Why would a math student want to spend her/his summer studying ecology?
Ecology is one of the hottest fields for the practical application of mathematical theory. Critical questions confronting humankind such as the potential impacts of global warming and the ecosystem effects of species extinctions require a quantitative understanding of ecological relationships to solve. There has been an explosion of quantitative methods in ecology in the last two decades leading to the creation of new theories not only in ecology but also in mathematics. Participating in ELME will help a mathematician appreciate the potential ramifications of her field of study.
Is ELME expensive? I usually work duing the summer to pay for school...
Scholarships and Fellowships are available to cover costs for participating in ELME. Undergraduate fellowships, which include a $2500 stipend, are available on a competitive basis. These fellowships are intended to provide students who would normally need to work during the summer with the opportunity to participate in ELME without making a significant financial sacrifice. Graduate fellowships are available which cover the costs of tuition, room, and board. See Scholarships/Fellowships for more information.
What ELME courses will be offered this summer?
See Courses.
What prerequisites are necessary to take (and benefit from) these classes?
Students enrolling in ELME should have taken a basic ecology class and a college level calculus class. Exceptionally motivated students who haven't taken these prerequisites should contact the program coordinator .
What other courses are offered at the Kellogg Biological Station during the summer?
A variety of field-based courses (e.g., ornithology, biogeochemistry, biomonitoring) are offered besides the courses in the ELME program. See KBS Summer Course Offerings for more information.
May I take one of the ELME courses alone, or in combination with other classes at KBS?
Courses in the ELME program can be taken in combination or separately. However, ELME Fellowships are only available to undergraduate students who participate in the entire ELME program.
What kinds of research occur as part of ELME?
Students in ELME conduct research at many levels. During the field ecology and evolution course, students will conduct mini-research projects as a class and in small groups. ELME fellows each complete a one-week research project at the end of ELME. And ELME research fellows spend 8 - 10 weeks conducting research in collaboration with a KBS faculty member. See ELME Research for a list of past projects.
Is ELME competitive?
ELME attracts students from institutions around the US as well as from other countries and we do have a limited number of slots in the program. Many of our students have demonstrated strong ecological and quantitative skills before coming to the program. However, the primary qualification is a demonstrated need for and ability to use the mathematical and ecological skills students will learn in ELME. Past classes have comprised a wide variety of interest and skills.
I am a student at another institution (besides Michigan State University). May I participate in the ELME program?
Yes, students from universities and colleges across the country can take courses at KBS. Moreover, if you are a graduate student at a Big Ten University or the University of Chicago you may be eligible for the CIC Traveling Scholars Program.
Can I still apply to the program and am I still eligible for scholarships if I am not a citizen or resident of the United States?
Yes, courses and scholarships are open to all students regardless of citizenship or residency. |
