The Coastal Ecosystems Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site program is a 10-week paid research fellowship. The Research Theme of the REU Site is the ecology of coastal ecosystems across gradients of human impact. Specifically, our research looks at coastal ecosystem ecology, water quality, and the connections among the Everglades wetlands, coastal mangrove forests, seagrass beds and shallow-water coral reefs. Our goal is to detect the sources, transport, and transformation of environmental stressors and the ecosystem responses under rapidly changing climate and land use.

The program is comprehensively studying the ecology of coastal ecosystems. These efforts examine the changes across gradients of human impact among the Everglades, wetlands, coastal mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and shallow water coral reef systems. The summer program includes the following elements:

• Research: Provide research expertise for undergraduates working on individual or group projects with guidance from both a faculty researcher and a near-peer mentor.
• Education: Students and mentors establish regular meetings and lab schedules to share successes and challenges and leverage programmatic resources.
• Community: Build a sense of community among participants and mentors all dedicated to advancing scientific research.
• Professional Development: Enhance student skills needed for successful future careers. Topics include scientific writing, Everglades restoration, data management and statistical analysis, developing impactful presentations, fellowship applications, building resumes, and career pathways.