The Undergraduate Research Grants for the Environment (URGE) program provides a unique opportunity for teams of undergraduate students and their faculty mentors from our consortium institutions. It funds full-time summer research projects in the natural sciences, including biology, zoology, natural resource management, environmental science, chemistry, and geology.

Each undergraduate student is eligible for a $3,500 stipend, on-site housing, and partial meal support for their full-time, 12-week research project. Each faculty advisor is also eligible for up to a $3,500 stipend that can be used for time, supplies, travel, or other research support.

Since one of the primary purposes of URGE is to foster faculty mentor-student relationships as a powerful educational and motivational tool, we require research projects to be a shared effort between students and faculty advisors. Grant applications are available in October and are due at the end of January. For more information about the URGE program or other research opportunities, please contact Hugh Brown, field station director, at (269) 721-4434.

Download a URGE application. The application includes additional information about the award and student qualifications. Applications for the URGE program must be received at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute by 5:00 p.m. on January 26, 2012.

Modular Courses

Students from the Biological Field Station Consortium institutions can sign up for the classes offered through the Modular Course. Each class is designed to provide participants with real experience in the area of natural and applied sciences. Classes are held throughout the summer. Students are welcome to attend one or all of the classes. Lunch is included, and there is no cost to participate. Pre-registration is required and space is limited, so register early.

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