Exploring Frontiers: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Summer Student Fellowship

Nestled on the scenic shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world’s leading, independent non-profit organisation dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and education. 

It is providing students worldwide to embark on an unforgettable journey of scientific exploration through the prestigious Woods Hole Summer Student Fellowship. This immersive program, slated for the summer of 2024, invites students in any of the fields of science or engineering to delve into cutting-edge research and gain hands-on experience in the captivating realm of oceanography.

Key Information

• Country: USA
• Location: Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution, Falmouth, Massachusetts
• Duration: 10–12 Weeks
• Internship coverage: Fully Funded
• Deadline: February 5, 2024

Summer Student Fellowship Highlights

1. Research Immersion – The fellowship offers a unique opportunity for students to actively participate in ongoing research projects led by WHOI scientists. All Fellows work on a project selected in collaboration with their sponsors that will provide meaningful results in one summer’s work.

2. Interdisciplinary Exploration – WHOI embraces interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to explore various facets of oceanography. Whether your interest lies in marine chemistry, geophysics, or biological oceanography, the fellowship opens doors to a spectrum of research domains.

3. State-of-the-Art Facilities – Students have access to cutting-edge laboratories, research vessels, and underwater vehicles, providing hands-on experience with advanced tools and technologies used in oceanographic exploration.

4. Mentorship from Experts – Engage in meaningful mentorship with leading scientists and researchers at WHOI. Benefit from their expertise, guidance, and insights as you navigate the complexities of oceanographic research. Fellowship recipients have the opportunity to attend and participate in a busy schedule of talks, seminars and a hands-on, one-day ocean sampling cruise.

Internship Fields

Preference is given to students studying in any of the fields of science or engineering including but not limited to the fields of biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, geophysics, mathematics, meteorology, physics, oceanography, and marine policy. Students must have at least a tentative interest in the ocean sciences, oceanographic engineering, or marine policy.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to all international students from any country.
• Students who completed their junior year at universities or colleges are eligible.
• You should not have completed your graduation.
• Students, associated with the groups that are underrepresented in ocean sciences are encouraged to apply.
• Students who will graduate before the fellowship begins are not eligible to apply. The program is designed for students to participate in the last summer of their undergraduate years.
• Students in a three year Bachelor’s Degree Program, such as those in the UK, must be in their second year
• Students in a five year combined Bachelor/Master’s Degree Program must be in the third year of the program.

Benefits

1. Stipend – Summer Student Fellowship awards provide a weekly stipend for the ten- to twelve-week program. The stipend for the summer of 2024 is USD 680 or INR 55,000 per week.
2. Travel – Additional support is offered to help offset the cost of round-trip travel to Woods Hole. The 2024 travel allowance is USD 700 or INR 58,000.
3. Housing – Fellowship awards include Institution housing. WHOI housing is typically a shared-room in a shared-unit, with two single beds per room.
4. Visa Assistance – WHOI’s Foreign National Advisor will assist fellowship recipients in obtaining the necessary J-1 Visa paperwork.

Documents Required and Application Process

In addition to the on-line application form (link given below), the following are required. All documents are submitted through the application platform:

• A current CV or resume that shows educational background and work experience
• A current unofficial transcript, a PDF document. (Note: An Official Transcript will be required from any applicant who receives a Summer Student Fellowship.)
• Two letters of recommendation from professors or others familiar with the applicant’s academic credentials.
• Research statement questions (short essay questions within the application):
  
  • How would a summer of research at WHOI benefit your education and career goals? (250 words max)
  • What qualities and characteristics will you bring to our program as a result of your life experiences, jobs and/or other activities? (200 words max)
  • Have you previously been involved in research or other projects as part of your classwork, a job, or an internship? Give an example of where you have used learned skills or knowledge to solve a problem. (200 words max)
  • What areas of marine research are you interested in and why? (200 words max)
  • Optional: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself? (200 words max)

• Completed applications must be submitted by February 5, 2024.

• Official Link – https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/educate/undergraduate-programs/summer-student-fellowship/ 

• Link to Apply – https://apply.whoi.edu/apply/?_gl=1*1dx00p6*_gcl_au*MTIzNTUzNTk1LjE3MDI5MTI1NDM.*_ga*NDExNzU4OTg3LjE3MDI5MTI1NDM.*_ga_HLKFZX9JZK*MTcwMzY2Mzc4Ny40LjEuMTcwMzY2Njg0NC4wLjAuMA.. 

Selection Process

Fellows are selected based on a holistic review of the applicant’s previous academic and scientific achievements, interests, and promise as future ocean scientists or ocean engineers.

Important consideration is given to matching each fellow with an appropriate advisor on WHOI’s Scientific or Senior Technical Staff. Decisions will be made in mid-March.

Conclusion

The Woods Hole Summer Student Fellowship is not merely a program; it’s a transformative voyage into the heart of oceanographic discovery. Aspiring scientists and marine enthusiasts should seize this chance to immerse in the wonders of the ocean and contribute to the collective knowledge that shapes our understanding of the marine world.

The horizon of possibilities awaits – will you be part of the next wave of ocean explorers? Apply and let your oceanic odyssey begin.

Frequently Asked Questions