests. From genetics of crustaceans to the ecohydrology of trees on barrier islands, the number of potential projects is immense! Fellows are directly mentored by a program mentor (or group of mentors) during the program. Research projects completed by fellows often are often peripheral to ongoing research in their mentor's lab. 

Visit the Faculty Mentors tab to learn more about the research that each of our mentors conduct in their labs! 

Yes! Fellows are paid a summer stipend totaling $6500 over the course of the program. Additionally, funds are available for reimbursement of travel expenses. Fellows are also provided with a pre-loaded meal card (i.e., declining balance). This card can be used at on-campus dining facilities and shops as well as at a number of partnering businesses in town (grocery stores, restaurants, etc.).

Yes! Fellows are housed in shared apartment-style residence halls on the Statesboro campus. Fellows have individual rooms with a shared living area (max 4 fellows per unit). Occupancy is dependent on the final selection of candidates. Fellows are provided with a number of household items such as kitchenware and essential home goods. 

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an applicable undergraduate degree (2 or 4 year) and must be continuing in the Fall semester following the program. If you are graduating at the end of a spring semester, you are not eligible to particiapte in the program the following summer. 

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents and be willing and able to relocate to Statesboro for the duration of the program.  

You will need to complete the online ETAP application which will include a variety of demographic information as well as a personal statement. This personal statement is crucial to the application review process as it is the only chance for us to personally hear from you in your application packet. It should be targeted, comprehensive, and well crafted. It is a good idea to name specific research areas of interest for yourself and highlight a handful of potential mentors. 

Additionally, you will need to submit a CV or Resume, undergraduate transcript(s) *unofficial is fine*, and one letter of recommendation. In your statement, take time to discuss who you are as a person and researcher. Please provide information on your education and professional or academic experiences you have gained up to this point. Be sure to elaborate on your anticipated benefit of the RESCoPE on your development as a researcher and your career goals and aspirations as a whole. Finally, take some time to review the program mentor list and discuss your interest in their field of study.