Program Overview

The Research theme of the Coastal REU Site at Florida International University 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 understand the impacts of environmental stressors on these critically important and interconnected local ecosystems and to design innovative solutions to increase their resilience.

Program Details

• The summer research experience for undergraduates includes a stipend of $6000 plus a $1200 food allowance for successful completion of the full 10-week program, as well as roundtrip travel to Miami and campus housing.
• The program runs from May 18, 2026, to July 24, 2026.
• For the summer 2026 program, projects will be based on BOTH FIU campuses, located in either North or West Miami.

Program Goals

The Coastal REU Site offers undergraduates hands-on research in coastal ecosystem ecology while building career skills. Students study human impacts across the Everglades, mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs through:

• Research Experience: Design and carry out an independent project with guidance from faculty and a near-peer mentor.
• Mentoring: Regular meetings with mentors to set goals, track progress, and access resources.
• Professional Development: Workshops on writing, data analysis, presentations, resumes, and career pathways.
• Community: Field trips and cohort activities foster collaboration and professional networks.

Program Highlights

• Research Projects: Students design and complete an independent project with faculty and graduate mentors, presenting their work at the REU Symposium.
• Field Trips: Explore South Florida's Everglades, mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs while learning from local experts.
• Professional Development: Build skills through cohort sessions, practice presentations, and career panels with STEM professionals.

Application Details

• The application window opens on December 2, 2025.
• The application portal closes on February 3, 2026, at 11:59 pm (ET).
• Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Candidates will be notified of acceptances or rejections by mid-March 2026.

Eligibility

• Potential REU participants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.
• Applicants must plan to attend the entire 10-week program (May 18, 2026, through July 24, 2026). No exceptions. All in-person attendance is required.
• Applicants must plan to be full-time students enrolled in a college/university for at least one semester following the summer program (e.g., Fall 2026).
• Applicants should be undergraduate students in a discipline or major related to the mentors' project list that is chosen.
• Applicants should have completed at least two semesters of coursework in environment-related topics.
• Applicants cannot be enrolled in summer coursework while enrolled in the NSF Site REU program or work a part-time job.
• Applicants must attend and participate in the professional development workshops that occur once a week.
• Applicants must fulfill program objectives completely to receive the full stipend (awarded in three installments: beginning, middle, end).

Requirements

• Resume
• Transcripts
• Additional questions:
  • Which Coastal Ecosystems research area most interests you? Please indicate if you have one preferred faculty research mentor and briefly explain your choice.
  • Briefly describe your post-graduation career or education goals.
  • Briefly explain how participation in the Coastal Ecosystems REU Site program would assist you in advancing toward your career goals.
  • Briefly describe any previous research or other relevant experience that qualifies you to pursue this research fellowship opportunity.

Summer 2026 Calendar

• Program runs May 18 – July 24, 2026 (10 weeks)
• Orientation is Monday, May 18, 2026
• Poster Session is Wednesday, July 22, 2026
• Research Symposium is Thursday, July 23, 2026

Meet Your Mentors

The program involves various mentors across different research areas, including:

• Freshwater & Wetland Ecology
• Coastal Monitoring and Restoration
• Water and Environmental Chemistry
• Coral Reef and Marine Ecology
• Coastal Forest Ecology and Conservation

Each mentor has specific projects, such as:

• Dr. Tiffany Troxler: Litter decomposition in experimental mangrove wetlands
• Dr. Nathaniel Dorn: Conducting lab experiments to analyze the behavioral interactions of native and non-native freshwater fish/invertebrates of the Everglades
• Dr. Jazmin Locke: Evaluating the ecosystem services provided by Productive Floating Wetlands
• Dr. Michael Ross: Tree island management in the Everglades Restoration
• Dr. John Kominoski: Comparing litterfall productivity and litterfall decomposition in mangrove forests

And many more projects across the different research areas.

Student Publications

Our REU students go on to publish their work in renowned journals and present their research at conferences worldwide. Examples include:

• Rodríguez-Casariego Javier A., et al. (year) Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analysis Reveals a Conserved Epigenetic Response to Seasonal Environmental Variation in the Staghorn Coral Acropora cervicornis. Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020, 7, 822.
• Chapman, J.G. The Impacts of Copper Contamination on Aquatic Predator-Prey Interactions: Hohonu Academic Journal, 2020, 18, 94-101.
• Lemos Leila, et al. American oysters as bioindicators of emerging organic contaminants in Florida, United States. Science of the Total Environment, 2022, 835.
• Ogunbiyi Olutobi Daniel, et al. Dispersion and stratification of Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface and deep-water profiles: A case study of the Biscayne Bay area. Science of the Total Environment, 2024, 909.
• Rodemann Samuel, et al. Fine-scale movement patterns of Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) in relation to environmental and biological factors. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2023, 193.
• Boehme-Terrana Linae, et al. Habitat selection by post-settlement juvenile stone crabs (Menippe mercenaria) and predation risk in shallow near-shore habitats. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2022, 547.
• Velasco S., et al. Using active acoustics to analyze the relationship between lunar phase and diel vertical migration. Poster presented at Ocean Sciences Meeting, New Orleans, LA, February 22, 2024.

Florida International University

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Overview:

Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It is the only public research university in Miami and is recognized as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors. FIU is known for its diverse student body, its commitment to research, and its focus on addressing global challenges.

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Services Offered:

FIU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Libraries, tutoring services, writing centers, and career counseling.

Student Life:

Student organizations, clubs, recreational activities, and cultural events.

Campus Resources:

Housing, dining, transportation, and healthcare services.

Technology:

Access to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

FIU provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. With over 58,000 students from 142 countries, the university fosters a global and inclusive environment. Students can engage in a variety of activities, including:

Student Involvement:

Joining clubs, organizations, and honor societies.

Campus Highlights:

Attending concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances.

Arts & Culture:

Visiting museums, art galleries, and theaters.

Recreation & the Outdoors:

Participating in sports, fitness activities, and outdoor adventures.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Ranked Programs:

FIU offers over 190 degree programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.

Research Excellence:

FIU is a Carnegie Very High Research institution, conducting groundbreaking research in various fields.

Global Focus:

FIU's location in Miami provides students with unique opportunities to engage with a diverse and international community.

Diverse Student Body:

FIU's student population represents a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Campus Amenities:

FIU offers a variety of resources and amenities to support student success, including modern facilities, housing options, and recreational opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

FIU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Design

Business and Economics

Education

Hospitality Management

Humanities and Culture

Medicine and Health

Public Policy

Sciences and Engineering

Technology

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Other:

FIU has multiple campuses across South Florida, including the main Modesto A. Maidique Campus, the Biscayne Bay Campus, and several satellite locations. The university also boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals.