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Dates and Key Information
Course dates are June 20-July 24, 2025.
Applications are due February 7, 2025.
Applicants will be notified by March 7, 2025.
Acceptance by admitted students due: March 14, 2025
Payment of fee is due April 4, 2025.
Eligibility is restricted to doctoral students.
Preference will be given to students in years 1-3 of their degree program.
We encourage applicants from the life and Earth sciences who seek to build research careers in the interdisciplinary field of geobiology.
All participants will need valid passports. See below for requirements related to international travel.
Applicants with financial need are asked to let us know when they apply; we can provide some assistance with tuition costs.
For more information contact the course Directors, Kate Freeman and Jenn Macalady (geobio@psu.edu).
By February 7 2025, applicants must:
1) Submit a completed online application form (link here). There are five short essay questions, which you can preview here.
2) Email to geobio@psu.edu your two-page curriculum vitae.
3) Let us know your financial need situation (optional), including funding you have in place and what assistance you have requested or pending from other sources.
4) Arrange for two letters of reference (send to: geobio@psu.edu) by people who can evaluate your:
ability to work on a team and foster a supportive and inclusive community
commitment to geobiology as a professional path
academic preparation and research experience
scientific creativity and curiosity
personal maturity
Note: references cannot include any instructors in the current course.
Travel Requirements
US citizens should be aware that NEW TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS for the EU will be active in mid-2025 . When in effect, US visitors will be required to complete an ETIAS application for authorization for travel.
Currently, US travelers only need a valid passport (link for more info) and may travel without a visa for up to 90 days, provided your U.S. passport is valid for 3 months after your planned return to the US.
Citizens of countries on this list: link will need a Schengen Visa to travel in Europe, including Italy.
Non-US citizens require a visitor visa for travel to the US, unless they are eligible for a waiver. Visa waiver program information is here: link.
Participants are responsible for getting their own visa(s) or waiver. We will work with you to make sure you have the correct forms and can provide a formal invitation letter required for a U.S. visa application. You must apply to the US embassy in your country.
Participants are encouraged to monitor the US State Department information regarding international travel (link).
We encourage all participants to be fully vaccinated for COVID. Check information at the US CDC (link) and state department (link)
The Course Experience
Participants will gain from learning experiences that include lectures, field activities and lab and computer-based research. Participants will work together on a daily basis in small groups and on diverse and sometimes intensive scientific activities.
Participation in field activities will in some instances involve strenuous hiking and non-technical cave access. We will provide guidance for admitted participants regarding the level of fitness appropriate to the course. We will also work to ensure all individuals gain from the intended learning objectives in field settings, regardless of physical abilities.
The course will be taught in English.
As faculty at the Pennsylvania State University, the directors and instructors are fully committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. Please see the "Our Commitment" page for more information.
Photo credits: J. Macalady, W.Web
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